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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PhaedrusFlyz
June 2, 2020
149 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
A local favorite! Best to ride the road in the earlier hours, once there's traffic on the road, it's hard to pass and slower traffic won't let you by.
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Bill A
November 23, 2020
20 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Awesome views, great ride. Getting across Tucson sucks.
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Mylo
January 8, 2021
23 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Awesome road, sweeping, winding with great views.
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