If you’re leaving Tucson and heading west towards Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument you’ll be traveling on the beautiful Saguaro and mountain filled drive that is Highway 86 in southern Arizona. And what an absolutely gorgeous drive it is.

I was lucky enough to be driving along towards the Organ Pipe Cactuses in the early morning light of March when after cresting a hill, a lake of fog laid out before me. There were mountain islands in front of a cotton candy pink and blue sunrise sky with towering Saguaros in the foreground. I pulled off and took it all in while snapping some pictures. It was the perfect start to an incredible southern Arizona Sonoran day.

Once you reach Why, it’s time to get snacks, gas, ice, or a delicious meal. My wife and I had lunch at Granny’s Kitchen and we were full and happy afterwards and ready to continue our adventure. From Why, you can head south on 85 towards Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

I mentioned it on this page for OPCNM, but on 85, just north of the Monument is where I slept that evening after exploring that alien desert landscape.

Northwest of Why, is Ajo and not only does Ajo have great breakfast burritos but it has a gorgeous town square courtyard and Catholic Church that light up pink in the early morning sunrise. Eventually, 85 ends at I-10 after Gila Bend and I-8 but the two Highways of 85 & 86 are gorgeous representations of the wild and woolly American Southwest and a nice alternative to the Interstate. But beware, in the summer, it can get VERY hot!