Origin
Scottsdale, AZ
Afternoon in Scottsdale on Sunday
Local time
4:08 PM
MST
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Scottsdale, AZ to Chinle, AZ
Drive Time
6h 21m
Distance
298.1 mi
480 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$59
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 9m
★
6 AM
6h 21m
8 AM
6h 46m
10 AM
6h 30m
12 PM
6h 27m
3 PM
6h 31m
5 PM
6h 45m
8 PM
6h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Scottsdale, AZ
Abhishek Navlakha
Chinle, AZ
Lucas George Wendt
Trip Overview
Driving from Scottsdale to Chinle covers 298.1 miles and takes approximately 6 hours and 21 minutes. This route stays entirely within the Desert Southwest, transitioning from the lower desert around Phoenix to the higher elevations of the Colorado Plateau. Because the total duration is quite significant, you should plan on this being a full-day commitment if you intend to complete it in one go. Budgeting roughly $59 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the trip. While it is technically possible to finish this journey in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the roads means you should remain focused behind the wheel for the duration of the drive.
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
149.1 miles from Scottsdale, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 8m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a route that favors technical driving over monotonous highway cruising, as only 22% of this trek consists of major highways. You will navigate a mix of the Beeline Highway, AZ 260, and the Chambers-Mexican Water Highway, which creates a dynamic and turn-heavy experience. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is 68.4 miles along the Beeline Highway, providing a brief period of steady travel before the route shifts into more local road segments. This drive is not a high-speed interstate haul, so be prepared to adjust your pace as the road conditions change throughout the day.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Beeline Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 68.4 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 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Chaparral Road.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 298.1 miles you will encounter 19 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 (East Chaparral Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (AZ 101 Loop / Pima Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
East Chaparral Road
Turn right onto East Chaparral Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
AZ 101 Loop / Pima Freeway
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop / Pima Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
3.3 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit toward McDowell Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49
Toward McDowell Road
5
6.3 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
AZ 87 / North Beeline Highway
Turn left onto AZ 87 / North Beeline Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
175.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 41m in
|
AZ 77
Take the exit onto AZ 77
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Beeline Highway | 68.4 mi | 1h 20m |
| Chambers-Mexican Water Highway | 68.2 mi | 1h 41m |
| AZ 260 | 53 mi | 1h 11m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 45.7 mi | 45m |
| Heber Road | 30.9 mi | 36m |
| US 191 | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| West 3rd Street North | 4.9 mi | 6m |
| North Beeline Highway | 4.2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Beeline Highway
— 68.4 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Scottsdale, AZ and Chinle, AZ.
1
Start on this road
64 ft
·
6 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto East Chaparral Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Chaparral Road
Use the none lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward AZ 101 Loop South
4
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Pima Freeway
Use the none lane.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 49
Toward McDowell Road
Use the slight right lane.
6
Turn left onto East McDowell Road
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
East McDowell Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
7
Turn left onto AZ 87
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Beeline Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Continue on AZ 87
68 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
Beeline Highway
Use the left / none lanes.
9
Turn right onto AZ 260
53 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
AZ 260
Use the straight lane.
10
Turn left onto AZ 277
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Highway 277
11
Continue on AZ 277
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
West 3rd Street North
12
Turn left onto AZ 377
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Heber-Holbrook Highway
13
Turn straight onto AZ 377
31 mi
·
36 min
·
Heber Road
14
Turn left onto AZ 77
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
15
Continue on US 180; AZ 77
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Holbrook-Springerville Highway
16
Continue on US 180; AZ 77
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Navajo Boulevard
17
Take the exit onto AZ 77
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
AZ 77
18
Merge onto I 40; AZ 77
46 mi
·
45 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
Toward US 191 North: Ganado
20
Turn left onto US 191
38 mi
·
56 min
·
Chambers-Mexican Water Highway
21
Turn left onto US 191; SR 264
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
US 191; SR 264
22
Enter roundabout onto US 191; SR 264
55 ft
·
0 sec
·
Chambers-Mexican Water Highway
23
Continue on US 191; SR 264
30 mi
·
45 min
·
Chambers-Mexican Water Highway
24
Turn right onto N7
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Navajo Route 7
25
Turn left onto Main Street
0.2 mi
·
55 sec
·
Main Street
26
At end of road, turn right onto 4th Avenue
149 ft
·
6 sec
·
4th Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
4th Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 298.1-mile journey, depart early in the morning to ensure you reach Chinle before the light fades. Since the route includes only one scheduled stop, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the more isolated segments of the Chambers-Mexican Water Highway. Flexibility is your greatest asset here; take advantage of your one planned break to stretch your legs and reset your focus before tackling the final, more winding sections of the drive. Because this trip is demanding, prioritize staying hydrated and alert as you transition between the various state and local road systems.
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 149.1 miles from Scottsdale, AZ, or about 3h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.4 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 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.1 miles or 3h 8m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chinle, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale, AZ
This is one driving day of about 298.1 miles and 6h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Scottsdale, 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 Beeline Highway for about 68.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 149.1 mi from Scottsdale, AZ · 3h 8m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
149 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 149.1 miles from Scottsdale, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Beeline Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68.4 miles.
Arriving in Chinle, AZ
The final approach into Chinle, 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 Chinle, 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
$59.33 one way
$118.65 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
104 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.34 | $62.65 | $125.30 |
| premium | $5.59 | $65.57 | $131.14 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $66.23 | $132.45 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89.4 | 1 | $31.30 | $14.31 |
| Efficient EV | 74.5 | 0 | $26.08 | $11.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 119.2 | 1 | $41.73 | $19.08 |
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Chinle, AZ
Evening in Chinle on Sunday
Local time
5:08 PM
MDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
63°F
Mesa, AZ
149 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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
24 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
6h 21m 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 Scottsdale, AZ to Chinle, AZ covers 298.1 miles and takes about 6h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Beeline Highway, Chambers-Mexican Water Highway, AZ 260. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 149.1 miles from Scottsdale, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $59.33 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 298.1 miles you will encounter 19 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: near the start (East Chaparral Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (AZ 101 Loop / Pima Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Scottsdale, AZ to Chinle, AZ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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