Trip from Mesa, AZ to Morenci, AZ

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

5h 4m

Distance

204.7 mi

329 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 51m ★

6 AM

5h 4m

8 AM

5h 31m

10 AM

5h 13m

12 PM

5h 11m

3 PM

5h 15m

5 PM

5h 30m

8 PM

4h 56m

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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city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States

Mesa, AZ

Wikimedia Commons

Morenci, AZ

András Nyemczovszky

Trip Overview

This 204.7-mile journey from Mesa, AZ, to Morenci, AZ, is a feasible one-day trip, estimated to take about 5 hours of driving time. You'll primarily navigate via the Globe-Lordsburg Highway and US 191, with the Phoenix–Globe Highway also playing a role. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $41. Given its character as a turn-heavy local drive, it's best suited for a single day rather than an overnight split. Both your origin and destination are within the Desert Southwest region, so expect consistent arid and semi-arid landscapes.

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

102.4 miles from Mesa, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 17m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 4m. Total distance: 204.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (23%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a driving experience characterized by frequent turns, making it more of a local road feel than an open highway cruise. Only 23% of this route involves highway driving, so be prepared for a more engaging and potentially slower pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 71.2 miles on the Globe-Lordsburg Highway. This route requires your attention, offering a dynamic drive as you navigate through varying terrain. It's a road that keeps you involved behind the wheel.

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.

Globe-Lordsburg Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 71.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Mesa Drive.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 204.7 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Mesa Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (US 60 / Superstition Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Mesa Drive

Turn left onto North Mesa Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

2.6 mi into trip | ~5m in

Turn left toward US 60 East: Globe

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward US 60 East: Globe

3 mi into trip | ~5m in | US 60 / Superstition Freeway

Merge onto US 60 / Superstition Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

71.8 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in | North Broad Street

Turn left onto North Broad Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

200.4 mi into trip | ~4h 35m in

Turn sharp right

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Globe-Lordsburg Highway	71.2 mi	1h 28m
Phoenix–Globe Highway	43 mi	55m
US 191	23.7 mi	28m
Superstition Freeway	18.5 mi	21m
West 5th Street	10.5 mi	14m
Coronado Boulevard	10.2 mi	17m
Coronado Trail	6.3 mi	15m
US 60	4 mi	7m

Longest stretch: Globe-Lordsburg Highway — 71.2 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mesa, AZ and Morenci, AZ.

Start on East University Drive

73 ft · 8 sec · East University Drive

Turn left onto North Mesa Drive

0.5 mi · 56 sec · North Mesa Drive

Use the left lane.

Continue on South Mesa Drive

2.0 mi · 3 min · South Mesa Drive

Use the left lane.

Turn left

0.4 mi · 55 sec

Toward US 60 East: Globe Use the left lane.

Merge onto US 60

19 mi · 21 min · Superstition Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist

43 mi · 55 min · Phoenix–Globe Highway

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Continue on US 60

1.9 mi · 3 min · Live Oak Street

Continue on US 60

4.0 mi · 7 min · US 60

Continue on US 60

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Broad Street

Turn left onto North Broad Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Broad Street

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto East Oak Street

366 ft · 9 sec · East Oak Street

Turn right onto South Hill Street

0.3 mi · 39 sec · South Hill Street

Turn left onto US 60

2.3 mi · 4 min · East Ash Street

Continue on US 70; AZ 77

0.8 mi · 1 min · Globe-Lordsburg Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 70; AZ 77

70 mi · 1 hr 27 min · Globe-Lordsburg Highway

Continue on US 70

1.1 mi · 2 min · West Main Street

Continue on US 70

2.3 mi · 4 min · West Thatcher Boulevard

Continue on US 70

11 mi · 14 min · West 5th Street

Turn left onto US 191

24 mi · 28 min · US 191

At end of road, turn straight

90 ft · 2 sec

Turn left

82 ft · 2 sec

Turn slight right onto US 191

10 mi · 17 min · Coronado Boulevard

Continue on US 191 Temp

2.3 mi · 3 min · Coronado Trail

Continue on US 191 Temp

4.0 mi · 11 min · Coronado Trail

Turn sharp right

0.3 mi · 2 min

Turn left

0.5 mi · 2 min

Turn left

0.5 mi · 3 min

Turn sharp left

0.5 mi · 3 min

Turn left

1.2 mi · 8 min

Turn sharp left

1.3 mi · 8 min

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Mesa to maximize your daylight hours. With only one stop recommended along the way, plan to refuel before you leave or at a convenient point early in your journey, as fuel costs are estimated at $41. The longest stretch without a major break is over 70 miles, so ensure you're comfortable before embarking on that segment. Given the turn-heavy nature of this route, staying alert and managing your speed appropriately is key to a safe and enjoyable trip.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 102.4 miles from Mesa, AZ, or about 2h 17m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 45 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 102.4 miles or 2h 17m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Morenci, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Mesa, AZ

This is one driving day of about 204.7 miles and 5h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Mesa, 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 Globe-Lordsburg Highway for about 71.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 102.4 mi from Mesa, AZ · 2h 17m into the drive

unincorporated community and census-designated place in Graham County, Arizona, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bylas, AZ

102 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

Queen Creek, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bylas, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 102.4 miles from Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Globe-Lordsburg Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.2 miles.

Arriving in Morenci, AZ

The final approach into Morenci, 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 Morenci, 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.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

National Monument

An Ancestral Sonoran Desert People's farming community and "Great House" are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. Whether a gathering place for people or simply a waypoint marker in an extensive system of...

22 mi from route ~54 min detour Free near mile 35.3

View on nps.gov

Tonto National Monument

National Monument

Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era). They represent a vibrant culture consisting of local and immigrant gr...

22 mi from route ~55 min detour $10 near mile 63.5

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.78 one way

$81.56 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.36	$43.16	$86.31
premium	$5.59	$45.06	$90.12
diesel	$5.61	$45.20	$90.39

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 71.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	61.4	0	$21.49	$9.83
Efficient EV	51.2	0	$17.91	$8.19
EV Truck/SUV	81.9	1	$28.66	$13.10

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Mesa, AZ

Afternoon in Mesa on Thursday

Local time

2:44 PM

MST

Current temp

93°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Morenci, AZ

Afternoon in Morenci on Thursday

Local time

2:44 PM

MST

Current temp

50°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

43 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

5h 4m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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 Morenci, AZ covers 204.7 miles and takes about 5h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Globe-Lordsburg Highway, Phoenix–Globe Highway, US 191. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 102.4 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 $40.78 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

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.

The route from Mesa, AZ to Morenci, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Yes. Nearby national parks include Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Tonto National Monument.

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