Arizona 86 paralells the Mexican Border through Southern Arizona. Beginning
in Ajo, the road travels east through the Tohono O'odham Reservation,
passing Kitt Peak on the way to Tucson, where the road ends
at Interstate 19.
Arizona 86 has been expanded and contracted significantly
over the years. The original alignment was established in
1930 between Willcox and Bowie Junction. In 1931, it was expanded
to go between Benson and San Simon.
In 1943, the road was expanded west through the Tohono O'odham
reservation to Ajo.
Arizona 86 became the primary route between Tucson and El
Paso, leading to it's partial demise in 1970 as Interstate
10 was built over the route from Benson to San Simon, truncating
the route to U.S. 89 in Tucson.
In 2002, the road was cut back further to Interstate 19.
Perspective from Eastbound Arizona 86
Distance sign to Quijotoa (39 miles) and Tucson (120
miles). Photo taken March 23, 2008.
This is the first reassurance marker along Arizona 86,
just past Why. Photo taken March 23, 2008.
Arizona 86 enters the Tohono O'odham Reservation here.
The road will travel through the reservation for the next
87 miles. Photo taken March 23, 2008.
Turn right for Schuchuligk. Arizona 86 is in Gunsight
Valley. Photo taken March 23, 2008.
Distance sign to Quijotoa and Tucson. Arizona 86 is
now following Gunsight Wash. Photo taken March 23, 2008.
Reassurance marker for Arizona 86. Photo taken March
23, 2008.
Turn left for Hickiwan, or turn right for Gu Vo. Photo
taken March 23, 2008.
Arizona 86 is now in the large Quijotoa Valley, where
this reassurance marker is seen. Photo taken March 23,
2008.
Turn right for San Simon. Photo taken March 23, 2008.
Distance sign to Quijotoa and Tucson. Photo taken March
23, 2008.
Turn right for the village of Pinisimo. Photo taken
March 23, 2008.
Arizona 86 enters the Quijotoa Mountains here. This
section of highway has more vegetation and some twists
and turns. Photo taken March 23, 2008.
The next 10 miles are a Flash Flood Area, as Arizona
86 crosses several washed. Photo taken March 23, 2008.
The saguaro forests become more dense as we climb out
of the valley. Photo taken March 23, 2008.
Arizona 86 climbs up toward Quijotoa Pass here. This
Saguaro is very distinctive alongside the road. Photo
taken March 23, 2008.
Arizona 86 follows Quijotoa Wash. Notice the extensive
Saguaro forests on the unnamed mountain. Photo taken March
23, 2008.
Arizona 86 enters the village of Quijotoa here. Photo
taken March 23, 2008.
Reassurance marker for Arizona 86. Photo taken March
23, 2008.
Arizona 86 approaches Indian Route 15. The Business
Area refers to a trading post located in Quijotoa. Photo
taken March 23, 2008.
Continue ahead for Tucson, or turn right for Santa Rosa
and Casa Grande on Indian Route 15. Photo taken March
23, 2008.
