Dolan Springs, AZ to Mesa, AZ is 241.5 miles and takes about 4h 58m via US 93 and Grand Avenue, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Arizona's Desert Southwest region, offering a straightforward drive across varied terrain. With just one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, it's a manageable route for a single day. You'll encounter a mix of highway cruising and surface road driving as you make your way towards Mesa. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground within 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
120.7 miles from Dolan Springs, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 93
91.1 mi
1h 46m
Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
27.3 mi
31m
Grand Avenue
26.6 mi
36m
Purple Heart Trail
22.1 mi
22m
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
16.3 mi
24m
Papago Freeway
11.9 mi
13m
Red Mountain Freeway
11.7 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 Dolan Springs, AZ and Mesa, AZ.
1
Start on Tom White Drive
351 ft·16 sec·Tom White Drive
2
Turn right onto CR 25
6.1 mi·9 min·Pierce Ferry Road
3
Turn left onto US 93
27 mi·31 min·Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
4
Continue on US 93
2.0 mi·3 min·West Beale Street
Use the straight lane.
5
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.
6
Merge onto I 40; US 93
22 mi·22 min·Purple Heart Trail
7
Take the exit onto US 93
91 mi·1 hr 46 min·US 93
Exit 71Toward US 93 South: Wickenburg, PhoenixUse the left lane.
8
Merge onto US 93
11 mi·12 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
10
Enter roundabout onto US 93
138 ft·5 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
11
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
12
Enter roundabout onto US 93
139 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
13
Continue on US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.5 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
16
Continue on US 93
104 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
18
Enter roundabout onto US 60
201 ft·8 sec·East Wickenburg Way
19
Continue on US 60
1.5 mi·2 min·East Wickenburg Way
20
Continue on US 60
8.7 mi·10 min·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
21
Continue on US 60
5.2 mi·5 min·Grand Avenue
Use the right lane.
22
Continue on US 60
1.7 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway
23
Continue on US 60
1.1 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
20 mi·29 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward AZ 101 Loop South
26
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
8.9 mi·10 min·Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 10 East: PhoenixUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto I 10
10 mi·12 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·35 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
30
Continue on I 10
1.4 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
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.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.3 mi·41 sec·Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147AToward AZ 202 Loop East
33
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.
34
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 11Toward Alma School RoadUse the slight right lane.
35
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
1.6 mi·3 min·North Alma School Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
36
Turn left onto West University Drive
2.0 mi·3 min·West University Drive
Use the left lane.
37
Arrive at destination
East University Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 58m estimated drive time, departing in the morning is your best bet to ensure you have ample daylight for the entire 241.5-mile trip. You'll only need about one stop on this route, so plan it strategically to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning to surface roads, as gas stations might be less frequent. The fuel cost is estimated at $48, so factor that into your budget. Since this is a one-day drive, you have flexibility, but try to avoid leaving too late in the afternoon.
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 120.7 miles from Dolan Springs, AZ, or about 2h 20m 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 53 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.7 miles or 2h 20m 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 2m
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 Dolan 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 Dolan Springs, AZ
This is one driving day of about 241.5 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Dolan 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 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 35.4 and 226.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
35.4 mi into trip|~44m 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
57.8 mi into trip|~1h 7m 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
212.6 mi into trip|~4h 21m 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
225.9 mi into trip|~4h 36m 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
226.3 mi into trip|~4h 37m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.79 one way
$85.59 round trip
$4.50/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$45.83
$91.66
premium
$5.04
$47.94
$95.88
diesel
$4.80
$45.60
$91.20
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.5
0
$25.36
$11.59
Efficient EV
60.4
0
$21.13
$9.66
EV Truck/SUV
96.6
1
$33.81
$15.46
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Dolan Springs, AZ
Late night
in Dolan Springs on Sunday
Local time
1:16 AM
MST
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 10 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Mesa, AZ
Late night
in Mesa on Sunday
Local time
1:16 AM
MST
Current temp
96°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
N 5 mph45% 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
5 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
4h 58m 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.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Experience outdoor thrills, striking landscapes, and brilliant blue waters. This year-round recreation area spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast reservoirs. Vis...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
$25
Park Closure: Government Wash Campground Seasonal Heat Closure May 15 – September 30
Park Closure: Seasonal Trail Closures Due to Extreme Heat May 15 – September 30
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 241.5-mile drive features 51% highway travel, meaning you'll spend just over half the time on faster roads like US 93. The longest continuous stretch without a significant change in road type is 91.1 miles on US 93. Expect to transition from highway driving to surface roads, including Grand Avenue, as you approach your destination. The route includes a section that is a mix of highway and surface road.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
37 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 35.4 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 24 significant decision points across 241.5 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 35.4 miles (US 93): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.8 miles (US 93): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
4,237 ft1,081 ft
Total Climb
1,909 ft
Total Descent
4,042 ft
Highest Point
4,237 ft
~51.7 mi in
Elevation Range
3,156 ft
Notable High Points
4,237 ft at ~51.7 miles+775 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 Dolan Springs, AZ to Mesa, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Phoenix along the way.
Northern Arizona is a region in Arizona, a state of the United States of America. It is most famous for the Grand Canyon but includes a wide range of other destinations that are notable for their scenery and diversity.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 58m. Total distance: 241.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface 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.
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 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. 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 35.4 miles (US 93): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.8 miles (US 93): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Lake Mead National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Mesa, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
