Cienega Springs, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ is 179.7 miles and takes about 3h 22m via Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route travels entirely within Arizona's Desert Southwest region, offering a primarily local driving experience. Expect a journey with a fair number of turns, making it a more engaging drive than a straight interstate cruise. With a recommended single day for travel, this trip is well-suited for those who prefer a dynamic route over long, monotonous stretches.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
89.9 miles from Cienega Springs, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
104.7 mi
1h 45m
Quartzsite–Parker–Topock Highway
30.9 mi
35m
Papago Freeway
21.2 mi
24m
Rio Vista Highway
4.4 mi
5m
East McDowell Road
3.3 mi
5m
North Central Boulevard
3.1 mi
3m
Red Mountain Freeway
3 mi
3m
North Scottsdale Road
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
— 104.7 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cienega Springs, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ.
1
Start on Cienega Springs Road
125 ft·10 sec·Cienega Springs Road
2
Turn left onto Riverside Drive
0.4 mi·40 sec·Riverside Drive
3
Turn right onto AZ 95
4.4 mi·5 min·Rio Vista Highway
4
Turn left onto AZ 95
0.9 mi·1 min·California Avenue
5
Continue on AZ 95
11 mi·13 min·Quartzsite–Parker–Topock Highway
6
Continue on AZ 95
20 mi·22 min·Quartzsite–Parker–Topock Highway
7
Continue on AZ 95
3.1 mi·3 min·North Central Boulevard
8
Turn left onto I 10 BUS
1.0 mi·2 min·East Main Street
9
Turn right onto I 10 Bus
0.2 mi·22 sec·Riggles Road
10
Take the ramp onto I 10 Business
0.5 mi·1 min·I 10 Business
11
Merge onto I 10
105 mi·1 hr 45 min·Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 10
20 mi·22 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·35 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
14
Continue on I 10
1.4 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
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.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.3 mi·41 sec·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop East
17
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
2.6 mi·3 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 3Toward AZ 143 South: Washington Street, McDowell RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward McDowell RoadUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto AZ 143
478 ft·9 sec·Hohokam Expressway
21
Turn right onto East McDowell Road
3.3 mi·5 min·East McDowell Road
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto North Scottsdale Road
1.5 mi·2 min·North Scottsdale Road
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto East Osborn Road
0.5 mi·57 sec·East Osborn Road
Use the right lane.
24
Enter roundabout onto East Osborn Road
90 ft·1 sec·East Osborn Road
25
Continue on East Osborn Road
0.5 mi·1 min·East Osborn Road
26
Turn left onto North Hayden Road
1.5 mi·2 min·North Hayden Road
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto East Chaparral Road
0.6 mi·1 min·East Chaparral Road
Use the right lane.
28
Turn right
64 ft·4 sec
29
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 22m estimated drive time and the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, starting your journey in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. While the route has only one recommended stop, be mindful of fuel availability as you traverse local roads, particularly during the 104.7-mile stretch on the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway. The $36 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to have a buffer. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; consider a mid-morning departure to avoid rush hour if approaching Scottsdale during peak times.
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 89.9 miles from Cienega Springs, AZ, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.7 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 40 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.9 miles or 1h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Scottsdale, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cienega Springs, 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 Cienega Springs, AZ
This is one driving day of about 179.7 miles and 3h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Cienega Springs, 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 Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway for about 104.7 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 167.8 and 171 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
167.8 mi into trip|~3h 1m 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
6
167.9 mi into trip|~3h 2m in|Red Mountain Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
8
168.2 mi into trip|~3h 2m 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
8
170.8 mi into trip|~3h 5m in
Take the exit toward AZ 143 South: Washington Street, McDowell Road
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 3
Toward AZ 143 South: Washington Street, McDowel...
7
171 mi into trip|~3h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward McDowell Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward McDowell Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.80 one way
$71.60 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg63 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$37.89
$75.77
premium
$5.59
$39.56
$79.11
diesel
$5.61
$39.68
$79.35
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
53.9
0
$18.87
$8.63
Efficient EV
44.9
0
$15.72
$7.19
EV Truck/SUV
71.9
0
$25.16
$11.50
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (67% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Cienega Springs, AZ
Late night
in Cienega Springs on Sunday
Local time
3:20 AM
MST
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Scottsdale, AZ
Late night
in Scottsdale on Sunday
Local time
3:20 AM
MST
Current temp
88°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
3 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
3h 22m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' with only 14% of the route on highways. You'll spend most of your time navigating local roads, including stretches of the Quartzsite–Parker–Topock Highway and the Papago Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 104.7 miles on the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway. This suggests a varied driving experience, likely involving more frequent adjustments and a closer connection to the surrounding landscape as you move between different road types.
Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.7 mi on Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 167.8 miles in near Red Mountain Freeway.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 179.7 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 167.8 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.9 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 168.2 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Scottsdale is a city in the state of Arizona. Scottsdale is home to many galleries, high quality resorts, and golf courses. It is also one of the wealthier parts of the Phoenix Metro Area.
Top landmarks
•Taliesin West — Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
•Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art — art museum
•Little Red Schoolhouse — now used as the Scottsdale Historical Museum, NRHP-listed
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 22m. Total distance: 179.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.7 miles on Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Scottsdale, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 167.8 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 167.9 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 168.2 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Scottsdale, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
