Sky Island Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
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Aspen Vista offers travelers a fantastic view of the San Pedro Valley and distant sky islands to the north and east.
Location: Milepost 23.2
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This vista provides a first look at the Tucson Basin and surrounding mountain ranges, or "sky islands." Amenities include paved parking, a concrete walkway, and interpretive signs.
Location: Located at Milepost 2.6
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Coronado National Forest - Arizona (AZ)
This Forest ranges from 3000 feet to 10,720 feet in twelve widely scattered "sky islands" that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.
Location: In southeastern Arizona.
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Cypress, Middle Bear, and Chihuahua Pine Picnic Areas (AZ)
These three developed picnic areas are clustered in Bear Canyon. This is the first point along the Sly Island Scenic Byway where visitors find themselves among tall conifers. Mexican Spotted Owl and Arizona Cypress are two species that might be seen here.
Location: Mileposts 11.5, 11.6, and 11.8.
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Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site (AZ)
The site was built in 1937 as a Federal prison camp; these prisoners built the highway. During WWII, some prisoners were conscientious objectors; some were Japanese Americans protesting the relocation.
Location: Milepost 7.4
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The southernmost downhill ski area in the continental US, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers four-season recreational opportunities. In winter, lifts take skiers to the top of the slopes.
Distance from byway: 1.3999999761581 mi / 2.3 km Directions: Turn right on Ski Run Road and drive 1.4 miles to Ski Valley.
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Rose Canyon Lake and Campground (AZ)
Rose Canyon Campground, among the pines at 7,200 ft., is the largest campground along the Byway.
Location: Milepost 17.2
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Summerhaven is a quaint village of shops and restaurants rebounding from the ashes of the 2003 Aspen Wildfire. Discovered by Tucsonans in the early 1900s as an escape from the desert heat, Summerhaven is still enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Location: Summerhaven is at Milepost 25.1 immediately adjacent to the Sky Island Scenic Byway.
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At 6,600 ft. elevation, Windy Point offers dramatic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and its deep canyons, the Tucson basin below, and the other sky islands surrounding Tucson.
Location: Milepost 14.1
