This 125-mile drive from Chino Valley, AZ to Mesa, AZ should take you about 2 hours and 25 minutes. It's a manageable one-day trip, so you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You'll spend about 40% of your time on highways, with the Black Canyon Freeway being a significant part of the journey. Expect a fuel cost of around $25 for this route, which travels entirely within the Desert Southwest region. This is a straightforward drive that gets you from one point in Arizona to another efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
62.5 miles from Chino Valley, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Black Canyon Freeway
35.3 mi
38m
Cordes Junction-Prescott Highway
21.3 mi
26m
Arizona Veterans Highway
16.7 mi
16m
Red Mountain Freeway
11.7 mi
13m
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
8.9 mi
10m
Fain Road
7.2 mi
8m
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
6.3 mi
7m
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
5.8 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Black Canyon Freeway
— 35.3 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chino Valley, AZ and Mesa, AZ.
1
Start on AZ 89
2.8 mi·3 min·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
2
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
171 ft·2 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
3
Continue on AZ 89
0.8 mi·53 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
4
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
80 ft·0 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
5
Continue on AZ 89
3.7 mi·4 min·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
6
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
138 ft·2 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
7
Continue on AZ 89
0.9 mi·1 min·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
8
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
148 ft·2 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
9
Continue on AZ 89
0.6 mi·49 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
10
Turn left
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward AZ 89A|none
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward AZ 89A
12
Continue on AZ 89A
6.3 mi·7 min·Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
13
Continue on Fain Road
7.2 mi·8 min·Fain Road
14
Turn left onto AZ 69
21 mi·26 min·Cordes Junction-Prescott Highway
15
Merge onto I 17
17 mi·16 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
16
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi·5 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 17
10 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi·3 min·North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on I 17
25 mi·28 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 200AToward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, TucsonUse the slight left lane.
22
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·35 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
24
Continue on I 10
1.4 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.1 mi·7 sec·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.3 mi·41 sec·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop East
27
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
11 mi·13 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 11Toward Alma School RoadUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
1.6 mi·3 min·North Alma School Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
30
Turn left onto West University Drive
2.0 mi·3 min·West University Drive
Use the left lane.
31
Arrive at destination
East University Drive
Trip Plan
For this approximately 2 hour and 25 minute drive, leaving in the morning is a good bet to avoid any potential afternoon traffic as you approach Mesa. With a total of 125 miles, there are no designated stops, but you'll want to keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $25. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 35.3 miles on the Black Canyon Freeway, so plan for a gas stop before or after that if needed. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when you're ready.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 62.5 miles from Chino Valley, AZ, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.3 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 28 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62.5 miles or 1h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mesa, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chino Valley, 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 Chino Valley, AZ
This is one driving day of about 125 miles and 2h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Chino Valley, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Black Canyon Freeway for about 35.3 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 105.2 and 121 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
105.2 mi into trip|~1h 58m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
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 200A
Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, L...
8
105.4 mi into trip|~1h 58m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
8
109.3 mi into trip|~2h 3m in|Red Mountain Freeway
Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
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 147
Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
8
109.8 mi into trip|~2h 4m in|Red Mountain Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
7
121 mi into trip|~2h 17m in
Take the exit toward Alma School Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward Alma School Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.90 one way
$49.80 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg44 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$26.35
$52.71
premium
$5.59
$27.51
$55.03
diesel
$5.61
$27.60
$55.20
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
37.5
0
$13.13
$6.00
Efficient EV
31.3
0
$10.94
$5.00
EV Truck/SUV
50
0
$17.50
$8.00
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Chino Valley, AZ
Late night
in Chino Valley on Tuesday
Local time
2:15 AM
MST
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Mesa, AZ
Late night
in Mesa on Tuesday
Local time
2:15 AM
MST
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live 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
18 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 25m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Tuzigoot National Monument
National Monument
Water flows under and through this landscape, feeding the growth of people and towns. The Verde Valley is watered by snowmelt, summer monsoons, and springs that well up from the ancient sedimentary ro...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
$10
near mile 17.2
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$10
near mile 25.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The drive offers a mixed experience, with a significant portion on major freeways. You'll encounter 40% highway driving, including a notable 35.3-mile stretch on the Black Canyon Freeway. The route also incorporates parts of the Cordes Junction-Prescott Highway and Arizona Veterans Highway, suggesting a blend of faster, more direct travel with potentially more local road characteristics. This combination means you'll experience varying road conditions and speeds as you progress toward Mesa.
40% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.3 mi on Black Canyon Freeway.
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 105.2 miles in.
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 16 significant decision points across 125 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 105.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.3 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Chino Valley, AZ and Mesa, AZ, road signs point toward Los Angeles and Tucson.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 25m. Total distance: 125 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (40%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 35.3 miles on Black Canyon Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Mesa, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 105.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.3 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Mesa, AZ before heading back.
