Yuma, AZ to Williams, AZ is 290.4 miles and takes about 6h 8m via San Luis–Yuma–Quartzsite Highway, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Desert Southwest region, moving from Arizona's southern desert to its central highlands. Expect a drive that primarily utilizes surface roads, offering a more grounded perspective of the landscape. With a single recommended stop and a duration under seven hours, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to arrive in Williams with plenty of time to spare.
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
145.2 miles from Yuma, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
San Luis–Yuma–Quartzsite Highway
66.4 mi
1h 21m
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
42 mi
48m
Quartzsite–Wickenburg Highway
39.7 mi
47m
Aguila-Congress Junction Highway
24.2 mi
29m
Iron Springs Road
17 mi
25m
Wickenburg-Prescott Highway
15.4 mi
19m
US 60
15.3 mi
18m
Purple Heart Trail
14.8 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
San Luis–Yuma–Quartzsite Highway
— 66.4 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Yuma, AZ and Williams, AZ.
Exit 31Toward US 60 East, I 10 East: Phoenix, Wickenburg, Prescott
16
Enter roundabout onto US 60
100 ft·1 sec·Quartzsite–Wickenburg Highway
17
Continue on US 60
10 mi·12 min·Quartzsite–Wickenburg Highway
18
Continue on US 60
0.5 mi·50 sec·Avenue A
19
Continue on US 60
29 mi·34 min·Quartzsite–Wickenburg Highway
20
Turn left onto AZ 71
24 mi·29 min·Aguila-Congress Junction Highway
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto AZ 89
4.3 mi·5 min·Wickenburg-Prescott Highway
22
Continue on AZ 89
3.2 mi·5 min·White Spar Highway
23
Continue on AZ 89
0.3 mi·35 sec·Wickenburg-Prescott Highway
24
Continue on AZ 89
0.5 mi·59 sec·White Spar Highway
25
Turn straight onto AZ 89
2.0 mi·3 min·Broadway
26
Continue on AZ 89
11 mi·13 min·Wickenburg-Prescott Highway
27
Turn left onto CR 15
4.2 mi·6 min·Kirkland Valley Road
28
Continue on CR 15
0.1 mi·13 sec·Kirkland Road
29
Turn right onto Skull Valley - Kirkland Road
6.2 mi·9 min·Skull Valley - Kirkland Road
30
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·17 sec·this road
31
Continue on Iron Springs Road
17 mi·25 min·Iron Springs Road
32
Turn left onto Williamson Valley Road
2.5 mi·3 min·Williamson Valley Road
33
Turn right onto Pioneer Parkway
2.3 mi·3 min·Pioneer Parkway
34
Turn left onto Pioneer Parkway
1.6 mi·2 min·Pioneer Parkway
35
Turn left onto Willow Creek Road
1.7 mi·2 min·Willow Creek Road
36
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
309 ft·4 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
37
Continue on AZ 89
3.7 mi·4 min·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
38
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
150 ft·2 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
39
Continue on AZ 89
0.8 mi·53 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
40
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
151 ft·2 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
41
Continue on AZ 89
5.0 mi·5 min·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
42
Enter roundabout onto AZ 89
146 ft·1 sec·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
43
Continue on AZ 89
32 mi·37 min·Prescott–Ash Fork Highway
44
Take the exit onto I 40 BUS; US 66 Hist
0.5 mi·59 sec·I 40 BUS; US 66 Hist
Toward I 40 East
45
Merge onto I 40; US 66 Hist
15 mi·14 min·Purple Heart Trail
46
Take the exit onto I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
0.5 mi·59 sec·I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
Toward I 40 Business, US 66: Williams, Grand Canyon
47
Turn right onto I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
0.9 mi·1 min·West Route 66
Use the right lane.
48
Continue on I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
0.5 mi·43 sec·West Bill Williams Avenue
49
Arrive at destination
I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour drive time, starting in Yuma, AZ early in the morning is advisable to maximize your daylight. Plan for your single recommended stop strategically to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you move away from major highways; the estimated fuel cost is $58. This route is manageable in one day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you could consider splitting it. A good tip for this particular route is to be mindful of the longest stretch of 66.4 miles on the San Luis–Yuma–Quartzsite Highway, ensuring you have adequate fuel before entering that segment.
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 145.2 miles from Yuma, AZ, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.4 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 64 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.2 miles or 3h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Williams, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Yuma, 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 Yuma, AZ
This is one driving day of about 290.4 miles and 6h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Yuma, 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 San Luis–Yuma–Quartzsite Highway for about 66.4 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.9 and 288.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.9 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
94.7 mi into trip|~2h in|US 60
Take the exit onto US 60 toward US 60 East, I 10 East: Phoenix, Wickenburg, Prescott
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 31
Toward US 60 East, I 10 East: Phoenix, Wickenbu...
6
150.2 mi into trip|~3h 7m in|AZ 71 / Aguila-Congress Junction Highway
Turn left onto AZ 71 / Aguila-Congress Junction Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
273.4 mi into trip|~5h 49m in|I 40 BUS; US 66 Hist
Take the exit onto I 40 BUS; US 66 Hist toward I 40 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 40 East
5
288.6 mi into trip|~6h 5m in|I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist
Take the exit onto I 40 Bus; US 66 Hist toward I 40 Business, US 66: Williams, Grand Canyon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 Business, US 66: Williams, Grand Ca...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$59.30 one way
$118.61 round trip
$5.19/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.52
$63.09
$126.18
premium
$5.72
$65.39
$130.77
diesel
$5.35
$61.17
$122.33
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.1
1
$30.49
$13.94
Efficient EV
72.6
0
$25.41
$11.62
EV Truck/SUV
116.2
1
$40.66
$18.59
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jun 3, 2026
Origin
Yuma, AZ
Afternoon
in Yuma on Wednesday
Local time
12:11 PM
MST
Current temp
69°F
Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Williams, AZ
Afternoon
in Williams on Wednesday
Local time
12:11 PM
MST
Current temp
48°F
Mostly Clear
SE 7 mph3% chanceLive 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
21 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 8m 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.
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...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
$10
near mile 240.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive covers 290.4 miles, with 7% of it on highways. The majority of your travel will be on surface roads, as indicated by the route profile. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 66.4 miles on the San Luis–Yuma–Quartzsite Highway before transitioning to other surface roads. Be prepared for a more rural cruising experience for most of the trip.
Only 7% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.4 mi on San Luis–Yuma–Quartzsite 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 24 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.9 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
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 290.4 miles you will encounter 24 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 2.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 94.7 miles (US 60): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.2 miles (AZ 71 / Aguila-Congress Junction Highway): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mountain driving with significant elevation changes
6,772 ft141 ft
Total Climb
8,144 ft
Total Descent
1,512 ft
Highest Point
6,772 ft
~290.4 mi in
Elevation Range
6,631 ft
Notable High Points
4,489 ft at ~186.7 miles+182 ft prominence
5,239 ft at ~228.2 miles+825 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Yuma, AZ and Williams, AZ, road signs point toward Wickenburg and Prescott.
Wickenburg
94.7 mi in|~2h|via US 60
Prescott
94.7 mi in|~2h|via US 60
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Yuma is the largest city and county seat of Yuma County, Arizona. It is in the southwest corner of the state, across the Colorado River from California and near two Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora.
Top landmarks
•Brown House — historic house in Yuma, Arizona, USA
•Masonic Temple — in Yuma, Arizona
•Gandolfo Theatre — former movie theater in Yuma, Arizona, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 8m. Total distance: 290.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 8m 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 66.4 miles on San Luis–Yuma–Quartzsite Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 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 Williams, 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. There are 8 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 94.7 miles (US 60): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.2 miles (AZ 71 / Aguila-Congress Junction Highway): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Tuzigoot National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Williams, AZ before the return drive.
