Bullhead City to San Tan Valley is 270 miles and takes about 5 hours 38 minutes via US 93 and Grand Avenue, with a fuel budget near $53 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Arizona's Desert Southwest region, offering a straightforward drive between two points. With just one recommended stop and a 54% highway share, it’s a manageable drive for a single day. Plan for a generally flat, open terrain as you make your way across the state.
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
134.9 miles from Bullhead City, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 38m 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
US 60
18.7 mi
21m
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
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 San Tan Valley, 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
4.8 mi·5 min·Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit onto US 60
19 mi·21 min·US 60
Exit 154Toward US 60 East: Mesa, GlobeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 190BToward AZ Loop 202 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
2.9 mi·3 min·Santan Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Take the exit
1.2 mi·2 min
Exit 34AToward AZ 24 EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on AZ 24
1.6 mi·1 min·Gateway Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·24 sec·this road
Exit 2
45
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·44 sec·this road
46
Continue on AZ 24
0.6 mi·59 sec·Gateway Freeway
47
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·43 sec·this road
Exit 3
48
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·37 sec·this road
49
Continue on AZ 24
0.3 mi·31 sec·Gateway Freeway
50
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·34 sec·this road
Exit 4
51
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·40 sec·this road
52
Continue on AZ 24
0.4 mi·39 sec·Gateway Expressway
53
Continue on AZ 24
0.4 mi·41 sec·Gateway Expressway
Exit 5
54
Turn right onto North Ironwood Road
3.4 mi·5 min·North Ironwood Road
Use the left lane.
55
Continue on North Gantzel Road
2.0 mi·3 min·North Gantzel Road
56
Turn left onto East Combs Road
2.0 mi·3 min·East Combs Road
57
Turn right onto North Schnepf Road
2.0 mi·4 min·North Schnepf Road
58
Arrive at destination
East Skyline Drive
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour, 38-minute drive, consider leaving Bullhead City in the morning to give yourself ample daylight. With only one recommended stop and the longest stretch being 91.1 miles, you can easily complete this trip in one day. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the longer highway sections on US 93, as service areas can be spread out. Your estimated fuel cost is around $53, so budget accordingly and perhaps fill up before leaving Bullhead City.
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 134.9 miles from Bullhead City, AZ, or about 2h 38m 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 59 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.9 miles or 2h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Tan Valley, 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 269.9 miles and 5h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 33.2 and 250.1 — 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
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
8
231.5 mi into trip|~4h 44m in|US 60
Take the exit onto US 60 toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 154
Toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe
7
250.1 mi into trip|~5h 6m in
Take the exit toward AZ Loop 202 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 190B
Toward AZ Loop 202 South
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.12 one way
$110.23 round trip
$5.19/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.52
$58.63
$117.27
premium
$5.72
$60.77
$121.54
diesel
$5.35
$56.85
$113.70
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$55
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81
0
$28.34
$12.96
Efficient EV
67.5
0
$23.62
$10.80
EV Truck/SUV
108
1
$37.79
$17.27
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
32 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
3:56 PM
MST
Current temp
73°F
Clear
SSE 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
San Tan Valley, AZ
Afternoon
in San Tan Valley on Wednesday
Local time
3:56 PM
MST
Current temp
67°F
Clear
E 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
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
6 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
5h 38m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
National Monument
An Ancestral Sonoran Desert People's farming community and "Great House" are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. Whether a gathering place for people or simply a waypoint marker in an extensive system of...
13 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 269.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive consists of 54% highway, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on US 93 before transitioning to more surface roads like Grand Avenue and Purple Heart Trail. The longest continuous stretch without a major change is 91.1 miles on US 93. Expect a mix of cruising and navigating through more developed areas as you approach your destination, with the highway portion likely offering faster travel before you reach the surface roads.
Only 54% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
58 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
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. 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 29 significant decision points across 269.9 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 210.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,544 ft553 ft
Total Climb
4,336 ft
Total Descent
3,367 ft
Highest Point
3,544 ft
~57.8 mi in
Elevation Range
2,991 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bullhead City, AZ and San Tan Valley, AZ, road signs point toward Phoenix, Globe and Az Loop 202 South.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 38m. Total distance: 269.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
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 San Tan Valley, 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 210.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at San Tan Valley, AZ before the return drive.
