Traveling from Pinon to Scottsdale covers 307.3 miles through the heart of the Desert Southwest. Expect a drive time of approximately 5 hours and 56 minutes, making this a manageable but full day of travel. You will navigate via the Winslow–Kayenta Highway, the Purple Heart Trail, and the Arizona Veterans Highway. With a fuel budget of about $61, this trip is best tackled as a single-day journey. Because you remain within the Desert Southwest throughout the route, you can anticipate consistent terrain as you transition from the high desert of the Navajo Nation toward the Phoenix metropolitan area.
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
153.7 miles from Pinon, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 14m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Pinon, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ.
1
Start on N8030
0.2 mi·31 sec·Navajo Route 8030
2
Turn right onto N4
0.5 mi·1 min·Navajo Route 4
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on BIA 4
0.3 mi·41 sec·BIA 4
4
Turn straight onto Navajo Route 8031
15 mi·36 min·Navajo Route 8031
5
At end of road, turn left onto N8029
1.7 mi·2 min·Navajo Route 8029
6
Continue on H4
8.7 mi·11 min·Hopi Route 4
7
Continue on BIA 43; H 4
6.5 mi·8 min·BIA 43; H 4
8
Turn left onto AZ 264
4.8 mi·5 min·Arizona State Highway 264
9
Turn right onto AZ 87
17 mi·19 min·Winslow–Kayenta Highway
10
Continue on AZ 87
4.1 mi·4 min·AZ 87
11
Continue on AZ 87
39 mi·44 min·Winslow–Kayenta Highway
12
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
13
Merge onto I 40; US 180
61 mi·1 hr 2 min·Purple Heart Trail
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
16
Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A
93 mi·1 hr 33 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
17
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi·5 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 17
10 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi·3 min·North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
20
Continue on I 17
10 mi·11 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Exit 214CToward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop EastUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward AZ 101 Loop EastUse the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
22 mi·25 min·Pima Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 46Toward Chaparral RoadUse the slight right lane.
25
Turn right onto East Chaparral Road
0.6 mi·1 min·East Chaparral Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
26
Turn left
64 ft·4 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 307-mile journey, plan to depart early in the morning to account for the technical, turn-heavy nature of the local roads. Since the itinerary includes only one planned stop, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave Pinon to avoid unexpected costs or delays. Keep your $61 fuel budget in mind as you pace your progress across the different highway segments. Given the duration, staying alert during the non-highway portions is essential for a safe arrival in Scottsdale. Flexibility is your greatest asset here, so don't hesitate to pull over during your single scheduled break if you encounter fatigue on the more challenging sections of the route.
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 153.7 miles from Pinon, AZ, or about 3h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93 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 68 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 153.7 miles or 3h 14m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Scottsdale, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pinon, 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 Pinon, AZ
This is one driving day of about 307.3 miles and 5h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Pinon, 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 Arizona Veterans Highway for about 93 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 306.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|N4 / Navajo Route 4
Turn right onto N4 / Navajo Route 4
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
159.2 mi into trip|~3h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
8
283 mi into trip|~5h 26m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
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 214C
Toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East
7
283.4 mi into trip|~5h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward AZ 101 Loop East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward AZ 101 Loop East
7
306.3 mi into trip|~5h 54m in
Take the exit toward Chaparral Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward Chaparral Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.22 one way
$122.44 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg108 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$64.79
$129.57
premium
$5.59
$67.64
$135.28
diesel
$5.61
$67.85
$135.70
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$61
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 107.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
92.2
1
$32.27
$14.75
Efficient EV
76.8
0
$26.89
$12.29
EV Truck/SUV
122.9
1
$43.02
$19.67
Gas CO2
108 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 15, 2026
Origin
Pinon, AZ
Evening
in Pinon on Saturday
Local time
7:10 PM
MDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Scottsdale, AZ
Evening
in Scottsdale on Saturday
Local time
6:10 PM
MST
Current temp
92°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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
23 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
5h 56m 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.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
National Monument
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. T...
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
$10
near mile 201.3
The lava flow lies on the land like a dream, a wonderland of rock. A thousand years ago the ground was torn open and lava erupted into the sky, forever changing the landscape and the lives of the peop...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
$25
near mile 148.4
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
$10
near mile 211.9
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community. The early 1100's marked a time of cooler an...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
$25
near mile 148.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a turn-heavy local drive profile that requires your full attention behind the wheel. Only 25% of your total mileage is on major highways, meaning you will spend most of your time navigating regional roads. Your longest uninterrupted stretch covers 93 miles on the Arizona Veterans Highway, providing a temporary break from tighter maneuvers. The transition from remote local passages to more developed corridors makes the experience feel dynamic rather than monotonous. Be prepared to shift your driving style as the road conditions evolve over the course of the six-hour trek.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93 mi on Arizona Veterans Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near N4 / Navajo Route 4.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 307.3 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 0.2 miles (N4 / Navajo Route 4): Lane positioning matters here; at 159.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 283 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.
Between Pinon, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Scottsdale is a city in the state of Arizona. Scottsdale is home to many galleries, high quality resorts, and golf courses. It is also one of the wealthier parts of the Phoenix Metro Area.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 56m. Total distance: 307.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93 miles on Arizona Veterans 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 Scottsdale, 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 0.2 miles (N4 / Navajo Route 4): Lane positioning matters here; at 159.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 283 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Walnut Canyon National Monument, Montezuma Castle National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Scottsdale, AZ before the return drive.
