Windy Point Vista
Tucson, AZ
Granite hoodoos and a wide view over Tucson from the Catalina Highway, about halfway up Mount Lemmon. The road climbs from saguaros to pine forest; it is paved and suitable for RVs.
Windy Point Vista sits at mile marker 14 of the Catalina Highway on Mount Lemmon, roughly halfway up the climb above Tucson, Arizona. The overlook offers a sweeping view across the Tucson basin and the surrounding mountain ranges and is one of the mountain's most sought-after photo spots.
The eroded granite spires that rise like needles are the highlight. The road is about 27 miles (roughly 43 kilometers) long, starts just over 3,000 feet (900 meters) and climbs about 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). Along the way the scenery changes from Sonoran Desert with saguaro cacti through wildflower-dotted woodlands to cool conifer forest. According to Fodor's, it is about 25 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at the top than in Tucson.
Other stops include Thimble Peak Vista, Rose Canyon Lake, the Palisades Visitor Center and Summerhaven. Fill up in town first, since Fodor's notes there are no gas stations on the highway. Check road conditions, weather and any fees with Coronado National Forest before you go.
- Nearest town
- Tucson, AZ
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 32.3706, -110.7160
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- South Rim CampgroundsCampsite1 mi from Windy Point Vista
- Upper Rim CampgroundsCampsite1 mi from Windy Point Vista
- Rose Canyon CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Windy Point VistaTentsCaravans
- Haycreek RanchMotorhome stopover12 mi from Windy Point VistaMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Prince of Tucson RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Windy Point VistaMotorhomes
- Tucson / Lazydays KOAMotorhome stopover19 mi from Windy Point VistaMotorhomes
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Windy Point Vista?
Windy Point Vista is in Tucson, AZ, at GPS 32.3706, -110.7160. It is about 6 mi from Summerhaven.
Can you camp near Windy Point Vista?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is South Rim Campgrounds, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Windy Point Vista?
Windy Point Vista is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Tucson and Mount Lemmon: from saguaros to pine forest.
What is there to see near Windy Point Vista?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (7 mi), Catalina State Park (14 mi), Biosphere 2 (16 mi) and Mission San Xavier del Bac (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Windy Point Vista?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)