Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Trip from First Mesa, AZ to Maryvale, AZ
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 53m
Distance
269.3 mi
433 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 40m
★
6 AM
4h 53m
8 AM
5h 20m
10 AM
5h 2m
12 PM
5h 0m
3 PM
5h 4m
5 PM
5h 19m
8 PM
4h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Maryvale, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
First Mesa, AZ to Maryvale, AZ is 269.3 miles and takes about 4h 53m via Arizona Veterans Highway, Purple Heart Trail, and Winslow–Kayenta Highway, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route travels entirely within the Desert Southwest region of Arizona. Expect a drive that primarily utilizes surface roads, offering a more grounded perspective of the landscape. It's a straightforward trip suitable for a single day of travel, ideal if you're looking for a direct connection between these two points without extensive highway time.
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
134.6 miles from First Mesa, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 29m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 93 mi | 1h 33m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 61.2 mi | 1h 2m |
| Winslow–Kayenta Highway | 55.5 mi | 1h 4m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 32.1 mi | 35m |
| Arizona State Highway 264 | 7.7 mi | 9m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 5.8 mi | 5m |
| AZ 87 | 4.1 mi | 4m |
| West Camelback Road | 3.7 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 93 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between First Mesa, AZ and Maryvale, AZ.
1
Start on this road
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn left
286 ft
·
13 sec
3
Turn right
247 ft
·
11 sec
4
At end of road, turn right onto AZ 264
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Arizona State Highway 264
5
Turn left onto AZ 87
17 mi
·
19 min
·
Winslow–Kayenta Highway
6
Continue on AZ 87
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
AZ 87
7
Continue on AZ 87
39 mi
·
44 min
·
Winslow–Kayenta Highway
8
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
9
Merge onto I 40; US 180
61 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
12
Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A
93 mi
·
1 hr 33 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
13
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 17
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
16
Continue on I 17
22 mi
·
24 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 203
Toward Camelback Road
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto North Black Canyon Highway
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
North Black Canyon Highway
19
Turn right onto West Camelback Road
3.7 mi
·
7 min
·
West Camelback Road
Use the right lane.
20
Turn left onto North 55th Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North 55th Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
North 55th Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 53m drive time, starting in the morning will give you ample daylight to reach Maryvale. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan to break up the 269.3 miles accordingly. Since the majority of the route is on surface roads, keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $52. The longest stretch without a major road change is 93 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway, so be sure you're fueled up before that segment. This is a manageable one-day drive, allowing for flexibility in 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 134.6 miles from First Mesa, AZ, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93 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 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.6 miles or 2h 29m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maryvale, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving First Mesa, 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 First Mesa, AZ
This is one driving day of about 269.3 miles and 4h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from First Mesa, 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 Arizona Veterans Highway for about 93 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
135 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 134.6 miles from First Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Arizona Veterans Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Meteor Crater Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Sunset Point Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
McGuireville Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
McGuireville Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Meteor Crater Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Rocky Mountain Truck Centers
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.8 mi from route
Montezuma Well
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Rimrock, Arizona
Hours: 9 am–4:45 pm
+19285674521
Visit websiteFort Tuthill County Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Flagstaff, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+19286798000
Visit websiteFlagstaff Snow Park
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Flagstaff, Arizona
+19282245938
Visit websiteHurricane Harbor Phoenix
3.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.6 mi from route
~7 min detour
Glendale, Arizona
Hours: Closed
+16232012000
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 265 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
At end of road, turn left
Navigation decision point
5
129.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flags...
6
129.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
7
264.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 43m in
Take the exit toward Camelback Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 203
Toward Camelback Road
5
265 mi into trip
|
~4h 44m in
|
West Camelback Road
Turn right onto West Camelback Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.24 one way
$108.48 round trip
$5.12/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.43 | $57.54 | $115.08 |
| premium | $5.67 | $60.16 | $120.32 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $66.54 | $133.08 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80.8 | 0 | $28.28 | $12.93 |
| Efficient EV | 67.3 | 0 | $23.56 | $10.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 107.7 | 1 | $37.70 | $17.24 |
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.
Origin
First Mesa, AZ
Night in First Mesa on Thursday
Local time
11:28 PM
MST
Current temp
46°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
E 3 mph
15% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Maryvale, AZ
Night in Maryvale on Thursday
Local time
11:28 PM
MST
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Clear
NNE 0 to 5 mph
3% chance
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
24 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 53m 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.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
National Monument
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
$10
near mile 176.4
Caution: Visiting During Monsoon Season (July-September)
Walnut Canyon National Monument
National Monument
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. T...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
$25
near mile 120.7
View on nps.gov
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
National Monument
The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the peop...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
$25
near mile 120.7
View on nps.gov
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
$10
near mile 176.4
View on nps.gov
Wupatki National Monument
National Monument
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community. The early 1100's marked a time of cooler an...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$25
near mile 120.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive has a 16% highway share, meaning most of your time will be spent on surface roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 93 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway before transitioning. Expect a more rural cruising feel for the majority of the trip, with fewer exits and a more direct connection to the surrounding terrain. The shift from highway to surface roads is a notable change in pace.
Only 16% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93 mi on Arizona Veterans Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 269.3 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 129.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
6,808 ft
1,120 ft
Total Climb
2,738 ft
Total Descent
7,395 ft
Highest Point
6,808 ft
~134.6 mi in
Elevation Range
5,688 ft
Notable High Points
6,808 ft at ~134.6 miles
+324 ft prominence
4,481 ft at ~192.3 miles
+814 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between First Mesa, AZ and Maryvale, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Flagstaff
129.4 mi in
|
~2h 23m
Phoenix
129.6 mi in
|
~2h 23m
About the Cities
Starting in First Mesa, AZ
Full guide →Arriving in Maryvale, AZ
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 269.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 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 Maryvale, 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 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 129.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Maryvale, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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