This 27-mile Drive in Arizona Climbs 6,000 Feet Through Desert and Mountains—Crossing 5 Climate Zones

This 27-mile Drive in Arizona Climbs 6,000 Feet Through Desert and Mountains—Crossing 5 Climate Zones

This may be the “coolest” drive in the American Southwest.Aerial view of a highway up Mount Lemmon in Arizona.Credit: F&J McGinn/Adobe StockSky Island Scenic BywayClimbing into the mountains northeast of Tucson, the Sky Island Scenic Byway offers a 27-mile escape from the desert heat, peppered with public lands and stunning overlooks.Stop at Windy Point Vista for rock scrambling and panoramic views of Tucson.Fish and hike around the calm waters …