This 401.2-mile journey from Gilbert, AZ to Beaver Dam, AZ clocks in at just under 8 hours, making it a feasible, albeit long, day trip within the Desert Southwest. You'll navigate a significant portion of this route using highways like the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway and the Las Vegas Freeway. With an estimated fuel cost of $80, this drive is generally straightforward. The route involves two planned stops, offering opportunities to break up the drive. Given its duration, planning an early start is advisable to comfortably reach your destination without feeling rushed.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
200.6 miles from Gilbert, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
106.7 mi
2h 9m
Las Vegas Freeway
73.3 mi
1h 13m
Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
66.2 mi
1h 16m
Grand Avenue
27.4 mi
37m
Purple Heart Trail
21.5 mi
21m
Purple Heart Highway
17.6 mi
20m
Papago Freeway
15 mi
17m
Superstition Freeway
9.8 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
— 106.7 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gilbert, AZ and Beaver Dam, AZ.
1
Start on this road
203 ft·20 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto North Elm Street
0.2 mi·44 sec·North Elm Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto East Vaughn Avenue
440 ft·23 sec·East Vaughn Avenue
4
Turn right onto North Gilbert Road
2.1 mi·4 min·North Gilbert Road
5
Turn left
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward US 60 West: PhoenixUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto US 60
9.8 mi·11 min·Superstition Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 60
0.6 mi·38 sec·US 60
Toward I 10 North
8
Merge onto I 10; US 60
4.9 mi·5 min·Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
2.0 mi·2 min·Papago Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
2.7 mi·3 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·36 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
12
Continue on I 10
10 mi·12 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 133BToward AZ 101 Loop NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on AZ 101 Loop
8.8 mi·10 min·Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 11Toward US 60Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto US 60
20 mi·28 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
159 ft·3 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
18
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
19
Continue on US 60
0.2 mi·15 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
20
Continue on US 60
0.1 mi·8 sec·Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway
21
Continue on US 60
6.3 mi·7 min·Grand Avenue
22
Continue on US 60
0.5 mi·31 sec·Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway
23
Continue on US 60
8.7 mi·10 min·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
24
Continue on US 60
1.5 mi·2 min·East Wickenburg Way
25
Enter roundabout onto US 93
2 ft·0 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
26
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.5 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
30
Enter roundabout onto US 93
100 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
31
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
32
Enter roundabout onto US 93
155 ft·6 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
33
Continue on US 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
34
Turn left onto US 93
112 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
35
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
101 mi·1 hr 58 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
36
Continue on US 93
0.3 mi·23 sec·Wickenburg-Kingman Highway
37
Take the exit onto US 93
0.7 mi·1 min·US 93
Toward I 40 West
38
Merge onto I 40; US 93
22 mi·21 min·Purple Heart Trail
39
Take the exit onto US 93
0.3 mi·42 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las Vegas
40
Turn slight right onto US 93
222 ft·7 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las VegasUse the right lane.
41
Merge onto US 93
1.8 mi·2 min·West Beale Street
Use the right lane.
42
Continue on US 93
66 mi·1 hr 16 min·Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
Use the right lane.
43
Continue on US 93
3.4 mi·4 min·Hoover Dam Bypass
44
Take the exit onto US 93 BUS
0.2 mi·20 sec·US 93 BUS
Exit 2Toward US 93 BUS North, NV 172 East: Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Lake MeadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93 BUS
6.0 mi·10 min·US 93 BUS
Exit 2Toward US 93 BUS North: Boulder CityUse the right lane.
46
Continue on US 93 BUS
3.6 mi·4 min·Boulder City Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Continue on I 11; US 93; US 95
18 mi·20 min·Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 72Toward NV 159: Charleston BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
49
Turn right onto NV 159
0.6 mi·1 min·East Charleston Boulevard
50
Turn left onto South Lamb Boulevard
6.8 mi·11 min·South Lamb Boulevard
Use the left lane.
51
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 15 North: Salt Lake City
52
Merge onto I 15; US 93
73 mi·1 hr 13 min·Las Vegas Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
53
Continue on I 15
8.1 mi·8 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
54
Take the exit
0.5 mi·53 sec
Exit 8Toward Beaver Dam, Littlefield
55
Turn left onto CR 91
0.6 mi·1 min·Highway 91
56
Turn right
332 ft·26 sec
57
At end of road, turn left
412 ft·30 sec
58
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this nearly 8-hour drive, an early departure from Gilbert, AZ is highly recommended to maximize daylight and allow ample time for your two stops. While the $80 fuel cost is a good estimate, it's always wise to have a bit of buffer. The 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile means you should stay alert and minimize distractions, especially when transitioning between main roads like the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway and the Las Vegas Freeway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a planned stop is over 100 miles.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 200.6 miles from Gilbert, AZ, or about 4h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.7 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 88 miles or 1h 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 200.6 miles or 4h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Beaver Dam, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gilbert, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Gilbert, AZ
This is one driving day of about 401.2 miles and 7h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 88 miles from Gilbert, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Wickenburg–Kingman Highway for about 106.7 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 37
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.5 and 283.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.5 mi into trip|~5m in
Turn left toward US 60 West: Phoenix
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 60 West: Phoenix
7
33.6 mi into trip|~42m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 133B
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
7
43.2 mi into trip|~53m in
Take the exit toward US 60
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward US 60
8
283 mi into trip|~5h 44m in|US 93 BUS
Take the exit onto US 93 BUS toward US 93 BUS North, NV 172 East: Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead
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 2
Toward US 93 BUS North, NV 172 East: Boulder Ci...
8
283.2 mi into trip|~5h 44m in|US 93 BUS
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93 BUS toward US 93 BUS North: Boulder City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 2
Toward US 93 BUS North: Boulder City
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$79.92 one way
$159.85 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg140 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$84.58
$169.17
premium
$5.59
$88.31
$176.62
diesel
$5.61
$88.58
$177.16
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$80
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$105–$130
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 140.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
120.4
1
$42.13
$19.26
Efficient EV
100.3
1
$35.11
$16.05
EV Truck/SUV
160.5
2
$56.17
$25.68
Gas CO2
140 kg
EV CO2
47 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Gilbert, AZ
Evening
in Gilbert on Saturday
Local time
6:08 PM
MST
Current temp
93°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Beaver Dam, AZ
Evening
in Beaver Dam on Saturday
Local time
6:08 PM
MST
Current temp
53°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
40 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 59m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$25
near mile 262.8
Danger: A harmful algal bloom (HAB) has been detected in Government Wash
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive that's characterized by frequent turns and a blend of highway and local road driving. While 31% of the route is on highways, the overall profile is described as a 'Turn-heavy local drive.' The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 106.7 miles on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway. This suggests a dynamic driving experience, moving from more open highway sections to more intricate local road segments as you progress through Arizona.
Only 31% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
58 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.7 mi on Wickenburg–Kingman Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 2.5 miles in.
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 37 significant decision points across 401.2 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 2.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 33.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 43.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Gilbert, AZ and Beaver Dam, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Gilbert is in the southeast valley of the Greater Phoenix region of Arizona. With a population of 270,000 (2021 est.) it is the largest town in the US. people. Once a railway town and the "Hay Capital of the World", Gilbert is now a diverse suburban center, retaining its agricultural and railroad history and celebrating its "small town" feel.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 59m. Total distance: 401.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 59m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.7 miles on Wickenburg–Kingman 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 Beaver Dam, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 33.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 43.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Lake Mead National Recreation Area 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 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 16.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Beaver Dam, AZ before the return drive.
