Backroads From Phoenix To Tucson, AZ

The main highway from Phoenix to Tucson and back is the I-10 for 110 mi (177 km). Although the fastest route, it's a huge multiplex of concrete and cagers. Here's an alternate route.

Head east out of Phoenix on US-60, then south at the junction of AZ-177 or Ray Road through the Pinal or Pinaleño Mountains surrounded by stretches of desert. It may be deserted but beware of speed traps.

The initial southbound AZ 177 is made up of glorious sweepers that turn into long stretches of desert to the magnificent Santa Catalina Mountains that surround the Oro Valley, a suburb of Tucson.

Dual-Sport Mountain Sidetrack

For dirt, you'll want to explore Mount Lemmon. At Oracle, take a left onto Old Highway 77 from the AZ-77 and climb the mountain! Follow the dirt access road to the summit on the back side of Mount Lemmon just northeast of Tucson. The road ends at the Catalina Highway near Loma Linda.