Road Trips from Tempe Junction, AZ
Tempe Junction, AZ, is a solid launchpad for a variety of drives. You've got quick hops to nearby towns like Chandler, perfect for a half-day out, and longer hauls that take you through different landscapes. Several routes offer park access, including national monuments, making it easy to add nature to your trip. If you're looking for something more substantial, there are options over 300 miles away, offering a full day's adventure. This mix means you can tailor your escape whether you have a few hours or a full day.
Total Routes
22
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
9
Under 2 hours
12 total in this range
Cordes Lakes, AZ
1h 29m76.1 mi one way
This 76.1-mile drive is a focused highway experience. It's a solid choice if you want a straightforward trip with a high drive score of 9. Plus, Montezuma Castle National Monument is nearby, offering a chance to see some history. It’s a good option if you're looking for a destination that’s not too far but still feels like a proper drive.
Chandler, AZ
21m13.6 mi one way
For a super short trip, this 13.6-mile drive is your best bet. It’s a mixed drive, meaning it’s not all highway. It’s a quick 0.4-hour trip and offers access to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This is ideal for a brief outing when you don't have much time but still want to get out and see something.
Globe, AZ
1h 45m78.9 mi one way
This 78.9-mile drive is a mixed route, offering a change of pace from pure highway. With a high drive score of 9, it’s a good option for a day trip, taking about 1.8 hours. It doesn't directly pass by parks, but it offers a substantial drive into a different part of Arizona.
Buckeye, AZ
58m45.2 mi one way
Glendale, AZ
29m19 mi one way
Full-day getaway
8 total in this range
Tombstone, AZ
3h 21m178.5 mi one way
If you want a longer drive with significant park access, this 178.5-mile route to Tombstone is a strong contender. It has a high drive score of 9 and is near Saguaro National Park, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and Coronado National Memorial. It's a full day's journey at 3.4 hours, packed with potential stops.
Whetstone, AZ
2h 42m151.8 mi one way
Cornville, AZ
2h 11m114.1 mi one way
A 114.1-mile mixed drive that takes 2.2 hours. This route offers a good balance between distance and driving variety. It has a high drive score of 9, indicating a quality road experience, though it doesn't have parks directly listed nearby.
San Carlos, AZ
2h 19m103.1 mi one way
This 103.1-mile trip is a mixed drive lasting 2.3 hours. It’s a solid option for a day trip that takes you through varied terrain. With a drive score of 9, it promises an engaging route, though there are no parks listed in its immediate vicinity.
Ajo, AZ
2h 30m125.1 mi one way
Weekend trip
Clifton, AZ
4h 23m199.3 mi one way
A 199.3-mile drive that takes 4.4 hours, this route focuses on surface roads. It has a drive score of 9 and includes access to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Tonto National Monument. It’s a longer trip, suitable for those who enjoy varied road types and historical sites.
Bullhead City, AZ
4h 48m232.1 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Cordes Lakes, AZ
1h 29m76.1 mi one way
Clifton, AZ
4h 23m199.3 mi one way
Tombstone, AZ
3h 21m178.5 mi one way
Chandler, AZ
21m13.6 mi one way
Chandler, AZ
21m13.6 mi one way
Globe, AZ
1h 45m78.9 mi one way
Tucson, AZ
2h 2m110.6 mi one way
Bullhead City, AZ
4h 48m232.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant temperatures for drives like the 76.1-mile trip to Cordes Lakes, with Montezuma Castle National Monument accessible.
Summer
Summer heat makes the shorter, 13.6-mile drive to Chandler, near Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, a more manageable option.
Fall
Fall is ideal for the longer 178.5-mile drive to Tombstone, offering access to multiple national parks and memorials.
Winter
Winter provides comfortable conditions for exploring the 103.1-mile mixed drive to San Carlos, or the 114.1-mile route to Cornville.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Tempe Junction, AZ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.