This 395.7-mile drive from Mesa, AZ, to Beaver Dam, AZ, will take approximately 7 hours and 52 minutes, making it a feasible, albeit long, day trip. You'll primarily navigate the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway and the Las Vegas Freeway, with a portion of the Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $79, this journey through the Desert Southwest offers a practical route for those seeking to cover ground efficiently. You'll encounter a turn-heavy local drive feel for much of the way, so plan for frequent adjustments. Two planned stops are recommended along this 1-day journey.
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
197.8 miles from Mesa, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 5m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a drive with a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile for most of this 395.7-mile route. While 29% of your journey will be on highways, the character leans towards more frequent navigation changes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 106.7 miles on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway. This means you'll likely experience varied road conditions and speeds, moving from more open highway sections to tighter, more local driving segments as you progress toward Beaver Dam.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 54 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 106.7 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 3.6 miles in.
Route Complexity10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 33 significant decision points across 395.7 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 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 28.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 33 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
3.6 mi into trip|~7m in
Turn left toward AZ 202 Loop West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward AZ 202 Loop West
7
28.1 mi into trip|~35m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 133B
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
7
37.8 mi into trip|~47m in
Take the exit toward US 60
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward US 60
8
277.6 mi into trip|~5h 37m in|US 93 BUS
Take the exit onto US 93 BUS toward US 93 BUS North, NV 172 East: Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2
Toward US 93 BUS North, NV 172 East: Boulder Ci...
8
277.7 mi into trip|~5h 38m in|US 93 BUS
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93 BUS toward US 93 BUS North: Boulder City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 2
Toward US 93 BUS North: Boulder City
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mesa, AZ and Beaver Dam, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Las Vegas
205.8 mi in|~4h 13m|via US 93
Hoover Dam
277.6 mi in|~5h 37m|via US 93 BUS
Lake Mead
277.6 mi in|~5h 37m|via US 93 BUS
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
106.7 mi
2h 9m
Las Vegas Freeway
73.3 mi
1h 13m
Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
66.2 mi
1h 16m
Grand Avenue
27.4 mi
37m
Purple Heart Trail
21.5 mi
21m
Purple Heart Highway
17.6 mi
20m
Papago Freeway
11.8 mi
13m
Red Mountain Freeway
10.9 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
— 106.7 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and Beaver Dam, AZ.
1
Start on East University Drive
2.0 mi·3 min·East University Drive
2
Turn right onto North Alma School Road
1.6 mi·3 min·North Alma School Road
3
Turn left
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward AZ 202 Loop WestUse the left lane.
4
Merge onto AZ 202 Loop
11 mi·12 min·Red Mountain Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 WestUse the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto I 10
1.3 mi·1 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·36 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
8
Continue on I 10
10 mi·12 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 133BToward AZ 101 Loop NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on AZ 101 Loop
8.8 mi·10 min·Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 11Toward US 60Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn left onto US 60
20 mi·28 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
159 ft·3 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
14
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
15
Continue on US 60
0.2 mi·15 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
16
Continue on US 60
0.1 mi·8 sec·Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway
17
Continue on US 60
6.3 mi·7 min·Grand Avenue
18
Continue on US 60
0.5 mi·31 sec·Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway
19
Continue on US 60
8.7 mi·10 min·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
20
Continue on US 60
1.5 mi·2 min·East Wickenburg Way
21
Enter roundabout onto US 93
2 ft·0 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
22
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.5 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
26
Enter roundabout onto US 93
100 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
27
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
28
Enter roundabout onto US 93
155 ft·6 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
29
Continue on US 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
30
Turn left onto US 93
112 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
31
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
101 mi·1 hr 58 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
32
Continue on US 93
0.3 mi·23 sec·Wickenburg-Kingman Highway
33
Take the exit onto US 93
0.7 mi·1 min·US 93
Toward I 40 West
34
Merge onto I 40; US 93
22 mi·21 min·Purple Heart Trail
35
Take the exit onto US 93
0.3 mi·42 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las Vegas
36
Turn slight right onto US 93
222 ft·7 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las VegasUse the right lane.
37
Merge onto US 93
1.8 mi·2 min·West Beale Street
Use the right lane.
38
Continue on US 93
66 mi·1 hr 16 min·Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
Use the right lane.
39
Continue on US 93
3.4 mi·4 min·Hoover Dam Bypass
40
Take the exit onto US 93 BUS
0.2 mi·20 sec·US 93 BUS
Exit 2Toward US 93 BUS North, NV 172 East: Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Lake MeadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93 BUS
6.0 mi·10 min·US 93 BUS
Exit 2Toward US 93 BUS North: Boulder CityUse the right lane.
42
Continue on US 93 BUS
3.6 mi·4 min·Boulder City Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on I 11; US 93; US 95
18 mi·20 min·Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 72Toward NV 159: Charleston BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
45
Turn right onto NV 159
0.6 mi·1 min·East Charleston Boulevard
46
Turn left onto South Lamb Boulevard
6.8 mi·11 min·South Lamb Boulevard
Use the left lane.
47
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 15 North: Salt Lake City
48
Merge onto I 15; US 93
73 mi·1 hr 13 min·Las Vegas Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
49
Continue on I 15
8.1 mi·8 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
50
Take the exit
0.5 mi·53 sec
Exit 8Toward Beaver Dam, Littlefield
51
Turn left onto CR 91
0.6 mi·1 min·Highway 91
52
Turn right
332 ft·26 sec
53
At end of road, turn left
412 ft·30 sec
54
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour 52-minute duration, consider an early morning departure from Mesa to maximize daylight and allow ample time for your two recommended stops. The estimated fuel cost of $79 is a good budget baseline, but it's wise to check current prices. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests paying close attention to navigation, especially on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway, as you'll be making numerous turns. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as you'll be covering a significant distance within Arizona, passing through the Desert Southwest region.
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 197.8 miles from Mesa, AZ, or about 4h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.7 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 87 miles or 1h 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 197.8 miles or 4h 5m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Beaver Dam, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mesa, 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 Mesa, AZ
This is one driving day of about 395.7 miles and 7h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Mesa, 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 Wickenburg–Kingman Highway for about 106.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 197.8 mi from Mesa, AZ
· 4h 5m into the drive
The midpoint is around 197.8 miles from Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Beaver Dam, AZ
The final approach into Beaver Dam, 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 Beaver Dam, AZ.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
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.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Experience outdoor thrills, striking landscapes, and brilliant blue waters. This year-round recreation area spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast reservoirs. Vis...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$25
near mile 259.2
Danger: A harmful algal bloom (HAB) has been detected in Government Wash
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$78.83 one way
$157.66 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg138 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$83.42
$166.85
premium
$5.59
$87.10
$174.20
diesel
$5.61
$87.37
$174.73
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$79
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$104–$129
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 138.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
118.7
1
$41.55
$18.99
Efficient EV
98.9
1
$34.62
$15.83
EV Truck/SUV
158.3
1
$55.40
$25.32
Gas CO2
138 kg
EV CO2
46 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 data refreshed 5 days ago
Origin
Mesa, AZ
Night
in Mesa on Tuesday
Local time
10:31 PM
MST
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Beaver Dam, AZ
Night
in Beaver Dam on Tuesday
Local time
10:31 PM
MST
Current temp
51°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
8 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
7h 52m 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 Mesa, AZ to Beaver Dam, AZ covers 395.7 miles and takes about 7h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Wickenburg–Kingman Highway, Las Vegas Freeway, Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 197.8 miles from Mesa, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $78.83 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 33 significant decision points across 395.7 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 3.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 28.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Mesa, AZ and Beaver Dam, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
