Origin
Mesa, AZ
Evening in Mesa on Saturday
Local time
7:47 PM
MST
Current temp
93°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Mesa, AZ to Peach Springs, AZ
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 15m
Distance
222.1 mi
357 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 2m
★
6 AM
4h 15m
8 AM
4h 42m
10 AM
4h 24m
12 PM
4h 22m
3 PM
4h 26m
5 PM
4h 40m
8 PM
4h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mesa, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Peach Springs, AZ
坤林 刘
Trip Overview
This 222.1-mile journey from Mesa, AZ to Peach Springs, AZ is a straightforward drive that can comfortably be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of highways, with about 33% of your travel on major freeways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $44, and with only one recommended stop, it's an efficient way to travel across the Desert Southwest. The overall feel of the route is a practical, no-fuss transit between two points within Arizona.
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
111 miles from Mesa, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Prescott–Ash Fork Highway | 43.4 mi | 50m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 38.3 mi | 41m |
| Hualapai Veterans Highway | 36.5 mi | 43m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 24.5 mi | 24m |
| AZ 69 | 21.6 mi | 25m |
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 13.4 mi | 13m |
| Red Mountain Freeway | 10.9 mi | 12m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 8.9 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
— 43.4 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and Peach Springs, AZ.
1
Start on East University Drive
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
East University Drive
2
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
North Alma School Road
3
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Red Mountain Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 West
Use the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto I 10
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
·
Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
8
Continue on I 10
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
Exit 143A-B
Toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 143A
Toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 17; US 60
38 mi
·
41 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 17
8.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 17
13 mi
·
13 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto AZ 69
22 mi
·
25 min
·
AZ 69
Toward AZ 69 North: Cordes Lakes Rd, Prescott
15
Turn right onto Fain Road
7.6 mi
·
9 min
·
Fain Road
16
Continue on AZ 89A
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 317
Toward AZ 89: Prescott, Chino Valley
18
Turn right onto AZ 89
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
19
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
103 ft
·
1 sec
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
20
Continue on AZ 89
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
21
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
136 ft
·
1 sec
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
22
Continue on AZ 89
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
23
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
150 ft
·
2 sec
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
24
Continue on AZ 89
0.8 mi
·
53 sec
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
25
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
151 ft
·
2 sec
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
26
Continue on AZ 89
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
27
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
146 ft
·
1 sec
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
28
Continue on AZ 89
32 mi
·
37 min
·
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
29
Continue on I 40 BUS; US 66 Hist; AZ 89
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Lewis Avenue
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward I 40 West
31
Merge onto I 40
25 mi
·
24 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 40 Business: Seligman, Peach Springs
33
Turn right onto I 40 BUS
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 40 BUS
34
At end of road, turn right onto US 66 Hist
37 mi
·
43 min
·
Hualapai Veterans Highway
Use the right lane.
35
Turn right onto Diamond Creek Road
10 ft
·
0 sec
·
Diamond Creek Road
36
Arrive at destination
Diamond Creek Road
Trip Plan
Given its 4-hour and 15-minute duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Aim to depart Mesa in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for potential minor delays. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you move onto the Hualapai Veterans Highway, and ensure you have adequate gas before embarking on longer, less developed stretches. The flexibility of a one-day drive means you can adjust your schedule as needed.
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 111 miles from Mesa, AZ, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.4 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 49 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111 miles or 2h 7m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Peach Springs, 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 222.1 miles and 4h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 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 Prescott–Ash Fork Highway for about 43.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
111 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 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111 miles from Mesa, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 3.6 and 80.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
3.6 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Turn left toward AZ 202 Loop West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
6
14.8 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 10 West
8
18.8 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 143A-B
Toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff
8
19.1 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 143A
Toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
6
80.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
|
AZ 69
Keep slight right at fork onto AZ 69 toward AZ 69 North: Cordes Lakes Rd, Prescott
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward AZ 69 North: Cordes Lakes Rd, Prescott
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.25 one way
$88.49 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $46.82 | $93.65 |
| premium | $5.59 | $48.89 | $97.78 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $49.04 | $98.07 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 66.6 | 0 | $23.32 | $10.66 |
| Efficient EV | 55.5 | 0 | $19.43 | $8.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 88.8 | 1 | $31.09 | $14.21 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Peach Springs, AZ
Evening in Peach Springs on Saturday
Local time
7:47 PM
MST
Current temp
44°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
49 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
4h 15m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
The drive offers a mixed experience, transitioning between the efficiency of the Black Canyon Freeway and the more local feel of the Prescott–Ash Fork Highway and Hualapai Veterans Highway. You'll encounter stretches where the road is more open, including a longest uninterrupted segment of 43.4 miles on the Prescott–Ash Fork Highway. While not exclusively high-speed interstate, the highway share of 33% indicates you'll have opportunities for steady progress. Expect the character of the drive to evolve as you move from more developed areas towards the more open landscapes of northwestern Arizona.
33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 43.4 mi on Prescott–Ash Fork Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 222.1 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 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Peach Springs, AZ, road signs point toward Prescott and Chino Valley.
Prescott
80.3 mi in
|
~1h 32m
|
via AZ 69
Chino Valley
115.4 mi in
|
~2h 12m
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 4h 15m. Total distance: 222.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 43.4 miles on Prescott–Ash Fork Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Peach Springs, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Peach Springs, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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