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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Gary & Vicky
March 5, 2021
29 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
One of my wife's favorite rides. Lots of bicycles on the highway, but the ride to the top is worth the 35MPH speed limit. Hiking trails all along the way to the top. Restaurant, Pizza and a small General store. Nice picnic area past Summer Haven but the road gets a little rough .
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Mike
November 22, 2021
46 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Rode it Oct 29 2021 & the weather was perfect. Not too busy either for a Friday.
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Jerry G
June 9, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Enduro
Great ride both up and down the mountain!! There are lots of twists and turns. Once at the top there are some great places to eat. Enjoy the ride.
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