Bullhead City to Ahwatukee Foothills is 235.8 miles and takes about 4h 51m via US 93, Grand Avenue, and Purple Heart Trail, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you through the Desert Southwest, moving from one part of Arizona to another. The profile is mixed highway and surface roads, so expect some variety in your driving experience. With a recommended one-day drive, it's a manageable trip that gets you where you need to go without too much fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
117.9 miles from Bullhead City, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 93
91.1 mi
1h 46m
Grand Avenue
26.6 mi
36m
Purple Heart Trail
22.1 mi
22m
Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
17.3 mi
20m
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
16.3 mi
24m
Papago Freeway
14.9 mi
17m
Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
10.1 mi
13m
Agua Fria Freeway
8.9 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
US 93
— 91.1 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bullhead City, AZ and Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ.
1
Start on 4th Street
20 ft·2 sec·4th Street
2
Turn right onto AZ 95
1.7 mi·2 min·Mohave Valley Highway
3
Continue on AZ 68
1.5 mi·2 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
4
Continue on AZ 68
17 mi·19 min·Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
5
Continue on AZ 68
3.4 mi·3 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
6
Continue on AZ 68
0.2 mi·17 sec·Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
7
Merge onto AZ 68
5.1 mi·6 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 93 South: Kingman
9
Merge onto US 93
1.7 mi·1 min·Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
10
Continue on US 93
2.0 mi·3 min·West Beale Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn left onto US 93
0.3 mi·37 sec·US 93
Toward US 93, I 40, I 11 Future: Flagstaff, PhoenixUse the left lane.
12
Merge onto I 40; US 93
22 mi·22 min·Purple Heart Trail
13
Take the exit onto US 93
91 mi·1 hr 46 min·US 93
Exit 71Toward US 93 South: Wickenburg, PhoenixUse the left lane.
14
Merge onto US 93
11 mi·12 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
16
Enter roundabout onto US 93
138 ft·5 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
17
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
18
Enter roundabout onto US 93
139 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
19
Continue on US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.5 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
22
Continue on US 93
104 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
24
Enter roundabout onto US 60
201 ft·8 sec·East Wickenburg Way
25
Continue on US 60
1.5 mi·2 min·East Wickenburg Way
26
Continue on US 60
8.7 mi·10 min·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
27
Continue on US 60
5.2 mi·5 min·Grand Avenue
Use the right lane.
28
Continue on US 60
1.7 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway
29
Continue on US 60
1.1 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
20 mi·29 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward AZ 101 Loop South
32
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
8.9 mi·10 min·Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 10 East: PhoenixUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
34
Merge onto I 10
10 mi·12 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·35 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
36
Continue on I 10
3.2 mi·3 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Merge onto I 10; US 60
7.7 mi·8 min·Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 157Toward Elliot RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Turn right onto East Elliot Road
0.4 mi·54 sec·East Elliot Road
Use the right lane.
41
Turn left onto South 48th Street
0.4 mi·43 sec·South 48th Street
42
Turn right onto East Pawnee Circle
187 ft·11 sec·East Pawnee Circle
43
Turn left onto South Iroquois Drive
0.2 mi·32 sec·South Iroquois Drive
44
Arrive at destination
South Iroquois Drive
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour-plus drive, consider leaving Bullhead City in the morning to give yourself plenty of daylight. The 235.8-mile trip allows for a single, well-timed stop. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 91.1-mile stretch on US 93, as services can be spread out in that section. The $47 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's always wise to have a little extra on hand. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility to adjust your departure time.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 117.9 miles from Bullhead City, AZ, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 52 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.9 miles or 2h 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bullhead City, AZ so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bullhead City, AZ
This is one driving day of about 235.8 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Bullhead City, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 93 for about 91.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 33.2 and 234.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
33.2 mi into trip|~43m in|US 93
Turn left onto US 93 toward US 93, I 40, I 11 Future: Flagstaff, Phoenix
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 93, I 40, I 11 Future: Flagstaff, Pho...
8
55.6 mi into trip|~1h 6m in|US 93
Take the exit onto US 93 toward US 93 South: Wickenburg, Phoenix
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 71
Toward US 93 South: Wickenburg, Phoenix
6
180.8 mi into trip|~3h 39m in|US 60 / Grand Avenue
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60 / Grand Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
210.4 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Phoenix
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 1B
Toward I 10 East: Phoenix
7
234.3 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward Elliot Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 157
Toward Elliot Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.15 one way
$96.31 round trip
$5.19/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.52
$51.23
$102.45
premium
$5.72
$53.09
$106.18
diesel
$5.35
$49.67
$99.33
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$48
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.7
0
$24.76
$11.32
Efficient EV
59
0
$20.63
$9.43
EV Truck/SUV
94.3
1
$33.01
$15.09
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Bullhead City, AZ
Afternoon
in Bullhead City on Wednesday
Local time
12:06 PM
MST
Current temp
73°F
Clear
SSE 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ
Afternoon
in Ahwatukee Foothills on Wednesday
Local time
12:06 PM
MST
Current temp
72°F
Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
72°F
Citrus Park, AZ
118 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 51m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 52% of your time on highways. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 91.1 miles on US 93. Expect to transition from highway cruising to surface streets as you get closer to your destination. This route features a mix of faster driving and areas with more frequent intersections.
52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91.1 mi on US 93.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 33.2 miles in near US 93.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 235.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 33.2 miles (US 93): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.6 miles (US 93): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 180.8 miles (US 60 / Grand Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
4,231 ft553 ft
Total Climb
4,757 ft
Total Descent
4,031 ft
Highest Point
4,231 ft
~50.5 mi in
Elevation Range
3,678 ft
Notable High Points
4,231 ft at ~50.5 miles+822 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Bullhead City, AZ to Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Phoenix along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 51m. Total distance: 235.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 91.1 miles on US 93. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 33.2 miles (US 93): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.6 miles (US 93): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 180.8 miles (US 60 / Grand Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
