Mt. Lemmon Science Tour

Name: Mt. Lemmon Science Tour
Rating: 4.6 (45 reviews)
Author: University of Arizona

By: University of Arizona

Travel

Features & Capabilities

The MT. LEMMON SCIENCE TOUR provides a fascinating, family-friendly audio guide for the ride up the scenic Catalina Highway to the top of Mt. Lemmon, the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona.

Produced by the University of Arizona College of Science, the Tour engages users with the surprising natural science of Southern Arizona, from the enchanting Sonoran Desert to the “Sky Island” mountains on every horizon. With music by the band Calexico, the Tour is narrated by Calexico frontman Joey Burns.

Along with the audio tour, the app also includes slideshows and videos that visualize the science. Through science stories, the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour brings the wonders of this region alive.

Features • A narrated hour-long science tour in six sections with suggested vista stops along the way • Graphic slideshows and videos for each section that visualize the science • Highlights science and scientists from the University of Arizona • Music by the band Calexico, narration by lead singer Joey Burns • Section 1, SKY ISLANDS, explores the unique Sonoran Desert and mountains the mountains that rise above it to form islands of forest in a desert sea • Section 2, ROCKS, explores the region’s Basin and Range geology and how the landscape formed • Section 3, LIFE ZONES, explores the layers of habitat in the Sky Islands region – there is more biodiversity here than anywhere else in the United States • Section 4, WATER, explores the key role of water in landscape formation and habitat, and they Arizona Monsoon that brings the region half of its annual rainfall. • Section 5, FOREST, explores the natural systems that make it possible for pine forests to grow in a desert region, and how all the natural systems connect. • Section 6, FIRE, explores how fire in the ecosystem has changed due to human influences, and how fire connects with the Carbon Cycle that enables life on Earth. • The EXPLORE MORE screen provides links to other Geotourism opportunities around Tucson, Arizona

Support If you have questions or feedback, please email the University of Arizona College of Science at uasci@email.arizona.edu

User Growth & Download Statistics

App

By:

University of Arizona

Rating:

4.60

(45)

Version:

1.3 Last updated: 2017-06-25

Version code:

841534326

Creation date:

2015-10-29

Compatible devices:

Size:

93.00MB

Full description:

Source:

Apple Apps Store

Data ingested on:

2026-06-12

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 203,208 ▼ 441

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Developed by:

University of Arizona

Apple Apps Store

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mt-lemmon-science-tour/id1047308765

User Reviews

Mt. Lemmon Science Tour is a well-produced, accessible audio guide that enhances the drive with informative, layperson-friendly content and offline playback. Common praise centers on its educational breadth and ease of use, while drawbacks include distracting background music, audio connectivity issues, and a desire for deeper geology content and more languages. Overall, it’s a strong companion for casual explorers and families; improvements could add depth, reliability, and multilingual support without losing the engaging drive-along experience.

Pros

Informative, well-made, layperson-friendly tour of Mount Lemmon's geology, ecology, and history.
Easy to follow while driving up Mount Lemmon; works offline and requires no internet.
Engaging audio narration with accompanying music that many users find enhances the experience.
Broad appeal for families and casual science enthusiasts; good for a wide range of visitors.

Cons

Background music can be distracting or too loud for some reviewers.
Audio playback issues with Bluetooth/AirPlay and when switching apps; playback can stop unexpectedly.
Content depth sometimes feels basic; some topics could benefit from deeper, college-level discussion.
Limited language options; more languages are desired by users.

Recent reviews

This was a well-made, well-timed, and very informative tour. I really enjoyed the music and everything I learned, but it hurt my heart to hear them say that people have been doing science and exploring here for “100 years.” What??? As if the original occupants of this unceded territory haven’t been exploring and doing science here for hundreds of years??? Tohono O’odham people are mentioned briefly, but the name of their nation is severely mispronounced. U of Arizona is a huge and well-resourced institution - why would you create this tour purely from a settler’s perspective without consulting any of the people whose ancestors were here first?

by KD*****, 2023-10-11

We recently discovered another app used for National and state parks. Searched for one in the Tucson area and this one popped up. It did not disappoint! My husband is a retired Forester-the science is presented for the lay person to enjoy in an entertaining way. He learned as much as I did. It includes historic details including how Mt. Lemmon got its name. We started it at the recommended location and it perfectly matched our ascent up the mountain.