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Trip from Fort Defiance, AZ to Chandler, AZ

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 51m

Distance

283 mi

456 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$56

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 38m ★
6 AM
5h 51m
8 AM
6h 17m
10 AM
6h 0m
12 PM
5h 58m
3 PM
6h 2m
5 PM
6h 16m
8 PM
5h 43m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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census designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States

Fort Defiance, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Chandler, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 287.2-mile journey from Fort Defiance, AZ, to Chandler, AZ, will take approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes of driving time. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is $57. As a single-day trip, it's quite manageable, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The route primarily utilizes Kit Carson Drive, Route 12, and Highway 264, offering a less highway-centric experience. Given that both your origin and destination are within the Desert Southwest region, expect consistent arid landscapes throughout your drive.

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

141.5 miles from Fort Defiance, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
South Beeline Highway 73.1 mi 1h 26m
Purple Heart Trail 69.9 mi 1h 9m
Heber Road 30.9 mi 36m
Navajo Route 12 28.6 mi 41m
Payson-Show Low Highway 24.2 mi 30m
Hwy 260 15.9 mi 22m
Payson-Heber Highway 12.7 mi 17m
North Country Club Drive 6.8 mi 12m
Longest stretch: South Beeline Highway — 73.1 mi, about 1h 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Defiance, AZ and Chandler, AZ.

1

Start on Old Red Lake Road

54 ft · 7 sec · Old Red Lake Road
2

Turn left onto N110

1.2 mi · 2 min · Kit Carson Drive
3

Continue on N12

5.0 mi · 8 min · Navajo Route 12
4

Turn right onto AZ 264

1.9 mi · 2 min · Arizona State Highway 264
5

Turn left onto N12

24 mi · 33 min · Navajo Route 12
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec
7

Merge onto I 40

70 mi · 1 hr 9 min · Purple Heart Trail
8

Take the exit onto AZ 77

0.4 mi · 50 sec · AZ 77
Toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South, US 180 East: Show Low, Heber
9

Turn left onto I 40 Bus; AZ 77; US 66 Hist

1.2 mi · 2 min · Navajo Boulevard
10

Continue on US 180; AZ 77

0.5 mi · 56 sec · Holbrook-Springerville Highway
11

Continue on AZ 77

1.6 mi · 2 min · Show Low-Holbrook Highway
12

Turn right onto AZ 377

31 mi · 36 min · Heber Road
13

Turn straight onto AZ 377

2.9 mi · 3 min · Heber-Holbrook Highway
14

At end of road, turn right onto AZ 277

4.9 mi · 6 min · West 3rd Street North
15

Continue on AZ 277

1.9 mi · 3 min · Highway 277
16

At end of road, turn right onto AZ 260

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Highway 260
17

Continue on AZ 260

16 mi · 22 min · Hwy 260
18

Continue on AZ 260

13 mi · 17 min · Payson-Heber Highway
Use the straight lane.
19

Continue on AZ 260

24 mi · 30 min · Payson-Show Low Highway
Use the straight lane.
20

Turn left onto AZ 87

73 mi · 1 hr 26 min · South Beeline Highway
Use the left lane.
21

Continue on AZ 87

6.8 mi · 12 min · North Country Club Drive
Use the right lane.
22

Continue on AZ 87

4.0 mi · 6 min · North Arizona Avenue
Use the left lane.
23

Turn left onto East Chandler Boulevard

149 ft · 12 sec · East Chandler Boulevard
Use the left lane.
24

Arrive at destination

East Chandler Boulevard

Trip Plan

With a 4-hour and 50-minute estimated driving time, this route is well-suited for a single day trip. Consider departing in the morning to allow ample time for any brief stops you might need. Since there's only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you transition between local roads, and plan your refueling accordingly. The $57 fuel estimate should give you a good baseline for budgeting this leg of your journey.

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 141.5 miles from Fort Defiance, AZ, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.1 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 62 miles or 1h 17m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 141.5 miles or 2h 46m 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 44m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chandler, AZ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fort Defiance, 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 Fort Defiance, AZ

This is one driving day of about 283 miles and 5h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Fort Defiance, 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 South Beeline Highway for about 73.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Gila County, Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Payson, AZ

142 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.

Popular next leg

Payson, AZ to Chandler, AZ

83.2 mi · 1h 44m

Pacing Suggestions

Ganado, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Snowflake, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 141.5 miles from Fort Defiance, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before South Beeline Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Delicious! Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Payson, Arizona

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 202.2

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+19284683013

Visit website

Delicious! Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 202.2

Payson, Arizona

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+19284683013

Visit website

Navajo County Historical Society

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 101.1

Holbrook, Arizona

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19285246558

Visit website

Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 262.8

Fountain Hills, Arizona

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+14808373966

Visit website

Window Rock Tribal Park & Veteran's Memorial

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Window Rock, Arizona

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+19288716647

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 6.2 and 199.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
6.2 mi into trip | ~10m in | AZ 264 / Arizona State Highway 264

Turn right onto AZ 264 / Arizona State Highway 264

Navigation decision point

5
101.8 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in | AZ 77

Take the exit onto AZ 77 toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South, US 180 East: Show Low, Heber

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South...
4
139.3 mi into trip | ~2h 43m in | AZ 277 / West 3rd Street North

At end of road, turn right onto AZ 277 / West 3rd Street North

Navigation decision point

4
146.2 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in | AZ 260 / Highway 260

At end of road, turn right onto AZ 260 / Highway 260

Navigation decision point

4
199.1 mi into trip | ~4h 5m in | AZ 87 / South Beeline Highway

Turn left onto AZ 87 / South Beeline Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$56.38 one way

$112.75 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 99 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.36 $59.66 $119.33
premium $5.59 $62.29 $124.59
diesel $5.61 $62.48 $124.97

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$56

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$81–$106

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 99 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 84.9 1 $29.71 $13.58
Efficient EV 70.8 0 $24.76 $11.32
EV Truck/SUV 113.2 1 $39.62 $18.11

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 15, 2026

Origin

Fort Defiance, AZ

Evening in Fort Defiance on Saturday

Local time

7:13 PM

MDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chandler, AZ

Evening in Chandler on Saturday

Local time

6:13 PM

MST

Current temp

90°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

44°F

Payson, AZ

142 mi in

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

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

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

5h 51m 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.

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

National Park

A landscape where deep time lies fully on display, Petrified Forest National Park blends colorful badlands, vast grasslands, and one of the world’s largest and most vivid collections of petrified wood...

5 mi from route ~13 min detour $25 near mile 78.1
View on nps.gov
Tonto National Monument

Tonto National Monument

National Monument

Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era). They represent a vibrant culture consisting of local and immigrant gr...

23 mi from route ~57 min detour $10 near mile 244
View on nps.gov
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

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...

28 mi from route ~70 min detour Free near mile 283
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with a 0% highway share. The absence of long, uninterrupted highway stretches means you'll be navigating a more varied driving experience. While the longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests frequent changes in direction and pace. This drive will likely feel more like exploring local roads than a straight-shot interstate cruise, offering a different kind of engagement behind the wheel.

Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.1 mi on South Beeline Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 6.2 miles in near AZ 264 / Arizona State Highway 264.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 51m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 6.2 miles (AZ 264 / Arizona State Highway 264): Navigation decision point; at 101.8 miles (AZ 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.3 miles (AZ 277 / West 3rd Street North): Navigation decision point.

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 Fort Defiance, AZ to Chandler, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Heber along the way.

Heber

101.8 mi in | ~1h 57m | via AZ 77

About the Cities

Arriving in Chandler, AZ

Full guide →

Chandler is a city in Arizona, and a medium-sized suburb of Phoenix with over 240,000 residents. It is a delightful place to visit.

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 5h 51m. Total distance: 283 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (17%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 73.1 miles on South Beeline 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.

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 6.2 miles (AZ 264 / Arizona State Highway 264): Navigation decision point; at 101.8 miles (AZ 77): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.3 miles (AZ 277 / West 3rd Street North): Navigation decision point.

Yes — Petrified Forest National Park, Tonto National Monument and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Chandler, AZ before the return drive.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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