Origin
Fort Defiance, AZ
Evening in Fort Defiance on Saturday
Local time
7:12 PM
MDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fort Defiance, AZ to Peoria, AZ
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 55m
Distance
331.3 mi
533 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$66
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 43m
★
6 AM
5h 56m
8 AM
6h 22m
10 AM
6h 5m
12 PM
6h 2m
3 PM
6h 6m
5 PM
6h 21m
8 PM
5h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fort Defiance, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Peoria, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 331.3-mile journey from Fort Defiance, AZ to Peoria, AZ is a solid day trip, estimated to take about 5 hours and 55 minutes of driving time. You'll navigate primarily on the Purple Heart Trail, Arizona Veterans Highway, and Navajo Route 12, with only 19% of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is $66. Given its duration and the nature of the roads, it's manageable as a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The route offers a Desert Southwest experience from start to finish.
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
165.6 miles from Fort Defiance, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 161.3 mi | 2h 42m |
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 93 mi | 1h 33m |
| Navajo Route 12 | 28.6 mi | 41m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 20.7 mi | 22m |
| Agua Fria Freeway | 10.4 mi | 12m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 5.8 mi | 5m |
| North Black Canyon Highway | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| Arizona State Highway 264 | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 161.3 mi, about 2h 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Defiance, AZ and Peoria, 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
161 mi
·
2 hr 42 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
10
Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A
93 mi
·
1 hr 33 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
11
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 17
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
14
Continue on I 17
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 214C
Toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward AZ 101 Loop West
Use the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
10 mi
·
12 min
·
Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 11
Toward 91st Avenue, Grand Avenue, Cactus Road, Surprise
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on North 91st Avenue
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
North 91st Avenue
20
Turn left onto US 60
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right onto North 83rd Avenue
229 ft
·
37 sec
·
North 83rd Avenue
22
Continue on North 83rd Avenue
77 ft
·
2 sec
·
North 83rd Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
North 83rd Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 55-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Fort Defiance, AZ, to maximize your daylight hours. While it's designed as a single-day trip, the longest stretch without a stop is over 161 miles, so plan for at least one fuel and rest break. The fuel cost is estimated at $66, so ensure your tank is full before you begin. Pay attention to the varied road types, as 81% of this route is not on highways, and be mindful of the turns indicated by the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile.
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 165.6 miles from Fort Defiance, AZ, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 161.3 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 73 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 165.6 miles or 3h 1m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Peoria, 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 331.3 miles and 5h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 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 Purple Heart Trail for about 161.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
166 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 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 165.6 miles from Fort Defiance, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 161.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 193.2 and 328.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
193.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 29m 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
193.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 29m 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
8
317.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 36m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 214C
Toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
7
317.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward AZ 101 Loop West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward AZ 101 Loop West
8
328.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 50m in
Take the exit toward 91st Avenue, Grand Avenue, Cactus Road, Surprise
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward 91st Avenue, Grand Avenue, Cactus Road,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$66.00 one way
$132.00 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
116 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $69.85 | $139.69 |
| premium | $5.59 | $72.93 | $145.85 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $73.15 | $146.29 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$66
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 115.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 99.4 | 1 | $34.79 | $15.90 |
| Efficient EV | 82.8 | 0 | $28.99 | $13.25 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 132.5 | 1 | $46.38 | $21.20 |
Gas CO2
116 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Peoria, AZ
Evening in Peoria on Saturday
Local time
6:12 PM
MST
Current temp
92°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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
26 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 55m 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 239.1
View on nps.gov
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
~6 min detour
$25
near mile 182.1
View on nps.gov
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
$25
near mile 79.7
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
$25
near mile 182.1
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
~38 min detour
$10
near mile 239.1
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
~62 min detour
$25
near mile 182.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the majority of this 331.3-mile trip. With only 19% of the route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on more winding local roads like the Purple Heart Trail, Arizona Veterans Highway, and Navajo Route 12. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 161.3 miles on the Purple Heart Trail. This profile suggests a more engaging driving experience, moving away from monotonous interstate travel and offering a closer look at the landscape as you navigate.
Only 19% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 161.3 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
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 193.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 331.3 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 193.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 193.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 317.2 miles: 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fort Defiance, AZ and Peoria, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Flagstaff
193.2 mi in
|
~3h 29m
Phoenix
193.4 mi in
|
~3h 29m
About the Cities
Arriving in Peoria, AZ
Full guide →Peoria is a city inside of Phoenix, Arizona. Many visitors come to the area during the spring to see their favorite professional baseball team during Spring Training in the Cactus League.
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 55m. Total distance: 331.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 161.3 miles on Purple Heart Trail. 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 Peoria, 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 193.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 193.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 317.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument and Petrified Forest National Park (6 total within detour distance). 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 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Peoria, 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Peoria, AZ
More from Fort Defiance, AZ
More trips to Peoria, AZ
Explore more options from Fort Defiance, AZ or browse trips ending in Peoria, AZ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AZ road trips.