Kayenta, AZ to Maryvale, AZ is 291.1 miles and takes about 5h 30m via Arizona Veterans Highway, Navajo Trail, and Flagstaff-Cameron Highway, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Desert Southwest region, offering a straightforward drive across Arizona. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel. Expect a mostly surface road experience with a few stretches on highways, making it a practical choice for getting between these two points without significant complexity.
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
145.6 miles from Kayenta, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Kayenta, AZ and Maryvale, AZ.
1
Start on Comb Ridge Road
42 ft·3 sec·Comb Ridge Road
2
Turn right
0.1 mi·30 sec
3
Turn right onto US 163
1.4 mi·2 min·Kayenta-Utah State Line Highway
4
Turn right onto US 160
82 mi·1 hr 34 min·Navajo Trail
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 89
14 mi·16 min·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
6
Continue on US 89
0.3 mi·26 sec·US 89
7
Continue on US 89
1.4 mi·2 min·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
8
Enter roundabout onto US 89
154 ft·2 sec·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
9
Continue on US 89
38 mi·44 min·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
10
Continue on US 89
6.4 mi·8 min·US Highway 89
11
Continue on US 89
2.3 mi·4 min·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
12
Turn left onto Country Club Drive
0.3 mi·51 sec·Country Club Drive
Use the left lane.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Use the right lane.
14
Merge onto I 40
4.7 mi·5 min·Purple Heart Trail
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
17
Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A
93 mi·1 hr 33 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
18
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi·5 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 17
10 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi·3 min·North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
21
Continue on I 17
22 mi·24 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 203Toward Camelback RoadUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn straight onto North Black Canyon Highway
0.1 mi·17 sec·North Black Canyon Highway
24
Turn right onto West Camelback Road
3.7 mi·7 min·West Camelback Road
Use the right lane.
25
Turn left onto North 55th Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·North 55th Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
North 55th Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 5.5-hour drive, consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one stop recommended, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the $58 estimated cost suggests some stretches may have fewer services. The longest stretch on Arizona Veterans Highway is 93 miles, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before entering that segment. This route's manageable length means you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule, rather than needing to rush.
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 145.6 miles from Kayenta, AZ, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93 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 64 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.6 miles or 2h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maryvale, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kayenta, 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 Kayenta, AZ
This is one driving day of about 291.1 miles and 5h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Kayenta, 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 93 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 146.1 and 286.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
146.1 mi into trip|~2h 54m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
151.2 mi into trip|~3h in
Take the exit toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flags...
6
151.4 mi into trip|~3h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
7
286.6 mi into trip|~5h 21m in
Take the exit toward Camelback Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 203
Toward Camelback Road
5
286.9 mi into trip|~5h 21m in|West Camelback Road
Turn right onto West Camelback Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.58 one way
$103.17 round trip
$4.50/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$55.24
$110.48
premium
$5.04
$57.78
$115.57
diesel
$4.80
$54.97
$109.93
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.3
1
$30.57
$13.97
Efficient EV
72.8
0
$25.47
$11.64
EV Truck/SUV
116.4
1
$40.75
$18.63
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Kayenta, AZ
Late night
in Kayenta on Sunday
Local time
2:17 AM
MDT
Current temp
86°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 6 mph56% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:17PM MST until July 17 at 4:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:10PM MST until July 17 at 7:15PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
Destination
Maryvale, AZ
Late night
in Maryvale on Sunday
Local time
1:17 AM
MST
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 5 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:17PM MST until July 17 at 4:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:10PM MST until July 17 at 7:15PM MST by NWS Phoenix 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
7 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
5h 30m 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.
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...
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
$25
near mile 130.5
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
$25
near mile 150.6
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community. The early 1100's marked a time of cooler an...
8 mi from route
~19 min detour
$25
near mile 120.5
For centuries, the Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, Zuni, and Navajo people have lived in the canyons. Springs fed farmlands on the canyon floor and homes were built in the natural sandstone alcoves. T...
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 200.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a 13% highway share, meaning you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 93 miles along Arizona Veterans Highway. After this, you'll transition to surface roads for the remainder of the trip. Be prepared for a rural cruising feel, as the highway sections are limited and the majority of the drive involves navigating less-trafficked routes.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93 mi on Arizona Veterans Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 146.1 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 291.1 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 146.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 151.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
6,831 ft1,120 ft
Total Climb
3,432 ft
Total Descent
7,952 ft
Highest Point
6,831 ft
~145.6 mi in
Elevation Range
5,711 ft
Notable High Points
6,683 ft at ~20.8 miles+820 ft prominence
6,831 ft at ~145.6 miles+207 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Kayenta, AZ and Maryvale, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Flagstaff
151.2 mi in|~3h
Phoenix
151.4 mi in|~3h 1m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Kayenta is a small town near the northern border of Arizona and part of the Navajo Nation. The population was 5,189 at the 2010 census. Kayenta is 22 miles (35 km) south of Monument Valley and contains a number of hotels and motels which service visitors to Monument Valley.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 30m. Total distance: 291.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93 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 Maryvale, 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 146.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 151.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Maryvale, AZ before the return drive.
