Mazatzal Rest Area (Closed)
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Payson, AZ to Maryvale, AZ
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 57m
Distance
96.6 mi
155 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 49m
★
6 AM
1h 57m
8 AM
2h 14m
10 AM
2h 3m
12 PM
2h 2m
3 PM
2h 4m
5 PM
2h 13m
8 PM
1h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Payson, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Maryvale, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 96.6-mile drive from Payson, AZ to Maryvale, AZ is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the South Beeline Highway, Red Mountain Freeway, and Papago Freeway, with about 19% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $19 for this route. Given its relatively short duration and the absence of designated stops, this trip offers flexibility for when you depart and how you pace yourself. Both Payson and Maryvale are situated within the Desert Southwest region, so you'll remain in a familiar environment throughout your journey.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.3 miles from Payson, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South Beeline Highway | 72.4 mi | 1h 25m |
| Red Mountain Freeway | 12 mi | 13m |
| Papago Freeway | 6.2 mi | 7m |
| North 51st Avenue | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| North 55th Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| West Indian School Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| North Country Club Drive | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
South Beeline Highway
— 72.4 mi, about 1h 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Payson, AZ and Maryvale, AZ.
1
Start on AZ 87
72 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
South Beeline Highway
Use the left lane.
2
Continue on AZ 87
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
·
North Country Club Drive
3
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
4
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
12 mi
·
13 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
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 139
Toward 51st Avenue, 59th Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
10
Turn right onto North 51st Avenue
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North 51st Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Turn left onto West Indian School Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Indian School Road
Use the left lane.
12
Turn right onto North 55th Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North 55th Avenue
13
Continue on North 55th Avenue
169 ft
·
16 sec
·
North 55th Avenue
14
Arrive at destination
North 55th Avenue
Trip Plan
With a total duration of under two hours, this is a flexible drive where you can depart at your convenience. Consider starting earlier in the day to avoid potential afternoon heat in the Desert Southwest. Since there are no recommended stops and the longest continuous stretch is 72.4 miles, plan for a brief break if needed, perhaps before or after the longest segment on South Beeline Highway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $19, and it's always wise to fill up before heading out on local routes where services might be less frequent than on major interstates.
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 48.3 miles from Payson, AZ, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.4 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 21 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.3 miles or 56m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maryvale, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Payson, AZ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Payson, AZ
This is one driving day of about 96.6 miles and 1h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Payson, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on South Beeline Highway for about 72.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 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 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 48.3 miles from Payson, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South Beeline Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.4 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.
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
2.1 mi from route
Danny's Big Rig Resort
2.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.4 mi from route
Riverview Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, right off the route
Final third
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Mesa, Arizona
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14806442352
Visit websiteDesert Dog Offroad Adventures
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Fountain Hills, Arizona
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+14808373966
Visit websiteAmusement Park Rides RandRrides(Phoenix Park & Swap)
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: Closed
+14809958653
Visit websiteEnchanted Island Amusement Park
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 11 am–4 pm
+16022541200
Visit websiteTempe Town Lake
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
Tempe, Arizona
Arizona Science Center
3.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm
+16027162000
Visit websiteTempe Festival of the Arts
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Tempe, Arizona
+14803556060
Visit websiteDorrance DOME
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.4 mi from route
~6 min detour
Phoenix, Arizona
Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 95 decision points cluster between mile 72.8 and 92.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
72.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward AZ 202 Loop West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
5
73.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
AZ 202 Loop / Red Mountain Freeway
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop / Red Mountain Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
85.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m 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
5
86.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
|
I 10 / Papago Freeway
Merge onto I 10 / Papago Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
92.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward 51st Avenue, 59th Avenue
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 139
Toward 51st Avenue, 59th Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.24 one way
$38.49 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $20.37 | $40.73 |
| premium | $5.59 | $21.26 | $42.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.33 | $42.66 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29 | 0 | $10.14 | $4.64 |
| Efficient EV | 24.2 | 0 | $8.45 | $3.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.6 | 0 | $13.52 | $6.18 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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
Payson, AZ
Late night in Payson on Tuesday
Local time
2:10 AM
MST
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Maryvale, AZ
Late night in Maryvale on Tuesday
Local time
2:10 AM
MST
Current temp
88°F
Partly Sunny
SSE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 3:13AM PDT until April 17 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 3:13AM PDT until April 17 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
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
22 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
1h 57m 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.
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
~57 min detour
$10
near mile 46.6
Caution: Construction Delays
Caution: Water is Required
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting a dynamic driving experience rather than a straightforward highway cruise. While 19% of the drive is on highways, the majority involves navigating local roads with frequent turns. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 72.4 miles along the South Beeline Highway. This means you'll be actively engaged with the road, adapting to changing conditions and directions throughout the trip, rather than settling into a long period of monotonous driving.
Only 19% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.4 mi on South Beeline Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 72.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 96.6 miles you will encounter 9 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: at 72.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 73.2 miles (AZ 202 Loop / Red Mountain Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Starting in Payson, AZ
Full guide →Founded 1973
Payson is a town in Gila County, Arizona. Known as the "Heart of Arizona," it is a gateway to the Colorado Plateau and the Mogollon Rim in Northern and Eastern Arizona.
Arriving in Maryvale, 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 1h 57m. Total distance: 96.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 72.4 miles on South Beeline Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 7 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.
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 Maryvale, AZ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 72.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 73.2 miles (AZ 202 Loop / Red Mountain Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Tonto 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 Maryvale, 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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