Trip from Mesa, AZ to Beaver Dam, AZ
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 52m
Distance
395.7 mi
637 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$70
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mesa, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Beaver Dam, AZ
Bluejae Photography
Trip Overview
This 395.7-mile drive from Mesa, AZ, to Beaver Dam, AZ, will take approximately 7 hours and 52 minutes, making it a feasible, albeit long, day trip. You'll primarily navigate the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway and the Las Vegas Freeway, with a portion of the Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $79, this journey through the Desert Southwest offers a practical route for those seeking to cover ground efficiently. You'll encounter a turn-heavy local drive feel for much of the way, so plan for frequent adjustments. Two planned stops are recommended along this 1-day journey.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
197.8 miles from Mesa, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 5m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Wickenburg–Kingman Highway | 106.7 mi | 2h 9m |
| Las Vegas Freeway | 73.3 mi | 1h 13m |
| Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway | 66.2 mi | 1h 16m |
| Grand Avenue | 27.4 mi | 37m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 21.5 mi | 21m |
| Purple Heart Highway | 17.6 mi | 20m |
| Papago Freeway | 11.8 mi | 13m |
| Red Mountain Freeway | 10.9 mi | 12m |
Traffic on I-15
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,128 veh/hr typical · worst 1,480
Quietest
1 AM
~155 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and Beaver Dam, AZ.
Start on East University Drive
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
Turn left
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
Take the exit
Merge onto I 10
Continue on I 10
Continue on I 10
Take the exit
Continue on AZ 101 Loop
Take the exit
Turn left onto US 60
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Enter roundabout onto US 93
Continue on US 93
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
Enter roundabout onto US 93
Continue on US 93
Enter roundabout onto US 93
Continue on US 93
Turn left onto US 93
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
Continue on US 93
Take the exit onto US 93
Merge onto I 40; US 93
Take the exit onto US 93
Turn slight right onto US 93
Merge onto US 93
Continue on US 93
Continue on US 93
Take the exit onto US 93 BUS
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93 BUS
Continue on US 93 BUS
Continue on I 11; US 93; US 95
Take the exit
Turn right onto NV 159
Turn left onto South Lamb Boulevard
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 15; US 93
Continue on I 15
Take the exit
Turn left onto CR 91
Turn right
At end of road, turn left
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour 52-minute duration, consider an early morning departure from Mesa to maximize daylight and allow ample time for your two recommended stops. The estimated fuel cost of $79 is a good budget baseline, but it's wise to check current prices. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests paying close attention to navigation, especially on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway, as you'll be making numerous turns. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as you'll be covering a significant distance within Arizona, passing through the Desert Southwest region.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 87 miles or 1h 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 197.8 miles or 4h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Beaver Dam, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
Open the route before leaving Mesa, 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.
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Mesa, AZ
This is one driving day of about 395.7 miles and 7h 52m.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
198 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
A short stop after about 87 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 197.8 miles from Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Wickenburg–Kingman Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.7 miles.
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.
Truck Parking, I-15 Southbound, Mile 96
Truck Parking I-15 Northbound, Mile 96
Hassayampa Rest Area
TA
Truck Parking I-15 Northbound Mile 88
Rest Area
Truck Parking I-15 Southbound, Mile 111
Petro Stopping Centers
Love's Travel Stop
TA
Nevada Welcome Center
Pilot Travel Center
Service Plaza
Rest Area
TA Express
Pilot Travel Center
Vehicle Inspection Station AZDOT
Truck Parking I-15 Southbound Mile 88
Nevada Welcome Center
TA Express
Mile Marker 27
QuikTrip
Rest Area
Flying J Travel Center
Railroad Pass Travel Center
Eagles Landing Plaza
Petro Stopping Centers
Love's Travel Stop
Petro Stopping Centers
Flying J Travel Center
Danny's Big Rig Resort
Love's Travel Stop
Service Plaza
Pilot Travel Center
QuikTrip
Service Plaza
Pilot Travel Center
Eagles Landing Travel Plaza
QuikTrip
Pilot Travel Center
Wilbur Square
Later in the drive, right off the route
Boulder City, Nevada
Hours: 5 am–10 pm
Tom Devlin's Monster Museum
Later in the drive, right off the route
Boulder City, Nevada
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+17022941313
Visit websiteHemenway Park
Later in the drive, short detour
Boulder City, Nevada
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+17022939256
Visit websiteNevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City
Later in the drive, short detour
Boulder City, Nevada
Hours: 9 am–3:30 pm
+17024865952
Visit websiteBoulder City Urban Pond
Later in the drive, short detour
Boulder City, Nevada
Hours: 5 am–10 pm
Visit websiteRiverview Park
Near the start, short detour
Mesa, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14806442352
Visit websiteHistoric Railroad Hiking Trail
Later in the drive, ~9 min detour
Boulder City, Nevada
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+17022938990
Visit websiteDesert Wonder Adventures
Around the midpoint, short detour
Kingman, Arizona
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+19287162046
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 335 decision points cluster between mile 3.6 and 277.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn left toward AZ 202 Loop West
Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 60
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit onto US 93 BUS toward US 93 BUS North, NV 172 East: Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93 BUS toward US 93 BUS North: Boulder City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$70.12 one way
$140.24 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.82 | $75.09 | $150.18 |
| premium | $5.04 | $78.55 | $157.10 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $74.72 | $149.43 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$70
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$95–$120
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 138.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 118.7 | 1 | $41.55 | $18.99 |
| Efficient EV | 98.9 | 1 | $34.62 | $15.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 158.3 | 1 | $55.40 | $25.32 |
Gas CO2
138 kg
EV CO2
46 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.
Origin
Mesa, AZ
Evening in Mesa on Saturday
Local time
6:29 PM
MST
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:04PM MST until July 17 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 8:45PM MST until July 16 at 10:45PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
Destination
Beaver Dam, AZ
Evening in Beaver Dam on Saturday
Local time
6:29 PM
MST
Current temp
83°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 9:04PM MST until July 17 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 8:45PM MST until July 16 at 10:45PM 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
8 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
7h 52m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Experience outdoor thrills, striking landscapes, and brilliant blue waters. This year-round recreation area spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast reservoirs. Vis...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive with a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile for most of this 395.7-mile route. While 29% of your journey will be on highways, the character leans towards more frequent navigation changes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 106.7 miles on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway. This means you'll likely experience varied road conditions and speeds, moving from more open highway sections to tighter, more local driving segments as you progress toward Beaver Dam.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 3.6 miles in.
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 33 significant decision points across 395.7 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 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 28.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
Total Climb
3,435 ft
Total Descent
2,843 ft
Highest Point
3,732 ft
~197.8 mi in
Elevation Range
2,706 ft
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 Mesa, AZ and Beaver Dam, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Las Vegas
Hoover Dam
Lake Mead
About the Cities
Starting 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
Arriving in Beaver Dam, AZ
Full guide →Founded 1863
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 7h 52m. Total distance: 395.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 52m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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