Origin
Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
Evening in Pinetop-Lakeside on Sunday
Local time
6:35 PM
MST
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ to Phoenix, AZ
Drive Time
3h 55m
Distance
183.5 mi
295 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 42m
★
6 AM
3h 55m
8 AM
4h 21m
10 AM
4h 4m
12 PM
4h 2m
3 PM
4h 6m
5 PM
4h 20m
8 PM
3h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
Gorkem Gumustekin
Phoenix, AZ
Carter Marchant
Trip Overview
Traveling from the high country of Pinetop-Lakeside down to Phoenix covers 187.8 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 21 minutes. Because this journey is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day trip, allowing you to easily manage the transition between these two Desert Southwest locations. You should budget approximately $37 for fuel to complete the trek. Since the route relies on local roads like West Summer Haven Lane, West White Mountain Boulevard, and South White Mountain Road rather than major interstates, you will want to prepare for a more hands-on driving experience. Planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the travel time comfortably. Whether you are heading to the city for business or returning home, this straightforward route offers a direct connection between the mountains and the valley.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
91.7 miles from Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route features zero highway miles, meaning you will be navigating local arteries for the entire 187.8-mile duration. Because the longest stretch of road is zero miles on West Summer Haven Lane, the path is characterized by frequent transitions rather than long, straightaways. You will find that the road’s personality is defined by its constant shifts in direction, requiring you to remain engaged with the local infrastructure throughout the drive. This is a technical journey that keeps you actively involved in the navigation process from start to finish.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Globe-Show Low Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 83.5 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 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 10.7 miles in near US 60; AZ 77; AZ 260 / West Deuce of Clubs.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 183.5 miles you will encounter 14 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: at 10.7 miles (US 60; AZ 77; AZ 260 / West Deuce of Clubs): Navigation decision point; at 174.1 miles (US 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 179.5 miles (US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
10.7 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
US 60; AZ 77; AZ 260 / West Deuce of Clubs
At end of road, turn left onto US 60; AZ 77; AZ 260 / West Deuce of Clubs
Navigation decision point
5
174.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 42m in
|
US 60
Keep slight left at fork onto US 60 toward I 10 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 10 North
8
179.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m in
|
US 60 / Maricopa Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60 / Maricopa Freeway toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
8
181.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 50m in
Take the exit toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
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 195B
Toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
6
183 mi into trip
|
~3h 53m in
|
East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Globe-Show Low Highway | 83.5 mi | 1h 35m |
| Phoenix–Globe Highway | 42.9 mi | 55m |
| Superstition Freeway | 27.1 mi | 31m |
| Maricopa Freeway | 6.8 mi | 7m |
| West White Mountain Boulevard | 5.7 mi | 10m |
| US 60 | 4.5 mi | 8m |
| South White Mountain Road | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| West Live Oak Street | 1.9 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Globe-Show Low Highway
— 83.5 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.
1
Start on West Summer Haven Lane
478 ft
·
26 sec
·
West Summer Haven Lane
2
Continue on West Summer Haven Lane
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
West Summer Haven Lane
3
Turn left onto AZ 260
5.7 mi
·
10 min
·
West White Mountain Boulevard
4
Continue on AZ 260
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
South White Mountain Road
5
Turn left onto East Woolford
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
East Woolford
6
Continue on South Central Avenue
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Central Avenue
7
Turn left onto West Whipple Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Whipple Street
8
At end of road, turn left onto US 60; AZ 77; AZ 260
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Deuce of Clubs
9
Continue on US 60; AZ 77
83 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
Globe-Show Low Highway
10
Turn right onto US 60
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East Ash Street
11
Turn right onto South Hill Street
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
South Hill Street
12
Turn left onto East Oak Street
366 ft
·
11 sec
·
East Oak Street
13
Turn right onto North Broad Street
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
North Broad Street
14
Continue on US 60
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Broad Street
15
Continue on US 60
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
US 60
16
Continue on US 60
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
West Live Oak Street
17
Continue on US 60
43 mi
·
55 min
·
Phoenix–Globe Highway
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist
27 mi
·
31 min
·
Superstition Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 60
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
US 60
Toward I 10 North
20
Merge onto I 10; US 60
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Maricopa Freeway
Toward I-17 North, US-60 West: Flagstaff
Use the slight right lane.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 195B
Toward 7th Street, Central Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
23
Turn straight onto East Maricopa Freeway
134 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Maricopa Freeway
24
Turn right onto South 7th Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South 7th Street
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
West Washington Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 3-hour and 21-minute trip, try to time your departure to avoid peak local traffic, especially as you approach the metropolitan area. Since the entire drive is composed of local roads, factor in a bit of extra cushion for your travel time compared to a standard highway route. You should plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $37 fuel budget in mind as you monitor your gauge. Given the nature of these winding local roads, prioritize steady pacing over speed to ensure a smoother ride for everyone in the vehicle. A smart tip for this specific path is to keep your navigation app active at all times, as the reliance on local roads like West White Mountain Boulevard means you will encounter numerous turns where missing a signal could add time to your arrival.
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 91.7 miles from Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.5 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 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.7 miles or 1h 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 3h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Phoenix, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pinetop-Lakeside, 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 Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
This is one driving day of about 183.5 miles and 3h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Pinetop-Lakeside, 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-Show Low Highway for about 83.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 91.7 mi from Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ · 1h 53m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
92 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 91.7 miles from Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Globe-Show Low Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.5 miles.
Arriving in Phoenix, AZ
The final approach into Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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
$36.52 one way
$73.04 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $38.56 | $77.13 |
| premium | $5.59 | $40.36 | $80.73 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $40.77 | $81.53 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.1 | 0 | $19.27 | $8.81 |
| Efficient EV | 45.9 | 0 | $16.06 | $7.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 73.4 | 0 | $25.69 | $11.74 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Phoenix, AZ
Evening in Phoenix on Sunday
Local time
6:35 PM
MST
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
55°F
Florence, AZ
92 mi in
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
27 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
3h 55m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ to Phoenix, AZ covers 183.5 miles and takes about 3h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Globe-Show Low Highway, Phoenix–Globe Highway, Superstition Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 91.7 miles from Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.52 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 183.5 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.7 miles (US 60; AZ 77; AZ 260 / West Deuce of Clubs): Navigation decision point; at 174.1 miles (US 60): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 179.5 miles (US 60 / Maricopa Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ to Phoenix, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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