Rose Canyon

Rose Canyon

About this campsite

Overview

Rose Canyon Campground is just 17 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona, off the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive near the summit of Mt. Lemmon. This area is popular for day use as well as overnight camping. With a high elevation, forested setting, two group picnic areas and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing, Rose Canyon offers a great summer respite from the city.

Recreation

The lake is sheltered by trees and offers a pleasant setting for a walk in the woods, relaxing on the shore or spending an afternoon fishing for stocked trout. A one-mile trail around the lake is convenient for anglers and hikers. The trail is accessible from the lower parking area to a floating dock near a dam.

The surrounding national forest boasts a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including several that traverse the 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon.

Facilities

The campground offers spacious, single-family campsites, as well as two group day use areas with picnic shelters, which can be reserved for up to 120 guests.

The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and vault toilets.

Natural Features

The campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of large ponderosa pines and clusters of Gambel oak. During the summer rainy season, Rose Creek meanders through the area to the six-acre Rose Canyon Lake at the lower end of the campground.

The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (520) 576-1325.

Nearby Attractions

Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic highways in the southwest and is a popular day trip.

Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.

Location

ROSE CANYON•AZ

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

SUN☀️

19° / 10°

—

TODAY☀️

19° / 10°

💧 2%

TUE🌤️

22° / 10°

💧 2%

WED☁️

24° / 14°

💧 1%

THU☀️

23° / 14°

💧 1%

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General Hitchcock Campground

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Sollers Cabin (AZ)

Overview The Sollers Cabin is a two-story, six-room cabin suitable for up to eight people. The cabin has 3 bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, a dining/living room, 1.5 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. The living room contains two queen-size futons. The dining room has a table which seats eight. The newly added sunroom is great for morning coffee or a good book. The kitchen is equipped with an electric stove and oven, microwave, refrigerator, pots, pans, utensils, dishes, a toaster, and a coffee pot. The house has electricity, electric heating (no A/C), and running water. While the cabin has amenities for comfortable lodging, guests do need to provide some of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags, linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper, and garbage bags. At this time, guests are not to use the fireplace in the cabin. Unless fire restrictions are in effect, guests can have a fire in the fire ring outside. Although electricity is available, it is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies. Recreation The Sollers Cabin is approximately one hour from Tucson, Arizona, and provides excellent access to a myriad of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, birding, horseback riding, picnicking, sightseeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and visiting historic areas. Fishing is also available at nearby Rose Canyon Lake. Winter sports are available at higher elevations, depending on snowfall; Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley in the Santa Catalina Mountains is the southernmost ski area in the United States. Natural Features The Santa Catalina Mountains comprise one of the "sky islands" in the Coronado National Forest. From the desert floor to the upper slopes of Mt. Lemmon, biozones vary from Sonoran Desert to subalpine forest, with wildlife communities that are equally diverse. An extensive trail network offers opportunities for day and extended trips, with easy access to the nearby Pusch Ridge Wildernes Nearby Attractions Numerous attractions are also available nearby, including: the Sky Island Scenic Byway (General Hitchcock Highway), Rose Canyon Lake, Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, The University of Arizona Mt. Lemmon Sky Center, the hamlet of Summerhaven, Arizona, as well as numerous hiking trails, and opportunities for photography and picnicking. Attractions within one hour's drive include Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Saguaro National Park East.