Service Plaza
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Trip from Mesa, AZ to First Mesa, 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
5h 8m
Distance
236.9 mi
381 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 55m
★
6 AM
5h 9m
8 AM
5h 36m
10 AM
5h 18m
12 PM
5h 15m
3 PM
5h 19m
5 PM
5h 34m
8 PM
5h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mesa, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Mesa, AZ to First Mesa, AZ is 236.9 miles and takes about 5h 8m via Beeline Highway, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Arizona and the Desert Southwest region, offering a straightforward drive. With a recommended one-day duration, it’s ideal for a quick getaway. The route is primarily surface roads, so expect a more relaxed pace than a pure interstate cruise. Plan for a single stop to break up the drive.
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
118.4 miles from Mesa, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 33m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Beeline Highway | 68.4 mi | 1h 20m |
| Winslow–Kayenta Highway | 56.8 mi | 1h 6m |
| Payson-Winslow Highway | 37.4 mi | 55m |
| State Highway 87 | 27.1 mi | 39m |
| State Route 87 | 17.8 mi | 25m |
| Arizona State Highway 264 | 7.7 mi | 9m |
| North Beeline Highway | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| AZ 87 | 4.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Beeline Highway
— 68.4 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and First Mesa, AZ.
1
Start on East University Drive
73 ft
·
5 sec
·
East University Drive
2
Turn right onto North Mesa Drive
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
North Mesa Drive
3
Turn left onto East McKellips Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East McKellips Road
4
Turn right onto AZ 87
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Country Club Drive
5
Continue on AZ 87
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
North Beeline Highway
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
6
Continue on AZ 87
68 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
Beeline Highway
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North Beeline Highway
8
Enter roundabout onto AZ 87; AZ 260
132 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Beeline Highway
9
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Beeline Highway
10
Enter roundabout onto AZ 87; AZ 260
114 ft
·
1 sec
·
North Beeline Highway
11
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
North Beeline Highway
12
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Arizona State Highway 87
13
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Payson-Winslow Highway
14
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Arizona State Highway 87
15
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Payson-Winslow Highway
16
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
·
North AZ Highway 87
17
Continue on AZ 87; AZ 260
7.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Payson-Winslow Highway
18
Continue on AZ 87
12 mi
·
16 min
·
State Route 87
19
Continue on AZ 87
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
Payson–Winslow Highway
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on AZ 87
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
State Highway 87
21
Continue on AZ 87
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
State Route 87
22
Continue on AZ 87
344 ft
·
5 sec
·
Starlight Drive
23
Continue on AZ 87
19 mi
·
28 min
·
State Highway 87
24
Continue on SR 87
18 mi
·
27 min
·
Payson-Winslow Highway
25
Turn right onto I 40 Bus; AZ 87; US 66 Hist
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
East 2nd Street
26
Continue on AZ 87; US 66 Hist
40 mi
·
46 min
·
Winslow–Kayenta Highway
27
Continue on AZ 87
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
AZ 87
28
Continue on AZ 87
17 mi
·
19 min
·
Winslow–Kayenta Highway
29
At end of road, turn right onto AZ 264
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Arizona State Highway 264
30
Turn left
247 ft
·
14 sec
31
At end of road, turn left
286 ft
·
13 sec
32
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
45 sec
33
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Consider leaving Mesa in the morning to make the most of the daylight for your 5h 8m drive. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move onto the surface roads, as services might be more spread out. The Beeline Highway will be your main artery for a significant portion of the trip, so be aware of its length before you begin. Since this is a one-day trip, you can easily adjust your departure time based on your morning plans.
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 118.4 miles from Mesa, AZ, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.4 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 52 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.4 miles or 2h 33m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near First Mesa, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Mesa, AZ
This is one driving day of about 236.9 miles and 5h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Mesa, 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 Beeline Highway for about 68.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 118.4 miles from Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Beeline Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68.4 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.
Mazatzal Rest Area (Closed)
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Desert Dog Offroad Adventures
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Fountain Hills, Arizona
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+14808373966
Visit websiteRiverview Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Mesa, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14806442352
Visit websiteStandin' on The Corner Foundation
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
3.4 mi from route
~8 min detour
Winslow, AZ
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteTyrannostorus
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.2 mi from route
~11 min detour
Mesa, Arizona
Hours: 11 am–6 pm
+14805974467
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 236.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Mesa Drive
Turn right onto North Mesa Drive
Navigation decision point
4
2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
East McKellips Road
Turn left onto East McKellips Road
Navigation decision point
4
77.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m in
|
AZ 87; AZ 260 / North Beeline Highway
Enter roundabout onto AZ 87; AZ 260 / North Beeline Highway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
228.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m in
|
AZ 264 / Arizona State Highway 264
At end of road, turn right onto AZ 264 / Arizona State Highway 264
Navigation decision point
5
236.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 7m in
At end of road, turn left
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.98 one way
$83.96 round trip
$4.50/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.82 | $44.96 | $89.91 |
| premium | $5.04 | $47.03 | $94.05 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $44.73 | $89.46 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.1 | 0 | $24.87 | $11.37 |
| Efficient EV | 59.2 | 0 | $20.73 | $9.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.8 | 1 | $33.17 | $15.16 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Mesa, AZ
Night in Mesa on Saturday
Local time
11:59 PM
MST
Current temp
96°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
N 5 mph
38% chance
Live forecast
Destination
First Mesa, AZ
Night in First Mesa on Saturday
Local time
11:59 PM
MST
Current temp
85°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 3 to 9 mph
49% chance
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
11 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 8m 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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
$10
near mile 98
Caution: High Levels of Visitation
Tonto National Monument
National Monument
Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era). They represent a vibrant culture consisting of local and immigrant gr...
23 mi from route
~58 min detour
$10
near mile 32.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly surface roads, with only 26% of the 236.9 miles on highways. You'll spend most of your time on routes like the Beeline Highway and Payson-Winslow Highway. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 68.4 miles on the Beeline Highway. After that, expect more frequent intersections and a generally slower pace as you transition to surface roads.
Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68.4 mi on Beeline Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Mesa Drive.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 5h 8m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Mesa Drive): Navigation decision point; at 2 miles (East McKellips Road): Navigation decision point; at 77.9 miles (AZ 87; AZ 260 / North Beeline Highway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
7,222 ft
1,243 ft
Total Climb
7,817 ft
Total Descent
3,282 ft
Highest Point
7,222 ft
~118.4 mi in
Elevation Range
5,979 ft
Notable High Points
4,143 ft at ~50.8 miles
+515 ft prominence
7,222 ft at ~118.4 miles
+146 ft prominence
5,832 ft at ~203 miles
+252 ft prominence
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 First Mesa, AZ
Full guide →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 5h 8m. Total distance: 236.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (26%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 68.4 miles on Beeline Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 3 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.
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 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Mesa Drive): Navigation decision point; at 2 miles (East McKellips Road): Navigation decision point; at 77.9 miles (AZ 87; AZ 260 / North Beeline Highway): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument and Tonto National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at First Mesa, AZ before the return drive.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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