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Road Trips from Tempe Junction, AZ

Tempe Junction, AZ, is a solid launchpad for a variety of drives. You've got quick hops to nearby towns like Chandler, perfect for a half-day out, and longer hauls that take you through different landscapes. Several routes offer park access, including national monuments, making it easy to add nature to your trip. If you're looking for something more substantial, there are options over 300 miles away, offering a full day's adventure. This mix means you can tailor your escape whether you have a few hours or a full day.

Total Routes

24

Shortest

0.4h

With Parks Nearby

11

Under 2 hours

14 total in this range

Cordes Lakes, AZ

1h 29m

76.1 mi one way

This 76.1-mile drive is a focused highway experience. It's a solid choice if you want a straightforward trip with a high drive score of 9. Plus, Montezuma Castle National Monument is nearby, offering a chance to see some history. It’s a good option if you're looking for a destination that’s not too far but still feels like a proper drive.

Parks nearby High drive score

Chandler, AZ

21m

13.6 mi one way

For a super short trip, this 13.6-mile drive is your best bet. It’s a mixed drive, meaning it’s not all highway. It’s a quick 0.4-hour trip and offers access to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This is ideal for a brief outing when you don't have much time but still want to get out and see something.

Parks nearby High drive score

Globe, AZ

1h 45m

78.9 mi one way

This 78.9-mile drive is a mixed route, offering a change of pace from pure highway. With a high drive score of 9, it’s a good option for a day trip, taking about 1.8 hours. It doesn't directly pass by parks, but it offers a substantial drive into a different part of Arizona.

High drive score

Fountain Hills, AZ

34m

23.6 mi one way

This 23.6-mile trip is a local drive with a mostly flat terrain, taking only 0.6 hours. It's a shorter option than many, making it convenient for a quick excursion. While it doesn't have nearby parks listed, its accessible distance and terrain make it an easy choice for a brief outing.

Parks nearby

Eloy, AZ

1h 6m

59.5 mi one way

This 59.5-mile drive is a turn-heavy local route, taking 1.1 hours. It offers park access with Casa Grande Ruins National Monument nearby. It’s a good middle-ground option, longer than the Chandler trip but shorter than heading to Globe, and includes a historical site.

Parks nearby

Full-day getaway

7 total in this range

Tombstone, AZ

3h 21m

178.5 mi one way

If you want a longer drive with significant park access, this 178.5-mile route to Tombstone is a strong contender. It has a high drive score of 9 and is near Saguaro National Park, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and Coronado National Memorial. It's a full day's journey at 3.4 hours, packed with potential stops.

Parks nearby High drive score

Pima, AZ

3h 12m

147.8 mi one way

This 147.8-mile drive is a long haul, taking 3.2 hours with a high drive score of 9. It’s a turn-heavy local route, suggesting a more varied driving experience than a pure highway trip. It doesn't list nearby parks, but it's a significant distance for a day trip.

High drive score

Cornville, AZ

2h 11m

114.1 mi one way

A 114.1-mile mixed drive that takes 2.2 hours. This route offers a good balance between distance and driving variety. It has a high drive score of 9, indicating a quality road experience, though it doesn't have parks directly listed nearby.

High drive score

San Carlos, AZ

2h 19m

103.1 mi one way

This 103.1-mile trip is a mixed drive lasting 2.3 hours. It’s a solid option for a day trip that takes you through varied terrain. With a drive score of 9, it promises an engaging route, though there are no parks listed in its immediate vicinity.

High drive score

Safford, AZ

3h 27m

156.6 mi one way

At 156.6 miles and 3.5 hours, this is a long, turn-heavy local drive. It has a drive score of 8, offering a decent experience. This route is a significant undertaking for a day trip, covering a good amount of distance without immediate park access.

High drive score

Weekend trip

Browse by Mood

When to Go

Spring

Spring offers pleasant temperatures for drives like the 76.1-mile trip to Cordes Lakes, with Montezuma Castle National Monument accessible.

Summer

Summer heat makes the shorter, 13.6-mile drive to Chandler, near Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, a more manageable option.

Fall

Fall is ideal for the longer 178.5-mile drive to Tombstone, offering access to multiple national parks and memorials.

Winter

Winter provides comfortable conditions for exploring the 103.1-mile mixed drive to San Carlos, or the 114.1-mile route to Cornville.

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Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.

Ready to plan?

Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Tempe Junction, AZ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.