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Trip from Colorado City, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ

Drive Time

7h 25m

Distance

375.4 mi

604 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$75

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
7h 16m ★
6 AM
7h 26m
8 AM
7h 47m
10 AM
7h 33m
12 PM
7h 31m
3 PM
7h 34m
5 PM
7h 45m
8 PM
7h 20m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in Mohave County, Arizona, United States

Colorado City, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Scottsdale, AZ, AZ

Scottsdale, AZ

Abhishek Navlakha

Trip Overview

The drive from Colorado City, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ covers 375.4 miles and takes about 7h 25m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Arizona Veterans Highway, Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway, Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 93 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $74.71 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

187.7 miles from Colorado City, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 58m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a 7h 25m drive with frequent turns across 375.4 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Arizona Veterans Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 93 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 222.1 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 375.4 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 222.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 227.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 351.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
222.1 mi into trip | ~4h 42m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
227.3 mi into trip | ~4h 49m 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
351.1 mi into trip | ~6h 56m 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
351.5 mi into trip | ~6h 56m 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
374.4 mi into trip | ~7h 23m 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

Towns Along This Route

Between Colorado City, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.

Flagstaff

227.2 mi in | ~4h 48m

Phoenix

227.3 mi in | ~4h 49m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Arizona Veterans Highway 93 mi 1h 33m
Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway 83.6 mi 1h 53m
Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway 58 mi 1h 8m
Flagstaff-Cameron Highway 40.2 mi 48m
Short Creek–Fredonia Highway 29.7 mi 34m
Pima Freeway 21.8 mi 25m
Black Canyon Freeway 20.7 mi 22m
US Highway 89 6.4 mi 8m
Longest stretch: Arizona Veterans Highway — 93 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Colorado City, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ.

1

Start on Heritage Lane

69 ft · 5 sec · Heritage Lane
2

Turn right onto West Township Avenue

449 ft · 14 sec · West Township Avenue
3

Turn right onto CR 377

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Central Street
4

At end of road, turn left onto AZ 389

30 mi · 34 min · Short Creek–Fredonia Highway
5

Continue on AZ 389

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Pratt Street
6

Turn right onto US 89A

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
7

Continue on US 89A

84 mi · 1 hr 53 min · Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway
8

At end of road, turn right onto US 89

57 mi · 1 hr 6 min · Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
9

Continue on US 89

0.3 mi · 26 sec · US 89
10

Continue on US 89

1.4 mi · 2 min · Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
11

Enter roundabout onto US 89

154 ft · 2 sec · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
12

Continue on US 89

38 mi · 44 min · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
13

Continue on US 89

6.4 mi · 8 min · US Highway 89
14

Continue on US 89

2.3 mi · 4 min · Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
15

Turn left onto Country Club Drive

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Country Club Drive
Use the left lane.
16

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Use the right lane.
17

Merge onto I 40

4.7 mi · 5 min · Purple Heart Trail
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
19

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
20

Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A

93 mi · 1 hr 33 min · Arizona Veterans Highway
21

Continue on I 17

5.8 mi · 5 min · Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Continue on I 17

10 mi · 10 min · Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
23

Continue on I 17

3.2 mi · 3 min · North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
24

Continue on I 17

10 mi · 11 min · Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 41 sec
Exit 214C Toward AZ 101 Loop West, AZ 101 Loop East Use the slight right lane.
26

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Toward AZ 101 Loop East Use the slight left lane.
27

Merge onto AZ 101 Loop

22 mi · 25 min · Pima Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Exit 46 Toward Chaparral Road Use the slight right lane.
29

Turn right onto East Chaparral Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Chaparral Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
30

Turn left

64 ft · 4 sec
31

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 187.7 miles from Colorado City, AZ, or about 3h 58m 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 83 miles or 1h 49m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 187.7 miles or 3h 58m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 18m

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 Colorado City, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Colorado City, AZ

This is one driving day of about 375.4 miles and 7h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Colorado City, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks 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.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 187.7 mi from Colorado City, AZ · 3h 58m into the drive

Downtown Flagstaff, AZ, AZ

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Flagstaff, AZ

188 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.

Popular next leg

Flagstaff, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ

150.2 mi · 2h 13m

Pacing Suggestions

Fredonia, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Flagstaff, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 187.7 miles from Colorado City, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Arizona Veterans Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93 miles.

Arriving in Scottsdale, AZ

The final approach into Scottsdale, AZ usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Scottsdale, AZ.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 near mile 271.9
Caution: High Levels of Visitation
View on nps.gov
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour $25 near mile 207.1
View on nps.gov
Pipe Spring National Monument

Pipe Spring National Monument

National Monument

The rich history of Pipe Spring and its flowing water comes alive as you explore the traditions of the Kaibab Paiute and the Mormon settlers through the museum, historic fort, cabins, and garden. Hike...

5 mi from route ~13 min detour $10 near mile 12.9
View on nps.gov
Walnut Canyon National Monument

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...

6 mi from route ~16 min detour $25 near mile 220.1
View on nps.gov
Wupatki National Monument

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...

8 mi from route ~19 min detour $25 near mile 194.2
View on nps.gov
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of mil...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour $30 near mile 103.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$74.71 one way

$149.42 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 131 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.34 $78.89 $157.79
premium $5.59 $82.57 $165.15
diesel $5.64 $83.40 $166.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$75

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$100–$125

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 131.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 112.6 1 $39.42 $18.02
Efficient EV 93.9 1 $32.85 $15.02
EV Truck/SUV 150.2 1 $52.56 $24.03

Gas CO2

131 kg

EV CO2

44 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 hours ago

Origin

Colorado City, AZ

Morning in Colorado City on Monday

Local time

10:32 AM

MST

Current temp

38°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Scottsdale, AZ

Morning in Scottsdale on Monday

Local time

10:32 AM

MST

Current temp

80°F

Partly Sunny

SW 0 to 15 mph 12% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 12 at 7:45PM MST until April 13 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

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

42 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

7h 25m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Colorado City, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ covers 375.4 miles and takes about 7h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Arizona Veterans Highway, Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway, Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 187.7 miles from Colorado City, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $74.71 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 375.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 222.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 227.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 351.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Colorado City, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.

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