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Trip from Mammoth, AZ to Mesa, AZ

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 23m

Distance

101.1 mi

163 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 13m ★
6 AM
2h 23m
8 AM
2h 43m
10 AM
2h 30m
12 PM
2h 28m
3 PM
2h 31m
5 PM
2h 42m
8 PM
2h 17m

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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town in Pinal County, Arizona, United States

Mammoth, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Mesa, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 101.1-mile journey from Mammoth to Mesa, Arizona, is designed for a single day of driving, taking approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate the Phoenix–Globe Highway, Winkelman-Superior Highway, and Tucson-Globe Highway, experiencing a local drive with frequent turns. With a projected fuel cost of around $20, this route offers an economical option for exploring the Desert Southwest region. There are no designated stops, so you'll have the flexibility to decide where and when to pause along the way. This drive is well-suited for a single-day adventure 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

50.5 miles from Mammoth, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Phoenix–Globe Highway 27.3 mi 33m
Winkelman-Superior Highway 23.1 mi 40m
Tucson-Globe Highway 19.9 mi 24m
Superstition Freeway 18.6 mi 21m
North Highway 177 5.2 mi 9m
Ray Road 2.4 mi 4m
South Mesa Drive 2 mi 3m
North Main Street 0.7 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Phoenix–Globe Highway — 27.3 mi, about 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mammoth, AZ and Mesa, AZ.

1

Start on North Main Street

0.7 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
2

Turn right onto AZ 77

20 mi · 24 min · Tucson-Globe Highway
3

Turn left onto AZ 177

0.3 mi · 34 sec · 2nd Street
Use the left lane.
4

Continue on AZ 177

1.2 mi · 2 min · Winkelman-Superior Highway
5

Continue on AZ 177

0.3 mi · 36 sec · Morris Road
6

Continue on AZ 177

18 mi · 31 min · Winkelman-Superior Highway
7

Continue on AZ 177

5.2 mi · 9 min · North Highway 177
8

Continue on AZ 177

4.1 mi · 7 min · Winkelman-Superior Highway
9

Continue on AZ 177

2.4 mi · 4 min · Ray Road
10

Continue on AZ 177

0.2 mi · 25 sec · South Magma Avenue
11

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward US-60 West
12

Merge onto US 60

27 mi · 33 min · Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the left lane.
13

Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist

19 mi · 21 min · Superstition Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 180 Toward Mesa Drive Use the slight right lane.
15

Turn right onto South Mesa Drive

2.0 mi · 3 min · South Mesa Drive
Use the left lane.
16

Continue on North Mesa Drive

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Mesa Drive
17

Turn right onto East University Drive

73 ft · 1 sec · East University Drive
18

Arrive at destination

East University Drive

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2-hour 23-minute duration for this 101.1-mile drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Consider an early morning start to maximize your daylight hours and allow for spontaneous pauses. With no scheduled stops, planning your own brief breaks is key, especially since the longest stretch without a turn is 27.3 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $20, and ensure you're comfortable with the turn-heavy nature of the drive. The Phoenix–Globe Highway offers the most extended period of continuous travel, so plan accordingly for any quick refreshments before or after this segment.

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 50.5 miles from Mammoth, AZ, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27.3 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 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 50.5 miles or 1h 18m 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 59m

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 Mammoth, 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 Mammoth, AZ

This is one driving day of about 101.1 miles and 2h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Mammoth, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Phoenix–Globe Highway for about 27.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Pinal County, Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Superior, AZ

51 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

Dudleyville, AZ

Fuel and coffee

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

Superior, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 50.5 miles from Mammoth, 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.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Superior, Arizona

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+15206892723

Visit website

Legends of Superior Trails

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Superior, Arizona

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16029359034

Visit website

Riverview Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Mesa, Arizona

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14806442352

Visit website

Signal Butte Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Mesa, Arizona

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14806447529

Visit website

Tyrannostorus

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

Mesa, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+14805974467

Visit website

Superstition Mountain - Lost Dutchman Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Apache Junction, Arizona

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+14809834888

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 6

5 decision points cluster between mile 20.6 and 98.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
20.6 mi into trip | ~26m in | AZ 177 / 2nd Street

Turn left onto AZ 177 / 2nd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
52.2 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in

Take the ramp toward US-60 West

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

Toward US-60 West
5
52.3 mi into trip | ~1h 22m in | US 60 / Phoenix–Globe Highway

Merge onto US 60 / Phoenix–Globe Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
98.2 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in

Take the exit toward Mesa Drive

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 180 Toward Mesa Drive
5
98.6 mi into trip | ~2h 18m in | South Mesa Drive

Turn right onto South Mesa Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.14 one way

$40.28 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 35 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.36 $21.31 $42.63
premium $5.59 $22.25 $44.51
diesel $5.61 $22.32 $44.64

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: 35.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30.3 0 $10.62 $4.85
Efficient EV 25.3 0 $8.85 $4.04
EV Truck/SUV 40.4 0 $14.15 $6.47

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 20, 2026

Origin

Mammoth, AZ

Late night in Mammoth on Tuesday

Local time

4:30 AM

MST

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Mesa, AZ

Late night in Mesa on Tuesday

Local time

4:30 AM

MST

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

55°F

Superior, AZ

51 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

32 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 23m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the majority of this 101.1-mile route. While only 24% of the journey utilizes highway sections, you'll encounter varied road conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 27.3 miles along the Phoenix–Globe Highway. This suggests a driving experience that requires consistent attention to navigation and road changes, rather than a straightforward interstate cruise. The road's personality shifts as you move through the Arizona landscape, transitioning between more open highway and tighter local roads.

Only 24% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 27.3 mi on Phoenix–Globe Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 20.6 miles in near AZ 177 / 2nd Street.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Mammoth, AZ to Mesa, AZ is easy. At 2h 23m with 24% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 20.6 miles (AZ 177 / 2nd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 52.2 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 52.3 miles (US 60 / Phoenix–Globe Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Mammoth, AZ

Full guide →

Founded 1872

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 23m. Total distance: 101.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (24%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 27.3 miles on Phoenix–Globe Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 20.6 miles (AZ 177 / 2nd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 52.2 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 52.3 miles (US 60 / Phoenix–Globe Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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