Golden Valley to Chandler is 222.2 miles and takes about 4h 38m via US 93 and Grand Avenue, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Arizona's Desert Southwest region, offering a straightforward trip. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a manageable distance for most drivers. Expect a mix of highway cruising and surface roads as you make your way south.
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
111.1 miles from Golden Valley, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 93
91.1 mi
1h 46m
Grand Avenue
26.6 mi
36m
Purple Heart Trail
22.1 mi
22m
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
16.3 mi
24m
Papago Freeway
14.9 mi
17m
Agua Fria Freeway
8.9 mi
10m
Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
8.7 mi
10m
US 60
7.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
US 93
— 91.1 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Golden Valley, AZ and Chandler, AZ.
1
Start on Santa Maria Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Santa Maria Road
2
Turn right onto West Chino Drive
0.2 mi·37 sec·West Chino Drive
3
Turn right onto Verde Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Verde Road
4
Turn left onto AZ 68
5.1 mi·6 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 93 South: Kingman
6
Merge onto US 93
1.7 mi·1 min·Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
7
Continue on US 93
2.0 mi·3 min·West Beale Street
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn left onto US 93
0.3 mi·37 sec·US 93
Toward US 93, I 40, I 11 Future: Flagstaff, PhoenixUse the left lane.
9
Merge onto I 40; US 93
22 mi·22 min·Purple Heart Trail
10
Take the exit onto US 93
91 mi·1 hr 46 min·US 93
Exit 71Toward US 93 South: Wickenburg, PhoenixUse the left lane.
11
Merge onto US 93
11 mi·12 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
13
Enter roundabout onto US 93
138 ft·5 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
14
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
15
Enter roundabout onto US 93
139 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
16
Continue on US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.5 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
19
Continue on US 93
104 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
21
Enter roundabout onto US 60
201 ft·8 sec·East Wickenburg Way
22
Continue on US 60
1.5 mi·2 min·East Wickenburg Way
23
Continue on US 60
8.7 mi·10 min·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
24
Continue on US 60
5.2 mi·5 min·Grand Avenue
Use the right lane.
25
Continue on US 60
1.7 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway
26
Continue on US 60
1.1 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
20 mi·29 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward AZ 101 Loop South
29
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
8.9 mi·10 min·Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / left lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 10 East: PhoenixUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
31
Merge onto I 10
10 mi·12 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·35 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
33
Continue on I 10
3.2 mi·3 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Merge onto I 10; US 60
4.8 mi·5 min·Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit onto US 60
7.6 mi·8 min·US 60
Exit 154Toward US 60 East: Mesa, GlobeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 179Toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, ChandlerUse the slight right lane.
38
Turn right onto AZ 87
1.5 mi·2 min·South Country Club Drive
Use the right lane.
39
Continue on AZ 87
4.0 mi·6 min·North Arizona Avenue
Use the left lane.
40
Turn left onto East Chandler Boulevard
149 ft·12 sec·East Chandler Boulevard
Use the left lane.
41
Arrive at destination
East Chandler Boulevard
Trip Plan
For this 4h 38m drive, aim to leave Golden Valley in the morning to maximize daylight. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops, but planning one break is wise. Keep an eye on fuel, especially before departing US 93, as services can become more spread out on the surface road sections. The $44 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but it's always smart to have a bit extra, particularly if you encounter unexpected detours or traffic.
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 111.1 miles from Golden Valley, AZ, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.1 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 49 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.1 miles or 2h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chandler, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Golden Valley, 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 Golden Valley, AZ
This is one driving day of about 222.2 miles and 4h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Golden Valley, 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 US 93 for about 91.1 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.4 and 216.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
10.4 mi into trip|~17m in|US 93
Turn left onto US 93 toward US 93, I 40, I 11 Future: Flagstaff, Phoenix
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 93, I 40, I 11 Future: Flagstaff, Pho...
8
32.8 mi into trip|~40m in|US 93
Take the exit onto US 93 toward US 93 South: Wickenburg, Phoenix
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 71
Toward US 93 South: Wickenburg, Phoenix
8
187.6 mi into trip|~3h 54m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Phoenix
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 1B
Toward I 10 East: Phoenix
8
208.6 mi into trip|~4h 19m in|US 60
Take the exit onto US 60 toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe
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 154
Toward US 60 East: Mesa, Globe
8
216.3 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Chandler
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 179
Toward AZ 87: Country Club Drive, Chandler
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.37 one way
$78.75 round trip
$4.50/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$42.17
$84.33
premium
$5.04
$44.11
$88.22
diesel
$4.80
$41.96
$83.91
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.7
0
$23.33
$10.67
Efficient EV
55.6
0
$19.44
$8.89
EV Truck/SUV
88.9
1
$31.11
$14.22
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Golden Valley, AZ
Late night
in Golden Valley on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
MST
Current temp
95°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 8 mph12% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 1:04PM MST until July 18 at 3:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 1:02PM MST until July 18 at 4:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
Destination
Chandler, AZ
Late night
in Chandler on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
MST
Current temp
96°F
Mostly Sunny
WSW 5 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 1:04PM MST until July 18 at 3:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 1:02PM MST until July 18 at 4:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
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
1 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
4h 38m 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.
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...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 222.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend 57% of this 222.2-mile trip on highways, with the longest continuous stretch on US 93 covering 91.1 miles. After this, expect the profile to shift to a mix of highway and surface roads, likely transitioning to Grand Avenue and Purple Heart Trail. This means you'll experience both open highway speeds and more local traffic conditions as you approach your destination.
57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91.1 mi on US 93.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.4 miles in near US 93.
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 27 significant decision points across 222.2 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 10.4 miles (US 93): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.8 miles (US 93): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,870 ft1,030 ft
Total Climb
2,112 ft
Total Descent
3,706 ft
Highest Point
3,870 ft
~31.7 mi in
Elevation Range
2,840 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Golden Valley, AZ and Chandler, AZ, road signs point toward Phoenix and Globe.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 38m. Total distance: 222.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 91.1 miles on US 93. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Chandler, 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. There are 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.4 miles (US 93): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.8 miles (US 93): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Chandler, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
