Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Mesa, AZ to Morenci, AZ
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 4m
Distance
204.7 mi
329 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 51m
★
6 AM
5h 4m
8 AM
5h 31m
10 AM
5h 13m
12 PM
5h 11m
3 PM
5h 15m
5 PM
5h 30m
8 PM
4h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mesa, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Morenci, AZ
András Nyemczovszky
Trip Overview
This 204.7-mile journey from Mesa, AZ, to Morenci, AZ, is a feasible one-day trip, estimated to take about 5 hours of driving time. You'll primarily navigate via the Globe-Lordsburg Highway and US 191, with the Phoenix–Globe Highway also playing a role. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $41. Given its character as a turn-heavy local drive, it's best suited for a single day rather than an overnight split. Both your origin and destination are within the Desert Southwest region, so expect consistent arid and semi-arid landscapes.
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
102.4 miles from Mesa, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 17m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Globe-Lordsburg Highway | 71.2 mi | 1h 28m |
| Phoenix–Globe Highway | 43 mi | 55m |
| US 191 | 23.7 mi | 28m |
| Superstition Freeway | 18.5 mi | 21m |
| West 5th Street | 10.5 mi | 14m |
| Coronado Boulevard | 10.2 mi | 17m |
| Coronado Trail | 6.3 mi | 15m |
| US 60 | 4 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
— 71.2 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and Morenci, AZ.
1
Start on East University Drive
73 ft
·
8 sec
·
East University Drive
2
Turn left onto North Mesa Drive
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
North Mesa Drive
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on South Mesa Drive
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
South Mesa Drive
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward US 60 East: Globe
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto US 60
19 mi
·
21 min
·
Superstition Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist
43 mi
·
55 min
·
Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Continue on US 60
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Live Oak Street
8
Continue on US 60
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
US 60
9
Continue on US 60
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Broad Street
10
Turn left onto North Broad Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Broad Street
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left onto East Oak Street
366 ft
·
9 sec
·
East Oak Street
12
Turn right onto South Hill Street
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
South Hill Street
13
Turn left onto US 60
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
East Ash Street
14
Continue on US 70; AZ 77
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 70; AZ 77
70 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
Globe-Lordsburg Highway
16
Continue on US 70
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
17
Continue on US 70
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
West Thatcher Boulevard
18
Continue on US 70
11 mi
·
14 min
·
West 5th Street
19
Turn left onto US 191
24 mi
·
28 min
·
US 191
20
At end of road, turn straight
90 ft
·
2 sec
21
Turn left
82 ft
·
2 sec
22
Turn slight right onto US 191
10 mi
·
17 min
·
Coronado Boulevard
23
Continue on US 191 Temp
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Coronado Trail
24
Continue on US 191 Temp
4.0 mi
·
11 min
·
Coronado Trail
25
Turn sharp right
0.3 mi
·
2 min
26
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
2 min
27
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
3 min
28
Turn sharp left
0.5 mi
·
3 min
29
Turn left
1.2 mi
·
8 min
30
Turn sharp left
1.3 mi
·
8 min
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Mesa to maximize your daylight hours. With only one stop recommended along the way, plan to refuel before you leave or at a convenient point early in your journey, as fuel costs are estimated at $41. The longest stretch without a major break is over 70 miles, so ensure you're comfortable before embarking on that segment. Given the turn-heavy nature of this route, staying alert and managing your speed appropriately is key to a safe and enjoyable trip.
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 102.4 miles from Mesa, AZ, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 45 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.4 miles or 2h 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 3h 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Morenci, 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 204.7 miles and 5h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 Globe-Lordsburg Highway for about 71.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.4 miles from Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Globe-Lordsburg Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.2 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.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.6 mi from route
Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 73.1
Globe, Arizona
Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm
+19284250320
Visit websiteCobre Valley Center for the Arts
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 73.1
Globe, Arizona
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+19284250884
Visit websiteBoyce Thompson Arboretum
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
mile 43.9
Superior, Arizona
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+15206892723
Visit websiteBesh-Ba-Gowah Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
mile 73.1
Globe, Arizona
Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm
+19284250320
Visit websiteLegends of Superior Trails
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, short detour
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
mile 43.9
Superior, Arizona
Hours: Open 24 hours
+16029359034
Visit websiteSignal Butte Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
mile 14.6
Mesa, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14806447529
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 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 165 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 200.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Mesa Drive
Turn left onto North Mesa Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
2.6 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Turn left toward US 60 East: Globe
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 60 East: Globe
5
3 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
US 60 / Superstition Freeway
Merge onto US 60 / Superstition Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
71.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
|
North Broad Street
Turn left onto North Broad Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
200.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 35m in
Turn sharp right
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.78 one way
$81.56 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $43.16 | $86.31 |
| premium | $5.59 | $45.06 | $90.12 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.20 | $90.39 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.49 | $9.83 |
| Efficient EV | 51.2 | 0 | $17.91 | $8.19 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.9 | 1 | $28.66 | $13.10 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% 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
Mesa, AZ
Night in Mesa on Saturday
Local time
11:00 PM
MST
Current temp
92°F
Sunny
ESE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Morenci, AZ
Night in Morenci on Saturday
Local time
11:00 PM
MST
Current temp
50°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
42 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 4m 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.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
National Monument
An Ancestral Sonoran Desert People's farming community and "Great House" are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. Whether a gathering place for people or simply a waypoint marker in an extensive system of...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 35.3
View on nps.gov
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
$10
near mile 63.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a driving experience characterized by frequent turns, making it more of a local road feel than an open highway cruise. Only 23% of this route involves highway driving, so be prepared for a more engaging and potentially slower pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 71.2 miles on the Globe-Lordsburg Highway. This route requires your attention, offering a dynamic drive as you navigate through varying terrain. It's a road that keeps you involved behind the wheel.
Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.2 mi on Globe-Lordsburg Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Mesa Drive.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 204.7 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Mesa Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 60 / Superstition Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Starting in Mesa, AZ
Full guide →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.
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 4m. Total distance: 204.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (23%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71.2 miles on Globe-Lordsburg 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): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 60 / Superstition Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Casa Grande Ruins 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 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Morenci, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
More trips to Morenci, AZ
Explore more options from Mesa, AZ or browse trips ending in Morenci, AZ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AZ road trips.