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Trip from Glendale, AZ to Tonto Basin, AZ

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 7m

Distance

99.5 mi

160 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 59m ★
6 AM
2h 8m
8 AM
2h 26m
10 AM
2h 14m
12 PM
2h 12m
3 PM
2h 15m
5 PM
2h 25m
8 PM
2h 2m

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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city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Glendale, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Tonto Basin, AZ, AZ

Tonto Basin, AZ

Zsolt Pujsz

Trip Overview

This 99.5-mile drive from Glendale, AZ, to Tonto Basin, AZ, is a manageable 2-hour and 7-minute journey, perfect for a single-day trip. You'll navigate primarily via the Beeline Highway, Claypool-Jakes Corner Highway, and Red Mountain Freeway, with about 15% of the route being on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $20, making it an economical excursion. The drive offers a turn-heavy local feel, characteristic of the Desert Southwest region you'll be traversing. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is well-suited for a day trip without the need for an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

49.8 miles from Glendale, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Beeline Highway 52.4 mi 1h
Claypool-Jakes Corner Highway 17.1 mi 24m
Red Mountain Freeway 12.9 mi 15m
Grand Avenue 7.8 mi 13m
North Beeline Highway 4.5 mi 5m
Papago Freeway 2.4 mi 2m
North Country Club Drive 0.5 mi 1m
Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Beeline Highway — 52.4 mi, about 1h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Glendale, AZ and Tonto Basin, AZ.

1

Start on US 60

0.3 mi · 36 sec · Grand Avenue
2

Continue on US 60

5.5 mi · 9 min · Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
3

Continue on Grand Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Grand Avenue
4

Turn right onto North 19th Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · North 19th Avenue
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 48 sec
Toward I 10 East: Tucson Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto I 10

0.9 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7

Continue on I 10

0.5 mi · 35 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
8

Continue on I 10

1.4 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway

0.1 mi · 7 sec · Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147 Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East
11

Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway

12 mi · 14 min · Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Exit 13 Toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Payson Use the slight right lane.
13

Turn left onto AZ 87

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Country Club Drive
14

Continue on AZ 87

4.5 mi · 5 min · North Beeline Highway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
15

Continue on AZ 87

52 mi · 1 hr · Beeline Highway
Use the left lane.
16

Turn right onto AZ 188

17 mi · 24 min · Claypool-Jakes Corner Highway
17

Turn left

0.2 mi · 1 min
18

At end of road, turn left

0.2 mi · 58 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 7-minute drive covering 99.5 miles, consider an early morning departure to maximize your time in Tonto Basin. With no planned stops, you have flexibility, but it's wise to fuel up before you leave Glendale to avoid any concerns, especially since the estimated fuel cost is only $20. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as longer stretches between services can occur on local roads. The Beeline Highway is your longest stretch at 52.4 miles, so ensure you're comfortable with that segment before heading out. Pack snacks and water, as dedicated rest stops are not indicated for this journey.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 49.8 miles from Glendale, AZ, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.4 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 22 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 49.8 miles or 1h 4m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 40m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Glendale, 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 Glendale, AZ

This is one driving day of about 99.5 miles and 2h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Glendale, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Beeline Highway for about 52.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Pinal and Maricopa counties in Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Apache Junction, AZ

50 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

Tempe, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Apache Junction, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 49.8 miles from Glendale, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 35.5

Fountain Hills, Arizona

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+14808373966

Visit website

Riverview Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 21.3

Mesa, Arizona

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14806442352

Visit website

Amusement Park Rides RandRrides(Phoenix Park & Swap)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 14.2

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: Closed

+14809958653

Visit website

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 7.1

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+16022541200

Visit website

Tempe Town Lake

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 21.3

Tempe, Arizona

Tempe Festival of the Arts

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 21.3

Tempe, Arizona

+14803556060

Visit website

Arizona Science Center

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 7.1

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

+16027162000

Visit website

Dorrance DOME

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 7.1

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.1 and 24.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
8.1 mi into trip | ~14m in

Take the ramp toward I 10 East: Tucson

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 10 East: Tucson
8
11.4 mi into trip | ~18m in | Red Mountain Freeway

Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East

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 147 Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
6
11.5 mi into trip | ~18m in | Red Mountain Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East
8
11.8 mi into trip | ~19m in | Red Mountain Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East
8
24.3 mi into trip | ~33m in

Take the exit toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Payson

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 13 Toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Payson

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.82 one way

$39.64 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 35 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.36 $20.98 $41.95
premium $5.59 $21.90 $43.80
diesel $5.61 $21.97 $43.94

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 34.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 29.8 0 $10.45 $4.78
Efficient EV 24.9 0 $8.71 $3.98
EV Truck/SUV 39.8 0 $13.93 $6.37

Gas CO2

35 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026

Origin

Glendale, AZ

Night in Glendale on Saturday

Local time

9:20 PM

MST

Current temp

88°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Tonto Basin, AZ

Night in Tonto Basin on Saturday

Local time

9:20 PM

MST

Current temp

84°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

4 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

2h 7m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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.

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...

16 mi from route ~40 min detour $10 near mile 99.5
Caution: Construction Delays
Caution: Water is Required
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 on this route, with a highway share of only 15%. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 52.4 miles on the Beeline Highway. This drive isn't a monotonous interstate grind; instead, it involves more engaged driving on local roads. As you progress, the character of the route will likely shift from faster highway sections to more winding local routes, requiring your attention. Be prepared for frequent turns and changes in road conditions as you make your way to Tonto Basin.

Only 15% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.4 mi on Beeline 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 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 8.1 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 99.5 miles you will encounter 10 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 8.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.5 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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 Glendale, AZ to Tonto Basin, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Payson along the way.

Payson

24.3 mi in | ~33m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 7m. Total distance: 99.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 52.4 miles on Beeline Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Tonto Basin, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 8.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.5 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes — Tonto National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Tonto Basin, AZ before heading back.

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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