Trip from Mesa, AZ to Peach Springs, AZ

Data updated 1 hour ago

Drive Time

4h 15m

Distance

222.1 mi

357 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 2m ★

6 AM

4h 15m

8 AM

4h 42m

10 AM

4h 24m

12 PM

4h 22m

3 PM

4h 26m

5 PM

4h 40m

8 PM

4h 7m

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

Peach Springs, AZ

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Trip Overview

This 222.1-mile journey from Mesa, AZ to Peach Springs, AZ is a straightforward drive that can comfortably be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of highways, with about 33% of your travel on major freeways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $44, and with only one recommended stop, it's an efficient way to travel across the Desert Southwest. The overall feel of the route is a practical, no-fuss transit between two points within Arizona.

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

111 miles from Mesa, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .

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Drive Character

The drive offers a mixed experience, transitioning between the efficiency of the Black Canyon Freeway and the more local feel of the Prescott–Ash Fork Highway and Hualapai Veterans Highway. You'll encounter stretches where the road is more open, including a longest uninterrupted segment of 43.4 miles on the Prescott–Ash Fork Highway. While not exclusively high-speed interstate, the highway share of 33% indicates you'll have opportunities for steady progress. Expect the character of the drive to evolve as you move from more developed areas towards the more open landscapes of northwestern Arizona.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Prescott–Ash Fork Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 43.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 222.1 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 14.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

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

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

14.8 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward I 10 West

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 10 West

18.8 mi into trip | ~25m in

Take the exit toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff

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 143A-B Toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff

19.1 mi into trip | ~25m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 17 North: Flagstaff

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 143A Toward I 17 North: Flagstaff

80.3 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | AZ 69

Keep slight right at fork onto AZ 69 toward AZ 69 North: Cordes Lakes Rd, Prescott

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward AZ 69 North: Cordes Lakes Rd, Prescott

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 Peach Springs, AZ, road signs point toward Prescott and Chino Valley.

Prescott

80.3 mi in | ~1h 32m | via AZ 69

Chino Valley

115.4 mi in | ~2h 12m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Prescott–Ash Fork Highway	43.4 mi	50m
Black Canyon Freeway	38.3 mi	41m
Hualapai Veterans Highway	36.5 mi	43m
Purple Heart Trail	24.5 mi	24m
AZ 69	21.6 mi	25m
Arizona Veterans Highway	13.4 mi	13m
Red Mountain Freeway	10.9 mi	12m
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway	8.9 mi	9m

Longest stretch: Prescott–Ash Fork Highway — 43.4 mi, about 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on East University Drive

2.0 mi · 3 min · East University Drive

Turn right onto North Alma School Road

1.6 mi · 3 min · North Alma School Road

Turn left

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward AZ 202 Loop West Use the left lane.

Merge onto AZ 202 Loop

11 mi · 12 min · Red Mountain Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min

Toward I 10 West Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 10

1.3 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Continue on I 10

0.5 mi · 36 sec · Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel

Continue on I 10

1.2 mi · 1 min · Papago Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 16 sec

Exit 143A-B Toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Flagstaff Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min

Exit 143A Toward I 17 North: Flagstaff Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 17; US 60

38 mi · 41 min · Black Canyon Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 17

8.9 mi · 9 min · Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 17

13 mi · 13 min · Arizona Veterans Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto AZ 69

22 mi · 25 min · AZ 69

Toward AZ 69 North: Cordes Lakes Rd, Prescott

Turn right onto Fain Road

7.6 mi · 9 min · Fain Road

Continue on AZ 89A

5.9 mi · 6 min · Prescott–Flagstaff Highway

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 44 sec

Exit 317 Toward AZ 89: Prescott, Chino Valley

Turn right onto AZ 89

0.5 mi · 36 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

103 ft · 1 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Continue on AZ 89

0.9 mi · 1 min · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

136 ft · 1 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Continue on AZ 89

3.7 mi · 4 min · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

150 ft · 2 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Continue on AZ 89

0.8 mi · 53 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

151 ft · 2 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Continue on AZ 89

5.0 mi · 5 min · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Enter roundabout onto AZ 89

146 ft · 1 sec · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Continue on AZ 89

32 mi · 37 min · Prescott–Ash Fork Highway

Continue on I 40 BUS; US 66 Hist; AZ 89

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Lewis Avenue

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec

Toward I 40 West

Merge onto I 40

25 mi · 24 min · Purple Heart Trail

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec

Toward I 40 Business: Seligman, Peach Springs

Turn right onto I 40 BUS

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 40 BUS

At end of road, turn right onto US 66 Hist

37 mi · 43 min · Hualapai Veterans Highway

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto Diamond Creek Road

10 ft · 0 sec · Diamond Creek Road

Arrive at destination

Diamond Creek Road

Trip Plan

Given its 4-hour and 15-minute duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Aim to depart Mesa in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for potential minor delays. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you move onto the Hualapai Veterans Highway, and ensure you have adequate gas before embarking on longer, less developed stretches. The flexibility of a one-day drive means you can adjust your schedule as needed.

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 111 miles from Mesa, AZ, or about 2h 7m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.4 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 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 111 miles or 2h 7m 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 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Peach Springs, 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 222.1 miles and 4h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 Prescott–Ash Fork Highway for about 43.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 111 mi from Mesa, AZ · 2h 7m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Surprise, AZ

111 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

Surprise, AZ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Flagstaff, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111 miles from Mesa, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Peach Springs, AZ

The final approach into Peach Springs, 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 Peach Springs, 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

$44.25 one way

$88.49 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.36	$46.82	$93.65
premium	$5.59	$48.89	$97.78
diesel	$5.61	$49.04	$98.07

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 77.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	66.6	0	$23.32	$10.66
Efficient EV	55.5	0	$19.43	$8.88
EV Truck/SUV	88.8	1	$31.09	$14.21

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

11:48 PM

MST

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Peach Springs, AZ

Night in Peach Springs on Tuesday

Local time

11:48 PM

MST

Current temp

71°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

12 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

4h 15m 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 Peach Springs, AZ covers 222.1 miles and takes about 4h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Prescott–Ash Fork Highway, Black Canyon Freeway, Hualapai Veterans Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 111 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 $44.25 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.