Whoever said Arizona doesn’t have islands obviously hasn’t heard of Summerhaven. A “sky island” on top of Mt. Lemmon, this small community is a charming place to visit year-round.

Summerhaven is the proud home of Ski Valley, the southernmost ski resort in the continental U.S.
TripAdvisor/hannahmomofmany
During the warmer months, the chairlift turns into a "Sky Ride" that takes you on a scenic, 30-minute journey up the mountain.
Nothing compares to a summer night sky, and you can enjoy a front-row seat at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory.
TripAdvisor/Rick and Jennifer Remington
The observatory hosts public stargazing events throughout the year, so there's always an opportunity to see the cosmos like never before.
You're bound to get hungry while exploring Summerhaven, so it's a good thing there are so many great restaurants to choose from.
Google/Penny Loos
Among the most popular is Iron Door Restaurant, a rustic little shack at Ski Valley that serves up low-key fare like soups and sandwiches.

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After your meal, head over to the family-owned Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin for an extra special treat.
Facebook/Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin
The cookies are the size of a dinner plate (yes, each of these is one cookie!), and it'll be love at first bite.
What good is a trip without a few souvenirs to remember it by?
Google/Mister Jon
Pop into Living Rainbow Gift Shop and snag some handmade tchotchkes for yourself, friends, and family members.
Since it's much cooler on the mountain than down below in Tucson, outdoor adventure is possible even in the heat of the summer.
Google/Pedego Electric Bikes Mt Lemmon
Rent an electric bike from Pedego and explore all there is to see. It's a great way to get some exercise and fresh air!
To reach Summerhaven, you'll east on Tanque Verde Road until it meets with Catalina Highway.
Google Maps
From there, take the highway north to the mountaintop.

Have you ever been to Summerhaven? If so, what’s your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments section, and check out our previous article to learn more about the Catalina Highway.

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Summerhaven, AZ 85619, USA