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Trip from Paulden, AZ to Tempe, AZ

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 28m

Distance

128.6 mi

207 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 18m ★
6 AM
2h 28m
8 AM
2h 48m
10 AM
2h 35m
12 PM
2h 33m
3 PM
2h 36m
5 PM
2h 47m
8 PM
2h 22m

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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Downtown Paulden, AZ, AZ

Paulden, AZ

Abhishek Navlakha

city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Tempe, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 128.6-mile drive from Paulden, AZ, to Tempe, AZ, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes. Your estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $26. The route primarily utilizes the Black Canyon Freeway, Cordes Junction-Prescott Highway, and Prescott–Ash Fork Highway, offering a mixed driving experience. Both your origin and destination are within the Desert Southwest region, so expect consistent arid landscapes. This is a straightforward trip, ideal for those looking to cover ground efficiently between these two Arizona locations 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

64.3 miles from Paulden, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Black Canyon Freeway 35.3 mi 38m
Cordes Junction-Prescott Highway 21.3 mi 26m
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway 17.9 mi 20m
Arizona Veterans Highway 16.7 mi 16m
Red Mountain Freeway 8.3 mi 10m
Fain Road 7.2 mi 8m
Prescott–Flagstaff Highway 6.3 mi 7m
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway 5.8 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Black Canyon Freeway — 35.3 mi, about 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Paulden, AZ and Tempe, AZ.

1

Start on AZ 89

6.8 mi · 7 min · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
2

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

150 ft · 2 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
3

Continue on AZ 89

5.0 mi · 5 min · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
4

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

171 ft · 2 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
5

Continue on AZ 89

0.8 mi · 53 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
6

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

80 ft · 0 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
7

Continue on AZ 89

3.7 mi · 4 min · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
8

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

138 ft · 2 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
9

Continue on AZ 89

0.9 mi · 1 min · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
10

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

148 ft · 2 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
11

Continue on AZ 89

0.6 mi · 49 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
12

Turn left

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward AZ 89A|none
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward AZ 89A
14

Continue on AZ 89A

6.3 mi · 7 min · Prescott–Flagstaff Highway
15

Continue on Fain Road

7.2 mi · 8 min · Fain Road
16

Turn left onto AZ 69

21 mi · 26 min · Cordes Junction-Prescott Highway
17

Merge onto I 17

17 mi · 16 min · Arizona Veterans Highway
18

Continue on I 17

5.8 mi · 5 min · Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on I 17

10 mi · 10 min · Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Continue on I 17

3.2 mi · 3 min · North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
21

Continue on I 17

25 mi · 28 min · Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 15 sec
Exit 200A Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson Use the slight left lane.
24

Merge onto I 10

1.2 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
25

Continue on I 10

0.5 mi · 35 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
26

Continue on I 10

1.4 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway

0.1 mi · 7 sec · Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147 Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East
29

Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway

7.9 mi · 9 min · Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Exit 8 Toward McClintock Drive Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31

Turn right onto South McClintock Drive

1.5 mi · 3 min · South McClintock Drive
Use the right lane.
32

Turn right onto US 80 Hist

60 ft · 1 sec · East Apache Boulevard
Use the right lane.
33

Arrive at destination

US 80 Hist

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of just under 2.5 hours, you have plenty of flexibility for when you depart. Leaving Paulden, AZ, in the morning allows you to reach Tempe, AZ, with ample time for activities. Since the drive is only 128.6 miles and has a fuel cost of approximately $26, you won't need extensive fuel stops. Pay attention to the transitions between the main roads, especially the Cordes Junction-Prescott Highway, as these might involve changes in speed limits and road conditions. Enjoy the straightforward nature of this Arizona trek.

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 64.3 miles from Paulden, AZ, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35.3 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 28 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.3 miles or 1h 15m 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 58m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tempe, AZ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Paulden, 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 Paulden, AZ

This is one driving day of about 128.6 miles and 2h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Paulden, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Black Canyon Freeway for about 35.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

census-designated place in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

New River, AZ

64 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

Prescott Valley, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New River, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.3 miles from Paulden, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Otro Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Phoenix, Arizona

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 110.3

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+16022660831

Visit website

Otro Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 110.3

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+16022660831

Visit website

Rainforest Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 128.6

Tempe, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14807529100

Visit website

Tempe Town Lake

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 128.6

Tempe, Arizona

Amusement Park Rides RandRrides(Phoenix Park & Swap)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 119.4

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: Closed

+14809958653

Visit website

Tempe Festival of the Arts

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 128.6

Tempe, Arizona

+14803556060

Visit website

Riverview Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 128.6

Mesa, Arizona

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14806442352

Visit website

Pioneer Living History Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 91.9

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+16234651052

Visit website

Arizona Science Center

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 119.4

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

+16027162000

Visit website

Tyrannostorus

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 128.6

Mesa, Arizona

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+14805974467

Visit website

Dorrance DOME

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 119.4

Phoenix, Arizona

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 114.2 and 126.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
114.2 mi into trip | ~2h 8m in

Take the exit toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, Los Angeles

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 200A Toward I 10 East, I 10 West: Central Phoenix, L...
8
114.4 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
8
118.4 mi into trip | ~2h 14m in | Red Mountain Freeway

Take the exit onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 147 Toward AZ 51 North, AZ 202 Loop East
8
118.8 mi into trip | ~2h 14m in | Red Mountain Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway toward AZ 202 Loop East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 147A Toward AZ 202 Loop East
7
126.7 mi into trip | ~2h 24m in

Take the exit toward McClintock Drive

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 8 Toward McClintock Drive

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.62 one way

$51.24 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.36 $27.11 $54.22
premium $5.59 $28.31 $56.61
diesel $5.61 $28.39 $56.79

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 45 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.6 0 $13.50 $6.17
Efficient EV 32.2 0 $11.25 $5.14
EV Truck/SUV 51.4 0 $18.00 $8.23

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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.

Forecast as of Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Paulden, AZ

Night in Paulden on Saturday

Local time

9:16 PM

MST

Current temp

64°F

Mostly Sunny

NW 9 mph 10% chance Live forecast

Destination

Tempe, AZ

Night in Tempe on Saturday

Local time

9:16 PM

MST

Current temp

93°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

29 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 28m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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.

Tuzigoot National Monument

Tuzigoot National Monument

National Monument

Water flows under and through this landscape, feeding the growth of people and towns. The Verde Valley is watered by snowmelt, summer monsoons, and springs that well up from the ancient sedimentary ro...

17 mi from route ~44 min detour $10 near mile 26.6
Caution: High Levels of Visitation
View on nps.gov
Montezuma Castle National Monument

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...

25 mi from route ~63 min detour $10 near mile 35.5
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 "mixed drive" profile for this 128.6-mile journey, with 36% of the route being on highways. You'll encounter some faster-paced sections, including a longest stretch of 35.3 miles on the Black Canyon Freeway. The road will likely transition between more open highway driving and potentially some slower segments as you navigate the Cordes Junction-Prescott Highway and Prescott–Ash Fork Highway. This isn't a monotonous interstate grind, but rather a varied experience that keeps you engaged behind the wheel.

36% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35.3 mi on Black Canyon Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 114.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 17 significant decision points across 128.6 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 114.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.4 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): 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.

Between Paulden, AZ and Tempe, AZ, road signs point toward Los Angeles and Tucson.

Los Angeles

114.2 mi in | ~2h 8m

Tucson

114.4 mi in | ~2h 9m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 28m. Total distance: 128.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (36%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 35.3 miles on Black Canyon Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Tempe, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 114.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.4 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Tempe, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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