This 320.3-mile journey from Fredonia, AZ, to Deer Valley, AZ, is estimated to take around 6 hours and 19 minutes of driving time, making it a feasible one-day road trip. You'll be navigating primarily on local roads, with about 8% of the drive on highways. Budget approximately $64 for fuel for this excursion through the Desert Southwest. The route is designed for a single day, so you won't need to worry about overnight stays. Expect a driving experience that involves frequent turns and a more intimate connection with the landscape.
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
160.1 miles from Fredonia, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 25m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 19m. Total distance: 320.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 19m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
The character of this drive leans heavily towards a turn-heavy local experience, rather than long stretches of highway. With only 8% of the route on highways, you'll be engaging with the road more directly. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 93 miles along Arizona Veterans Highway, offering a brief period of consistent travel before more varied driving. This profile suggests a route that winds through the terrain, demanding your attention with frequent adjustments.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 25 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 190.4 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 320.3 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 190.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 195.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 195.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
190.4 mi into trip|~4h 3m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
195.5 mi into trip|~4h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flags...
6
195.7 mi into trip|~4h 10m 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
318.7 mi into trip|~6h 16m in
Take the exit toward Deer Valley Road, Rose Garden Lane
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 215B
Toward Deer Valley Road, Rose Garden Lane
5
319 mi into trip|~6h 17m in|West Deer Valley Road
Turn right onto West Deer Valley Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fredonia, AZ and Deer Valley, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Step-by-step road directions between Fredonia, AZ and Deer Valley, AZ.
1
Start on AZ 389
47 ft·3 sec·West Pratt Street
2
Turn right onto US 89A
1.6 mi·2 min·South Main Street
3
Continue on US 89A
84 mi·1 hr 53 min·Bitter Springs–Fredonia Highway
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 89
57 mi·1 hr 6 min·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
5
Continue on US 89
0.3 mi·26 sec·US 89
6
Continue on US 89
1.4 mi·2 min·Cameron-Bitter Springs Highway
7
Enter roundabout onto US 89
154 ft·2 sec·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
8
Continue on US 89
38 mi·44 min·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
9
Continue on US 89
6.4 mi·8 min·US Highway 89
10
Continue on US 89
2.3 mi·4 min·Flagstaff-Cameron Highway
11
Turn left onto Country Club Drive
0.3 mi·51 sec·Country Club Drive
Use the left lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Use the right lane.
13
Merge onto I 40
4.7 mi·5 min·Purple Heart Trail
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 17 South, AZ 89A North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward I 17, AZ 89A South: Sedona, Phoenix
16
Merge onto I 17; AZ 89A
93 mi·1 hr 33 min·Arizona Veterans Highway
17
Continue on I 17
5.8 mi·5 min·Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 17
10 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on I 17
3.2 mi·3 min·North Black Canyon Highway
Use the slight right lane.
20
Continue on I 17
9.5 mi·10 min·Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 215BToward Deer Valley Road, Rose Garden LaneUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn straight onto North Black Canyon Highway
0.1 mi·14 sec·North Black Canyon Highway
23
Turn right onto West Deer Valley Road
1.2 mi·2 min·West Deer Valley Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn right onto North 35th Avenue
37 ft·0 sec·North 35th Avenue
25
Arrive at destination
North 35th Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 320.3-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from Fredonia, AZ, to maximize your daylight hours and allow for a relaxed pace. With a total duration of about 6 hours and 19 minutes, you'll have flexibility for a single stop. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before heading onto the 93-mile stretch of Arizona Veterans Highway, as services might be less frequent. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means being prepared for frequent navigation changes and enjoying the journey through the Desert Southwest.
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 160.1 miles from Fredonia, AZ, or about 3h 25m 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 70 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 160.1 miles or 3h 25m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Deer Valley, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fredonia, 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 Fredonia, AZ
This is one driving day of about 320.3 miles and 6h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Fredonia, 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 Arizona Veterans Highway for about 93 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 160.1 mi from Fredonia, AZ
· 3h 25m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
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...
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
~20 min detour
$25
near mile 165.9
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...
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
$10
near mile 243.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.81 one way
$127.62 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg112 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$67.53
$135.06
premium
$5.59
$70.50
$141.01
diesel
$5.61
$70.72
$141.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$64
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
96.1
1
$33.63
$15.37
Efficient EV
80.1
0
$28.03
$12.81
EV Truck/SUV
128.1
1
$44.84
$20.50
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
37 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Fredonia, AZ
Evening
in Fredonia on Friday
Local time
5:08 PM
MST
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Deer Valley, AZ
Evening
in Deer Valley on Friday
Local time
5:08 PM
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
11 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
6h 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 Fredonia, AZ to Deer Valley, AZ covers 320.3 miles and takes about 6h 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 160.1 miles from Fredonia, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $63.81 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 1 meaningful break 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 12 significant decision points across 320.3 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 190.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 195.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 195.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Fredonia, AZ and Deer Valley, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
