# Mt. Lemmon Science Tour

> Family-friendly audio guide for Mt. Lemmon's scenic drive, detailing natural science. (iPhone/iPad app by University of Arizona.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mt-lemmon-science-tour/id1047308765 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [University of Arizona](https://appshunter.io/developer/437682109)
- Category: Travel, Entertainment
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 44 App Store ratings · 21 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 93 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-10-29
- Data updated: 2026-07-25
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mt-lemmon-science-tour/id1047308765/reviews.md

## What is Mt. Lemmon Science Tour?

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

## Key features

- Hour-long narrated science tour
- Visual slideshows and videos
- Explores Sky Islands and biodiversity
- Details geology and water cycles
- Covers forest ecosystems and fire impact
- Links to other geotourism opportunities

## Recent user reviews (10 of 21)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mt-lemmon-science-tour/id1047308765/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Reliable but in need of improvement

*2026-06-23, version 1.3*

I love going up Mt Lemmon listening the audio. But I can only hear it if my phone is unblocked. If I move to another app the audio stops. Also having it available in other languages would be amazing. I volunteer to record the Spanish version.

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2023-11-23*

A very informative recorded tour of the topography of Mt Lemmon. Well worth downloading.

### 2/5 — Settler-centric

*2023-10-11, version 1.3*

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?

### 5/5 — Educational and entertaining tour to Mt. Lemmon

*2023-09-28, version 1.3*

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.

### 3/5 — Nice but

*2023-04-17, version 1.3*

I wish there were more languages to choose from.

### 5/5 — Do it!

*2023-04-05, version 1.3*

One of the best apps ever created. We did it years ago and have always remembered it fondly. So we downloaded it again and did it this past weekend. Fun to see how stuff at the top has changed, but the geology and ecology all remains the same. Beautiful drive and fun app!!

### 5/5 — Great!

*2023-01-30, version 1.3*

We loved the app! Can’t lock your phone screen while it’s playing, that’s the only downfall.

### 3/5 — Good info, but the background music is annoying

*2022-04-21, version 1.3*

Solid information, but the incessant background music makes it practically unlistenable

### 5/5 — Perfect App!

*2021-11-15, version 1.3*

I am so glad my mom and I downloaded this on the way up to Mount Lemmon! It was perfectly timed and really had a nice overview of the ecosystems and environmental anomalies of the southern arizona climate! We are both well educated adults and still found it very entertaining as it walks you through the area’s geology, forestry, animal life, and conservation efforts. Is wonderful for all ages and made our drive up Mount Lemmon all the more enjoyable.  There is nice background music and amazing recommendations as to where you should stop and look around. Thank you to the creators of this app!

### 1/5 — Limited

*2021-01-25, version 1.3*

Great If you want to watch it in your phone. But don’t try to AirPlay it to your TV ...

## Frequently asked questions about Mt. Lemmon Science Tour

### What is the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour?

The Mt. Lemmon Science Tour is a free audio guide designed for the scenic drive up Mt. Lemmon, the highest peak near Tucson, Arizona. It provides narrated insights into the region's natural science, from the Sonoran Desert to the mountain's unique ecosystems.

### What kind of science does the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour cover?

The tour covers a range of topics including the unique 'Sky Islands' ecosystem, Basin and Range geology, diverse life zones, the role of water and the monsoon, desert pine forests, and the impact of fire on the ecosystem.

### Is the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour suitable for families?

Yes, the app is described as family-friendly and aims to engage users with the natural science of Southern Arizona through engaging stories, music, and visuals.

### What devices support the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour?

The Mt. Lemmon Science Tour is available on iPhones and iPods. It was last updated in June 2017 with version 1.3.

### How long is the audio tour on the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour?

The narrated science tour is approximately one hour long and is divided into six sections. It also suggests vista stops along the way for a more immersive experience.

### Does the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour offer offline access?

The provided description does not specify if the audio tour or its content can be accessed offline. It is recommended to check app store details or contact the developer for this information.

### Who produced the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour?

The Mt. Lemmon Science Tour was produced by the University of Arizona College of Science. It also features music by the band Calexico and narration by their frontman, Joey Burns.

### Where can I get help or provide feedback for the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour?

For questions or feedback regarding the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour, you can email the University of Arizona College of Science at uasci@email.arizona.edu.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.3 — 2017-06-25

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Bug fixes, SDK updates

### 1.2 — 2015-11-18

Bug fixes (including fix for allowing audio to play when device is set to vibrate/silent)

### 1.1 — 2015-11-11

New keywords.

### 1.0 — 2015-10-26

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-25.*
