Palisades Visitor Center

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Coronado National Forest (NF) · Open Access

7,946 ft
Elevation

The facility has a parking lot and deck, along with the interpretive center, and is maintained by the Santa Catalina Ranger District.

The Visitor Center is where people can gain a brief introduction to the natural and cultural history of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mount Lemmon. The material and staff available are there to ensure that the visitors will have a safe and enjoyable stay and will treat the natural resources with respect and appreciation.

The Palisades Visitor Center is located adjacent to the parking lot. The staff provides information about trails on the mountain, as well as answering questions about plants and animals common to the area. Books, mementos of Mount Lemmon and Southern Arizona and inexpensive maps of Mount Lemmon and the surrounding area are offered for sale through the Public Lands Interpretive Association. Free Forest Service information is also available in the bookstore.

Getting there

The Palisades Visitor Center is located at milepost 19.9 on the Catalina Highway.

32.41056, -110.71417 · 32°24'38.0"N 110°42'51.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 80°F in Jun, down to 49°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F505055627180807975685949
Low °F343337435160646259494033
Precip in————————————

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Palisades Visitor Center

Can you reserve a site at Palisades Visitor Center?
No. Palisades Visitor Center is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Palisades Visitor Center

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.