Suggested Rides

Sky Island Scenic Byway

Description

Travel along one of the most scenic highways in the Southwest, complete with mountain forests, canyons, deserts, and breathtaking vistas. One of the only paved roads leading up to the top of Mt. Lemmon, it begins in the Lower Sonoran region and climbs up to the forests of the Canadian zone, providing a unique chance to experience four seasons in one trip. The parkway gets its name from areas of biological diversity in the Coronado National Forest that rise dramatically from the desert floor to stand wreathed in clouds as twelve widely scattered 'sky islands.'

You'll find several places along the Parkway that have wonderful vistas of the forest and desert far below. In particular, the trek up to Babad Do'ag Vista is the perfect place to pull out your picnic basket, take a rest from your climb and enjoy the view of the sky islands spread out before you. Aspen Vista also offers a fantastic view; your reward for making your way up there will be a panoramic view of the San Pedro Valley. Windy Point Vista offers dramatic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains with its deep canyons, and the Tucson Basin below invites you to explore.

This is a winding mountain road with sharp curves and steep grades. Potential hazards include sudden weather changes, areas of concentrated traffic, and falling rock. No gasoline is available along the route.

DIRECTIONS

Start your route at the start (west end) of Catalina Hwy (at the intersection of Catalina Hwy and Tanque Verde Road in the North East corner of Tucson Arizona ... just click on the online map link above to see it). Once you get on Catalina Hwy, just head northeast and it is 4 miles til the twisties start and the curves and scenery just keep on getting better and better! Your route ends when you get to the small town of Summerville, AZ.

SCENERY

29 miles each way going from 2800 feet elevation to almost 10,000 feet into the Santa Catalina Mountain Range. Views of canyons, valleys, lush forest, rocky outcrops, and breath taking vistas all the way. It's the only paved road that leads you to the top of Mt. Lemmon and is noted as being one of the most scenic roads in all of the South West. It dead ends at a dirt road so you get to do it twice, once each way.

ROAD QUALITY

Nice 25 to 50 MPH curves the whole way. Recently resurfaced. Little traffic and few officers of the law.

ROADSIDE AMENITIES

Some small restaurants in a small village, Summerhaven, at the top. Don't go for the food, go for the ride

The above information was taken from motorcycleroads.com and openroadjourney.com.