Origin
Pinon, AZ
Evening in Pinon on Saturday
Local time
7:08 PM
MDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pinon, AZ to Tempe, AZ
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 2m
Distance
312.1 mi
502 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$62
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 50m
★
6 AM
6h 3m
8 AM
6h 29m
10 AM
6h 12m
12 PM
6h 9m
3 PM
6h 13m
5 PM
6h 27m
8 PM
5h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pinon, AZ
András Nyemczovszky
Tempe, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 312.1-mile drive from Pinon, AZ, to Tempe, AZ, will take approximately 6 hours and 2 minutes to complete. It's a feasible day trip, though you could easily break it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. The journey is estimated to cost around $63 in fuel. You'll primarily be on roads like Arizona Veterans Highway, Purple Heart Trail, and Winslow–Kayenta Highway. This route stays within the Desert Southwest region, offering a consistent landscape experience throughout your travels. Given its duration, planning for a single day is practical, but flexibility is key.
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
156 miles from Pinon, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 16m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 93 mi | 1h 33m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 61.2 mi | 1h 2m |
| Winslow–Kayenta Highway | 55.5 mi | 1h 4m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| Navajo Route 8031 | 15 mi | 36m |
| Hopi Route 4 | 8.7 mi | 11m |
| Red Mountain Freeway | 8.3 mi | 10m |
| BIA 43 | 6.5 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 93 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pinon, AZ and Tempe, 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
25 mi
·
28 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
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.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 East: Central Phoenix, Tucson
Use the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
·
Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
25
Continue on I 10
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
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.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto Red Mountain Freeway
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Red Mountain Freeway
Exit 147A
Toward AZ 202 Loop East
28
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.
29
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 8
Toward McClintock Drive
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Turn right onto South McClintock Drive
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
South McClintock Drive
Use the right lane.
31
Turn right onto US 80 Hist
60 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Apache Boulevard
Use the right lane.
32
Arrive at destination
US 80 Hist
Trip Plan
Consider an early morning departure from Pinon to make the most of your 6-hour drive to Tempe. With only one recommended stop, you have ample flexibility to pace yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 93 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway, as services might be spaced out. The total fuel cost is estimated at $63, so budget accordingly. This route's turn-heavy nature means staying attentive to navigation is crucial for a smooth journey.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 156 miles from Pinon, AZ, or about 3h 16m 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 69 miles or 1h 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 156 miles or 3h 16m 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 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 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 312.1 miles and 6h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
156 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 69 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 156 miles from Pinon, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Arizona Veterans Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93 miles.
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 185 decision points cluster between mile 297.6 and 310.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
297.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 43m 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
297.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 43m 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
301.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 48m 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
302.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 49m 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
310.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 58m 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
$62.17 one way
$124.35 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
109 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $65.80 | $131.60 |
| premium | $5.59 | $68.70 | $137.40 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $68.91 | $137.82 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$62
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 93.6 | 1 | $32.77 | $14.98 |
| Efficient EV | 78 | 0 | $27.31 | $12.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 124.8 | 1 | $43.69 | $19.97 |
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Tempe, AZ
Evening in Tempe on Saturday
Local time
6:08 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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
24 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
6h 2m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
$10
near mile 204.5
Caution: High Levels of Visitation
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
$25
near mile 150.6
View on nps.gov
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
National Monument
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
$25
near mile 150.6
View on nps.gov
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...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
$10
near mile 204.5
View on nps.gov
Wupatki National Monument
National Monument
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
~63 min detour
$25
near mile 150.6
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 turn-heavy local drive for this 6-hour excursion. With only 26% of the route on highways, you'll experience a more intimate connection with the landscape. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 93 miles along the Arizona Veterans Highway. This suggests a journey characterized by varied road conditions and frequent changes in direction, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. The profile indicates a driving experience that requires attention and engagement with your surroundings.
Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 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?
9/10
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 297.6 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 18 significant decision points across 312.1 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 297.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 297.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 301.8 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.
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 Tempe, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Flagstaff
159.1 mi in
|
~3h 19m
Phoenix
159.2 mi in
|
~3h 19m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 2m. Total distance: 312.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
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 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. 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 297.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 297.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 301.8 miles (Red Mountain Freeway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Montezuma Castle National Monument, Walnut Canyon 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 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tempe, 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.
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