Tucson to Organ Pipe Routing

[RussOnTheRoad]

A little late to ask, I know... We will be traveling from the Tucson area to Organ Pipe Nat'l Monument tomorrow. Our RV GPS wants to route us via I-10 to I-8 west which is somewhat north of where we are to AZ-85 south, a trip of some 197 miles, 3 1/2 hours. Google maps on the other hand picks a route that takes us a little south to AZ-86 west instead of I-10/ I-8 This latter routing is about 162 miles and 3 hours, a significant savings of time and distance. I should note that the driving times given are roughly the same for either route according to our Garmin RV GPS. However, Google maps offers a shorter time taking the easy 86 route.

My question is if the 86 route is OK for us towing our 34' fifth wheel with our diesel dually. I have no reason to believe it would not be. Has anybody driven AZ-86?

Thanks.

[dons2346]

RussOnTheRoad wrote:
Thanks everyone....................

For anyone else passing through Why AZ, there is a casino just east of town om 86 with a gas station that has a couple diesel pumps away from the canopy so any kind of rig can fit. Diesel there was also $.29 less than other stations in the area (which aren't many).

When we were there last year, there was no diesel so I wouldn't count on being able to fuel up there

[RussOnTheRoad]

Thanks everyone.

We wound up taking AZ-86 west from Tucson to AZ-85 south to Organ Pipe. 86 was fine. A little rough in places but nothing I would tell people they should think about avoiding, and a little narrow without shoulders in spots but it didn't feel worrisome.

For anyone else passing through Why AZ, there is a casino just east of town om 86 with a gas station that has a couple diesel pumps away from the canopy so any kind of rig can fit. Diesel there was also $.29 less than other stations in the area (which aren't many).

[Shroomer]

We traveled 86 a few years back on purpose to see the fabulous displays of wildflowers, that was in February, but if speed is your aim, take the freeways.

[RussOnTheRoad]

Thanks, everyone. We will travel AZ 86 to 85.

[doxiemom11]

We took 86 from Why AZ to Tucson area with our 36' towing. Absolutely no problem at all. A refreshing drive without all the traffic. No steep inclines/declines. Pavement in decent condition. We traveled at 55mph most of the way.

[RussOnTheRoad]

ItsyRV wrote:
Wow, you really need a new GPS if it routed you via I-10 and not even I-8! The I-10 to I-8 to 85 is the smoothest route best suited for Big RV's.

Taking 86 is fine so long as you realize it' a smaller two lane desert road that isn't glass smooth. There's slow traffic in areas (rural Native American communities) but otherwise, a fairly straight route. Whatever you do, don't speed especially in areas where children are around! Although Border Patrol respected the Native American community's no stationary checkpoint, you are subject to an inspection like a traffic stop.

But, you really need to get a new GPS; I-10 and not even I-8 geezzzz.

I errored when making my original post. I omitted the fact that my Garman GPS routed me to I-8 from I-10. My apologies. I have edited my original post to more accurately reflect the routings.

[ItsyRV]

Wow, you really need a new GPS if it routed you via I-10 and not even I-8! The I-10 to I-8 to 85 is the smoothest route best suited for Big RV's.

Taking 86 is fine so long as you realize it' a smaller two lane desert road that isn't glass smooth. There's slow traffic in areas (rural Native American communities) but otherwise, a fairly straight route. Whatever you do, don't speed especially in areas where children are around! Although Border Patrol respected the Native American community's no stationary checkpoint, you are subject to an inspection like a traffic stop.

But, you really need to get a new GPS; I-10 and not even I-8 geezzzz.

[akrv]

Az 86 is OK road for you narrow in some spots and no shoulders 10 ft lanes. Stay to the speed limits .

[Roy_Lynne]

We plan to do that in reverse and we are going on 85. It looks perfectly flat but desolate. I think the reason your being routed to the freeway those things are programmed to go to the nearest freeway