Sunset Point Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Kachina Village, AZ to Mesa, AZ
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 44m
Distance
152.4 mi
245 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 34m
★
6 AM
2h 45m
8 AM
3h 6m
10 AM
2h 53m
12 PM
2h 50m
3 PM
2h 54m
5 PM
3h 5m
8 PM
2h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kachina Village, AZ
Abhishek Navlakha
Mesa, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Kachina Village, AZ to Mesa, AZ is 152.4 miles and takes about 2h 44m via Arizona Veterans Highway and Black Canyon Freeway, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Desert Southwest, offering a straightforward drive from one part of Arizona to another. You'll primarily be on well-maintained highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day journey. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground between these two locations without needing an overnight stay.
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
76.2 miles from Kachina Village, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 87 mi | 1h 27m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| Red Mountain Freeway | 11.7 mi | 13m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 5.8 mi | 5m |
| North Black Canyon Highway | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| Papago Freeway | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| West University Drive | 2 mi | 3m |
| North Alma School Road | 1.6 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 87 mi, about 1h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kachina Village, AZ and Mesa, AZ.
1
Start on Kachina Trail
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Kachina Trail
2
Continue on Kachina Trail
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Kachina Trail
3
Turn left onto Kachina Boulevard
518 ft
·
16 sec
·
Kachina Boulevard
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
5
Merge onto I 17
87 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
6
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 17
10 mi
·
10 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on I 17
25 mi
·
28 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 200A
Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Use the slight left lane.
12
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
·
Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
14
Continue on I 10
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
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.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
17
Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
Exit 11
Toward Alma School Road
Use the slight right lane.
19
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
North Alma School Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
20
Turn left onto West University Drive
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
West University Drive
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
East University Drive
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under three hours, this route is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan to leave Kachina Village in the morning to make the most of daylight. With one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimate of $30, it's advisable to fill up your tank before leaving Kachina Village, especially considering the longest stretch on Arizona Veterans Highway is 87 miles. Keep an eye on traffic as you approach the Phoenix metropolitan area near Mesa.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.2 miles from Kachina Village, AZ, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87 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 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.2 miles or 1h 17m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mesa, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kachina Village, 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 Kachina Village, AZ
This is one driving day of about 152.4 miles and 2h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Kachina Village, 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 Arizona Veterans Highway for about 87 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
76 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 76.2 miles from Kachina Village, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Arizona Veterans Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87 miles.
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.
McGuireville Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
McGuireville Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.4 mi from route
Pioneer Living History Museum
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Later in the drive, right off the route
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 108.8
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+16234651052
Visit websiteAmusement Park Rides RandRrides(Phoenix Park & Swap)
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
1.8 mi from route
~4 min detour
mile 141.5
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: Closed
+14809958653
Visit websiteEnchanted Island Amusement Park
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
mile 130.6
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 11 am–4 pm
+16022541200
Visit websiteTempe Festival of the Arts
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
mile 141.5
Tempe, Arizona
+14803556060
Visit websiteTempe Town Lake
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
mile 141.5
Tempe, Arizona
Riverview Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
mile 152.4
Mesa, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14806442352
Visit websiteFort Tuthill County Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Flagstaff, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+19286798000
Visit websiteFlagstaff Snow Park
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Flagstaff, Arizona
+19282245938
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 132.6 and 148.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
132.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles
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 200A
Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, L...
8
132.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
8
136.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m 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
8
137.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m 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
7
148.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
Take the exit toward Alma School Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward Alma School Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.36 one way
$60.72 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
53 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $32.13 | $64.26 |
| premium | $5.59 | $33.55 | $67.09 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.65 | $67.30 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 45.7 | 0 | $16.00 | $7.32 |
| Efficient EV | 38.1 | 0 | $13.33 | $6.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61 | 0 | $21.34 | $9.75 |
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Kachina Village, AZ
Late night in Kachina Village on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
MST
Current temp
32°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Mesa, AZ
Late night in Mesa on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
MST
Current temp
93°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
61 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
2h 44m 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.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
National Monument
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
$10
near mile 42
Caution: High Levels of Visitation
Walnut Canyon National Monument
National Monument
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. T...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
$25
View on nps.gov
Tuzigoot National Monument
National Monument
Water flows under and through this landscape, feeding the growth of people and towns. The Verde Valley is watered by snowmelt, summer monsoons, and springs that well up from the ancient sedimentary ro...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
$10
near mile 42
View on nps.gov
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
National Monument
The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the peop...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
$25
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a mixed drive, with about 33% of the route on highways. You'll experience stretches on the Arizona Veterans Highway, including one uninterrupted segment of 87 miles. The Black Canyon Freeway and Red Mountain Freeway will then likely provide a faster-paced driving experience as you approach Mesa. Expect a dynamic feel, transitioning from potentially more open desert roads to busier freeway conditions.
33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87 mi on Arizona Veterans Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 132.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 12 significant decision points across 152.4 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 132.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
Between Kachina Village, AZ and Mesa, AZ, road signs point toward Los Angeles and Tucson.
Los Angeles
132.6 mi in
|
~2h 17m
Tucson
132.8 mi in
|
~2h 18m
About the Cities
Arriving in Mesa, AZ
Full guide →Founded 1878
Mesa, population 518,000 (2019), is in Maricopa County. It is Arizona's third-largest city, and is part of the Greater Phoenix urban complex.
Top landmarks
- • Mesa Arizona Temple — the seventh operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...
- • Mesa Grande — cultural park in Mesa, Arizona, preserving a group of Hohokam structures
- • Buckhorn Baths Motel — historic defunct mineral hot spring resort in Mesa, Arizona
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 44m. Total distance: 152.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (33%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 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 Mesa, 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 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 132.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument and Tuzigoot National Monument (4 total within detour distance). 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 Mesa, 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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