A 9,159-ft sky island just north of Tucson where saguaros give way to pine forests in a single afternoon drive.
The **Catalina Highway** (also called the Sky Island Scenic Byway) is one of the most ecologically dramatic drives in America — in 27 miles you climb from Sonoran desert to subalpine forest, passing through what biologists call five distinct life zones (roughly equivalent to driving from Mexico to Canada). Stop at **Windy Point Vista** for sweeping views of Tucson and the surrounding desert, hike the **Aspen Loop** or **Marshall Gulch Trail** at the top, and grab a famous fudge brownie and chili at the **Cookie Cabin** in tiny Summerhaven village. In winter, **Ski Valley** is the southernmost ski resort in the continental U.S. In summer, locals escape 100°F Tucson heat for 70°F afternoons under the pines. After dark, the lack of light pollution makes Mount Lemmon one of the best free stargazing spots in the Southwest — the SkyCenter observatory runs public night programs.