Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Gilbert, AZ to Swift Trail Junction, AZ
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 30m
Distance
155.3 mi
250 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 18m
★
6 AM
3h 30m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 36m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 53m
8 PM
3h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gilbert, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Swift Trail Junction, AZ
Mark Direen
Trip Overview
Traveling from Gilbert to Swift Trail Junction spans 155.3 miles across the Desert Southwest, a journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Given the manageable duration, this trip is perfectly suited as a one-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $31 on fuel for the round trip, making it an affordable regional getaway. You will primarily navigate via the Superstition Freeway, the Phoenix–Globe Highway, and the Globe-Lordsburg Highway. Whether you are looking for a quick change of scenery or a focused drive through the desert landscape, this route offers a straightforward path between these two Arizona points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
77.7 miles from Gilbert, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Globe-Lordsburg Highway | 71.2 mi | 1h 28m |
| Phoenix–Globe Highway | 43 mi | 55m |
| Superstition Freeway | 16.6 mi | 19m |
| South 1st Avenue | 7.3 mi | 11m |
| US 60 | 4 mi | 7m |
| West Thatcher Boulevard | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| East Ash Street | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| North Gilbert Road | 2.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
— 71.2 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gilbert, AZ and Swift Trail Junction, 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
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 60 East: Globe
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto US 60
17 mi
·
19 min
·
Superstition Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist
43 mi
·
55 min
·
Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
Continue on US 60
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Live Oak Street
9
Continue on US 60
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
US 60
10
Continue on US 60
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Broad Street
11
Turn left onto North Broad Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Broad Street
Use the left lane.
12
Turn left onto East Oak Street
366 ft
·
9 sec
·
East Oak Street
13
Turn right onto South Hill Street
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
South Hill Street
14
Turn left onto US 60
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
East Ash Street
15
Continue on US 70; AZ 77
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 70; AZ 77
70 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
17
Continue on US 70
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
18
Continue on US 70
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
West Thatcher Boulevard
19
Continue on US 70
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West 5th Street
20
Turn right onto US 191
7.3 mi
·
11 min
·
South 1st Avenue
21
Turn left onto West Swift Trail
102 ft
·
3 sec
·
West Swift Trail
22
Arrive at destination
West Swift Trail
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 3 hour and 30 minute drive, aim to depart early in the morning to beat traffic and maximize your daylight hours at the destination. Plan for at least one stop along the way to break up the 155.3-mile distance and keep your energy levels high. Since the route is relatively short, you have the flexibility to return home the same day, but keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before leaving the more populated areas near Gilbert. A helpful tip for this specific trek is to prioritize your fuel stops early, as the technical, turn-heavy sections later in the route can consume more gas than expected. Keeping your tank topped off before hitting the Globe-Lordsburg Highway will ensure a stress-free experience.
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 77.7 miles from Gilbert, AZ, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 34 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.7 miles or 1h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Swift Trail Junction, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Gilbert, AZ
This is one driving day of about 155.3 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Gilbert, 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 Globe-Lordsburg Highway for about 71.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 77.7 miles from Gilbert, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Globe-Lordsburg Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.2 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.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Legends of Superior Trails
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, right off the route
Early stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Superior, Arizona
Hours: Open 24 hours
+16029359034
Visit websiteBoyce Thompson Arboretum
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Superior, Arizona
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+15206892723
Visit websiteCobre Valley Center for the Arts
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Globe, Arizona
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19284250884
Visit websiteSignal Butte Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~9 min detour
First break
3.5 mi from route
~9 min detour
Mesa, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14806447529
Visit websiteBesh-Ba-Gowah Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Halfway reset
4.1 mi from route
~10 min detour
Globe, Arizona
Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm
+19284250320
Visit websiteBesh-Ba-Gowah Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Halfway reset
4.1 mi from route
~10 min detour
Globe, Arizona
Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm
+19284250320
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 and 69.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Elm Street
Turn left onto North Elm Street
Navigation decision point
6
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
East Vaughn Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto East Vaughn Avenue
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
2.4 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the ramp toward US 60 East: Globe
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 60 East: Globe
5
2.7 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 60 / Superstition Freeway
Merge onto US 60 / Superstition Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
69.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
|
North Broad Street
Turn left onto North Broad Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.94 one way
$61.88 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $32.74 | $65.48 |
| premium | $5.59 | $34.18 | $68.37 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.29 | $68.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.6 | 0 | $16.31 | $7.45 |
| Efficient EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.59 | $6.21 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.1 | 0 | $21.74 | $9.94 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Gilbert, AZ
Late night in Gilbert on Tuesday
Local time
4:09 AM
MST
Current temp
65°F
Partly Cloudy
SSE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 20 at 10:32AM PDT until April 21 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
Destination
Swift Trail Junction, AZ
Late night in Swift Trail Junction on Tuesday
Local time
4:09 AM
MST
Current temp
80°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
15 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
3h 30m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 32.1
View on nps.gov
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
$10
near mile 58.9
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 is defined by a turn-heavy local feel rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as only 13% of the journey consists of major highway driving. While you start on faster stretches, the road profile shifts significantly as you head toward Swift Trail Junction. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 71.2 miles along the Globe-Lordsburg Highway, which serves as the backbone of your trip. Expect to stay alert behind the wheel, as the technical nature of the local roads requires more engagement than your typical highway trek. It is a drive that rewards drivers who enjoy navigating varied road conditions while crossing the desert terrain.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.2 mi on Globe-Lordsburg 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 early in the drive near North Elm Street.
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 3h 30m 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: near the start (North Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (East Vaughn Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 2.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Starting in Gilbert, AZ
Full guide →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.
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 3h 30m. Total distance: 155.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (13%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71.2 miles on Globe-Lordsburg Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 2 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Elm Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (East Vaughn Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 2.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Tonto National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Swift Trail Junction, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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