Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter: Summer DayTours – Uncover the Secrets of Our Mountaintop Observatory

Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking tour, highlighting our impressive state-of-the-art facilities, including the SkyCenter’s Schulman 32-inch and Phillips 24-inch telescopes. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to learn about other fascinating programs operating on our site, including the Catalina Sky Survey, where astronomers search for potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroids. Weather permitting, our guides will give you the opportunity to gaze at the sun through our specialized solar telescopes and witness its dynamic surface in a safe and unforgettable way. Activities Guided tour of the observatory grounds and select facilities. Learn about the history and current research conducted at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter. Up-close views of various telescopes, including the Schulman 32-inch and Phillips 24-inch. Safe solar observing through our dedicated solar telescopes (weather permitting). Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape What to Expect on Your Daytime Tour: Duration: 90 minutes Capacity: Up to 14 participants. This is a walking tour at 9200 ft elevation. Know Before You Go: Accessibility: The tour involves walking on paved paths with some uphill and downhill sections. Please wear comfortable, flat closed-toe shoes. What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, snack. Weather: This tour is weather dependent. Age Appropriateness: Recommended for ages 7 and up due to the outdoor setting and program length. Pricing: Adults: $10 per person Youth (7-17): $5 per person Policy No-Shows & Late Cancellations: Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or rescheduling for no-shows or cancellations made less than the specified notice periods. Individual Tickets: For individual daytime tour tickets, rescheduling is available with at least 48 hours’ notice prior to the scheduled tour. For large groups please contact us.