If you are planning a trip from Tempe Junction to Bullhead City, you are looking at a 232.1-mile journey that spans the Desert Southwest. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 48 minutes behind the wheel, making this a manageable endeavor for a single-day trip. You will navigate via the Purple Heart Trail, Grand Avenue, and the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway. Budgeting approximately $46 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. While the route is straightforward enough to complete in one go, keep in mind that the local, turn-heavy nature of the drive makes it feel more involved than a simple interstate cruise.
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
116 miles from Tempe Junction, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
106.7 mi
2h 9m
Grand Avenue
27.4 mi
37m
Purple Heart Trail
21.5 mi
21m
Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
18.3 mi
21m
Papago Freeway
11.8 mi
13m
Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
9 mi
10m
Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
8.9 mi
11m
Agua Fria Freeway
8.8 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
— 106.7 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tempe Junction, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ.
1
Start on West 13th Street
236 ft·13 sec·West 13th Street
2
Turn right onto South Farmer Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·South Farmer Avenue
3
Turn left onto West University Drive
1.0 mi·1 min·West University Drive
4
Turn right onto South Priest Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·South Priest Drive
5
Continue on North Priest Drive
0.6 mi·1 min·North Priest Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp onto Red Mountain Freeeway
0.1 mi·17 sec·Red Mountain Freeeway
Toward AZ 202 Loop West, AZ-143 South: Sky Harbor AirportUse the left lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·36 sec
Toward AZ 202 Loop West: Phoenix
8
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
4.3 mi·4 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 WestUse the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 10
1.3 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·36 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
12
Continue on I 10
10 mi·12 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 133BToward AZ 101 Loop NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on AZ 101 Loop
8.8 mi·10 min·Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 11Toward US 60Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto US 60
20 mi·28 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
159 ft·3 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
18
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
19
Continue on US 60
0.2 mi·15 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
20
Continue on US 60
0.1 mi·8 sec·Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway
21
Continue on US 60
6.3 mi·7 min·Grand Avenue
22
Continue on US 60
0.5 mi·31 sec·Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway
23
Continue on US 60
8.7 mi·10 min·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
24
Continue on US 60
1.5 mi·2 min·East Wickenburg Way
25
Enter roundabout onto US 93
2 ft·0 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
26
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.5 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
30
Enter roundabout onto US 93
100 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
31
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
32
Enter roundabout onto US 93
155 ft·6 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
33
Continue on US 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
34
Turn left onto US 93
112 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
35
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
101 mi·1 hr 58 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
36
Continue on US 93
0.3 mi·23 sec·Wickenburg-Kingman Highway
37
Take the exit onto US 93
0.7 mi·1 min·US 93
Toward I 40 West
38
Merge onto I 40; US 93
22 mi·21 min·Purple Heart Trail
39
Take the exit onto US 93
0.3 mi·42 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las Vegas
40
Turn slight right onto US 93
222 ft·7 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las VegasUse the right lane.
41
Merge onto US 93
1.8 mi·2 min·West Beale Street
Use the right lane.
42
Continue on US 93
1.4 mi·1 min·Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
43
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, LaughlinUse the right lane.
44
Continue on AZ 68
6.5 mi·8 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
45
Continue on AZ 68
1.9 mi·2 min·Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
46
Continue on AZ 68
1.5 mi·1 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
47
Continue on AZ 68
16 mi·19 min·Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
48
Continue on AZ 68
0.8 mi·1 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
49
Continue on AZ 95
1.7 mi·2 min·Mohave Valley Highway
50
Turn left onto 4th Street
20 ft·0 sec·4th Street
51
Arrive at destination
4th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 48-minute drive, try to depart early in the morning to beat the midday heat and traffic. You are allotted one primary stop during the trip, so choose a location along the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway to stretch your legs during that 106.7-mile stretch. Since the route relies heavily on local roads rather than high-speed interstates, account for extra time if you are traveling during peak hours. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $46 estimate assumes a steady pace, but fluctuating local road conditions can sometimes affect consumption. Prioritize your comfort by planning that single stop precisely halfway through the journey to keep your energy levels consistent.
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 116 miles from Tempe Junction, AZ, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.7 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 51 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116 miles or 2h 31m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bullhead City, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tempe Junction, 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 Tempe Junction, AZ
This is one driving day of about 232.1 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Tempe Junction, 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 Wickenburg–Kingman Highway for about 106.7 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 202.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.7 mi into trip|~6m in|Red Mountain Freeeway
Take the ramp onto Red Mountain Freeeway toward AZ 202 Loop West, AZ-143 South: Sky Harbor Airport
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward AZ 202 Loop West, AZ-143 South: Sky Harb...
6
7.5 mi into trip|~12m 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
7
20.8 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 133B
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
7
30.5 mi into trip|~39m in
Take the exit toward US 60
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward US 60
8
202.2 mi into trip|~4h 10m in
Take the exit toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 67
Toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.24 one way
$92.47 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$48.93
$97.87
premium
$5.59
$51.09
$102.18
diesel
$5.61
$51.24
$102.49
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.6
0
$24.37
$11.14
Efficient EV
58
0
$20.31
$9.28
EV Truck/SUV
92.8
1
$32.49
$14.85
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Tempe Junction, AZ
Evening
in Tempe Junction on Saturday
Local time
7:54 PM
MST
Current temp
90°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bullhead City, AZ
Evening
in Bullhead City on Saturday
Local time
7:54 PM
MST
Current temp
90°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 48m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied driving experience that shifts from urban connections to more technical stretches of road. Only 11% of this 232.1-mile route is classified as highway, meaning you will spend the majority of your time on local roads that demand your full attention. The longest uninterrupted section you will encounter is a 106.7-mile stretch on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, you should prepare for a more hands-on experience compared to a standard freeway commute. The character of the road changes significantly as you transition through the desert landscape, requiring you to remain alert throughout the nearly five-hour duration.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.7 mi on Wickenburg–Kingman Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 2.7 miles in near Red Mountain Freeeway.
Driving Effort10/10
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 27 significant decision points across 232.1 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 2.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeeway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tempe Junction, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas and Laughlin.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 48m. Total distance: 232.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.7 miles on Wickenburg–Kingman 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 Bullhead City, 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 2.7 miles (Red Mountain Freeeway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Bullhead City, AZ, but most travelers stay overnight.
