Origin
Colorado City, AZ
Late night in Colorado City on Wednesday
Local time
3:15 AM
MST
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Colorado City, AZ to Surprise, AZ
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
7h 19m
Distance
365.7 mi
589 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$73
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 9m
★
6 AM
7h 20m
8 AM
7h 41m
10 AM
7h 27m
12 PM
7h 25m
3 PM
7h 28m
5 PM
7h 40m
8 PM
7h 13m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Colorado City, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Surprise, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Colorado City, AZ to Surprise, AZ covers 365.7 miles and takes about 7h 19m 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 $72.85 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
182.9 miles from Colorado City, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 53m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 7h 19m drive with frequent turns across 365.7 miles of local and secondary roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 39 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
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 365.7 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 344.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese 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
7
344.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 48m in
Take the exit toward AZ 303 Loop South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 221
Toward AZ 303 Loop South
6
344.7 mi into trip
|
~6h 48m in
|
AZ 303 Loop
Turn right onto AZ 303 Loop
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
7
359.6 mi into trip
|
~7h 6m in
Take the exit toward El Mirage Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 123
Toward El Mirage Road
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Colorado City, AZ and Surprise, 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 |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 13.9 mi | 14m |
| Bob Stump Memorial Parkway | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| 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 Surprise, 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
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 221
Toward AZ 303 Loop South
Use the slight right lane.
26
Turn right onto AZ 303 Loop
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
AZ 303 Loop
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
45 sec
28
Continue on this road
411 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
30
Merge onto AZ 303 Loop
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
·
Bob Stump Memorial Parkway
31
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
47 sec
32
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
·
this road
33
Merge onto AZ 303 Loop
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Bob Stump Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
1 min
Exit 123
Toward El Mirage Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
Exit 123
Toward El Mirage Road
36
Turn left onto North El Mirage Road
5.1 mi
·
9 min
·
North El Mirage Road
Use the right lane.
37
Turn right onto West Paradise Lane
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Paradise Lane
38
Turn left onto North Nash Street
88 ft
·
3 sec
·
North Nash Street
39
Arrive at destination
North Nash Street
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 182.9 miles from Colorado City, AZ, or about 3h 53m 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 80 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 182.9 miles or 3h 53m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Surprise, 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 365.7 miles and 7h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 182.9 mi from Colorado City, AZ · 3h 53m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
183 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 182.9 miles from Colorado City, 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.
Arriving in Surprise, AZ
The final approach into Surprise, 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 Surprise, AZ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$72.85 one way
$145.70 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
128 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $77.10 | $154.20 |
| premium | $5.59 | $80.50 | $160.99 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $80.74 | $161.48 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$73
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$98–$123
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 109.7 | 1 | $38.40 | $17.55 |
| Efficient EV | 91.4 | 1 | $32.00 | $14.63 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 146.3 | 1 | $51.20 | $23.40 |
Gas CO2
128 kg
EV CO2
43 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
Surprise, AZ
Late night in Surprise on Wednesday
Local time
3:15 AM
MST
Current temp
88°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
50 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 19m 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 Surprise, AZ covers 365.7 miles and takes about 7h 19m 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 182.9 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 $72.85 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 24 significant decision points across 365.7 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 344.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Colorado City, AZ and Surprise, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
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