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
February 14, 2008
This is indeed a great road to spend the…
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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
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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Sisyphus
February 2, 2020
21 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
Can be crowded on the weekends. If you can do it on a weekday that is what I recommend. Great escape from the summer heat.
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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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