Overall Route Rating
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4.75 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.75
15 Reviews

Catalina Highway (Sky Island)

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Oct 31, 2006

Rider Reviews

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Guest
October 5, 2010
I would give it a 10 if not for the Sheriff and…
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Guest
November 26, 2009
Rode it twice today on Thanksgiving, very little…
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Written 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.

Drive Enjoyment

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

Tourism Opportunities

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

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Arizona Travel
 

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Guest
March 30, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Just rode up to the top of Mt. Lemmon and it was awesome. Spent the week prior in New Mexico and this ride topped it! The scenery was breathtaking, the rock formations were incredible and to think they actually do have a ski hill in Arizona!
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Guest
March 25, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
A great road for so many reasons. The road itself is well maintained, with great curves, straightaways, and twisties. Climbing from 2500 to 8000 feet lets you take in the change in foliage and temperature. The views of the valley floor are amazing. In many places it's just you the road, and an open view of the whole area. It really is as close to flying that you can get while being attached to the ground. Summerhaven is a nice little village at the top. Make sure to stop by the Cookie Cabin for a plate-sized cookie and a drink (anything from coffee to cold root beer). Sitting on the porch, listening to the wind rush through the pine trees is a great relaxation point. Also, there are many many trailheads for you to go on hikes. There's Rose Canyon lake for fishing. There's campgrounds and picnic areas. The trip can really be an afternoon, a day, or a weekend adventure.
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Guest
June 8, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Since this was written, the local LEOs are watching this road pretty closely. You can never be sure there will be none up there, but minimise risk by going early on a weekday. The posted speed limit is 35 all the way, which is just not quite enough to really enjoy the twisties.
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