Mazatzal Rest Area (Closed)
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Glendale, AZ to Tonto Basin, AZ
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 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
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.
Glendale, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.4 mi from route
Desert Dog Offroad Adventures
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Early stretch
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Fountain Hills, Arizona
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+14808373966
Visit websiteRiverview Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, right off the route
Early stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Mesa, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14806442352
Visit websiteAmusement Park Rides RandRrides(Phoenix Park & Swap)
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: Closed
+14809958653
Visit websiteEnchanted Island Amusement Park
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 11 am–4 pm
+16022541200
Visit websiteTempe Town Lake
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe Festival of the Arts
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Tempe, Arizona
+14803556060
Visit websiteArizona Science Center
3.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm
+16027162000
Visit websiteDorrance DOME
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 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
$20.32 one way
$40.64 round trip
$5.19/gal
25.4 MPG avg
35 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.52 | $21.62 | $43.23 |
| premium | $5.72 | $22.40 | $44.81 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $20.96 | $41.92 |
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, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29.9 | 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.
Origin
Glendale, AZ
Afternoon in Glendale on Wednesday
Local time
1:54 PM
MST
Current temp
75°F
Clear
0 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Tonto Basin, AZ
Afternoon in Tonto Basin on Wednesday
Local time
1:54 PM
MST
Current temp
69°F
Mostly Clear
E 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
103°F
Rio Verde, AZ
50 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 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
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.
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
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.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
4,501 ft
1,093 ft
Total Climb
3,610 ft
Total Descent
2,498 ft
Highest Point
4,501 ft
~71.1 mi in
Elevation Range
3,409 ft
Notable High Points
4,501 ft at ~71.1 miles
+669 ft prominence
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.
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
About the Cities
Starting in Glendale, AZ
Full guide →Founded 1887
Glendale is one of the largest suburbs in the metropolitan Phoenix area, and is rapidly growing as a media/entertainment center in the Valley of the Sun. It was home to over 250,000 people in 2019.
Top landmarks
- • Catlin Court Historic District — historic district in Glendale, Arizona, USA
- • Floralcroft Historic District — historic district in Glendale. Arizona
- • Glendale beet sugar factory
Arriving in Tonto Basin, AZ
Full guide →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 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.
Yes — we found about 3 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.
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. There are 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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