Origin
Scottsdale, AZ
Evening in Scottsdale on Wednesday
Local time
5:19 PM
MST
Current temp
92°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Scottsdale, AZ to Clarkdale, AZ
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 13m
Distance
113.4 mi
182 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 4m
★
6 AM
2h 13m
8 AM
2h 32m
10 AM
2h 20m
12 PM
2h 18m
3 PM
2h 21m
5 PM
2h 31m
8 PM
2h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Scottsdale, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Clarkdale, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 113.4-mile drive from Scottsdale to Clarkdale, Arizona, is easily manageable as a one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes. You'll spend about 40% of your journey on highways, with the majority of the drive unfolding on the Arizona Veterans Highway, Black Canyon Freeway, and Pima Freeway. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $23, making it an economical option. This journey through the Desert Southwest offers a straightforward travel experience, perfect for a quick getaway without the need for an overnight stay. Its manageable length and straightforward nature make it an appealing choice for a day trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
56.7 miles from Scottsdale, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .
Drive Character
The drive presents a mixed experience, with 40% of the route utilizing highways for efficient travel. You'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch of 38.2 miles on the Arizona Veterans Highway, offering a chance to settle into the drive. The Black Canyon Freeway and Pima Freeway contribute to the highway portion, likely providing a faster pace for certain segments. This blend of highway speeds and other road types means the character of the drive will shift, offering variety as you progress towards Clarkdale.
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.
Arizona Veterans Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 38.2 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 0.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 113.4 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (AZ 101 Loop / Pima Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Turn left toward AZ 101 Loop North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
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 straight / slight right lanes.
8
23 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Take the exit toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Phoenix, 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 23C-B
Toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Phoenix, Flagsta...
7
23.5 mi into trip
|
~28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
5
24.7 mi into trip
|
~30m in
|
I 17 / Black Canyon Freeway
Merge onto I 17 / Black Canyon Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Scottsdale, AZ and Clarkdale, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff, Finnie Flat, 260 To 89A, Cottonwood, Payson and Jerome.
Flagstaff
23 mi in
|
~27m
Finnie Flat
95.1 mi in
|
~1h 43m
260 To 89A
95.1 mi in
|
~1h 43m
Cottonwood
95.1 mi in
|
~1h 43m
Payson
95.1 mi in
|
~1h 43m
Jerome
95.1 mi in
|
~1h 43m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Veterans Highway | 38.2 mi | 38m |
| Black Canyon Freeway | 23.2 mi | 24m |
| Pima Freeway | 22 mi | 25m |
| Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway | 12.3 mi | 18m |
| Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway | 8.9 mi | 9m |
| South Main Street | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| South Broadway | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| North Main Street | 1.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Arizona Veterans Highway
— 38.2 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Scottsdale, AZ and Clarkdale, AZ.
1
Start on this road
64 ft
·
6 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto East Chaparral Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Chaparral Road
3
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Pima Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
Exit 23C-B
Toward I 17 South, I 17 North: Phoenix, Flagstaff
Use the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 17 North: Flagstaff
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
8
Merge onto I 17
23 mi
·
24 min
·
Black Canyon Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 17
8.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Phoenix–Cordes Junction Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 17
13 mi
·
13 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 17
25 mi
·
24 min
·
Arizona Veterans Highway
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward Finnie Flat, 260 to 89a, Cottonwood, Payson, Jerome
13
Turn left onto AZ 260
421 ft
·
11 sec
·
Finnie Flat Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Continue on AZ 260
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
Use the straight lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto AZ 260
169 ft
·
7 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
16
Continue on AZ 260
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto AZ 260
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
18
Enter roundabout onto AZ 260
171 ft
·
7 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
19
Continue on AZ 260
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
20
Enter roundabout onto AZ 260
171 ft
·
2 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
21
Continue on AZ 260
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
22
Enter roundabout onto AZ 260
145 ft
·
6 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
23
Continue on AZ 260
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
24
Enter roundabout onto AZ 260
169 ft
·
7 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
25
Continue on AZ 260
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
26
Enter roundabout onto AZ 260
144 ft
·
6 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
27
Continue on AZ 260
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
28
Enter roundabout onto AZ 260
188 ft
·
8 sec
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
29
Continue on AZ 260
4.7 mi
·
7 min
·
Camp Verde-Bridgeport Highway
30
Continue on AZ 260
420 ft
·
12 sec
·
South Main Street
31
Continue on AZ 89A
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
South Main Street
32
Enter roundabout onto US 89A Historic
100 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Main Street
33
Continue on US 89A Historic
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
North Main Street
34
Continue on US 89A Historic
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
South Broadway
35
Continue on US 89A Historic
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
Main Street
36
Arrive at destination
US 89A Historic
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 2 hours, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. You can comfortably depart Scottsdale in the morning and arrive in Clarkdale with ample time for exploration. Given the relatively short distance, there's no need to split the journey; focus on enjoying the drive. The longest stretch without a major change is 38.2 miles on Arizona Veterans Highway, so plan for your fuel and rest stops before or after this segment. The estimated fuel cost of $23 is a good budget point to keep in mind.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 56.7 miles from Scottsdale, AZ, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.2 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 25 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 56.7 miles or 1h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clarkdale, 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 113.4 miles and 2h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Scottsdale, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Arizona Veterans Highway for about 38.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 56.7 mi from Scottsdale, AZ · 1h 4m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
57 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 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 56.7 miles from Scottsdale, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Clarkdale, AZ
The final approach into Clarkdale, 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 Clarkdale, 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
$22.59 one way
$45.18 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
40 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $23.91 | $47.82 |
| premium | $5.59 | $24.96 | $49.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $25.04 | $50.07 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34 | 0 | $11.91 | $5.44 |
| Efficient EV | 28.4 | 0 | $9.92 | $4.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 45.4 | 0 | $15.88 | $7.26 |
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% 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
Clarkdale, AZ
Evening in Clarkdale on Wednesday
Local time
5:19 PM
MST
Current temp
49°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
2h 13m 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 Scottsdale, AZ to Clarkdale, AZ covers 113.4 miles and takes about 2h 13m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Arizona Veterans Highway, Black Canyon Freeway, Pima Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 56.7 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 $22.59 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 113.4 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (AZ 101 Loop / Pima Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 23 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Scottsdale, AZ and Clarkdale, AZ, road signs point toward Flagstaff, Finnie Flat, 260 To 89A, Cottonwood, Payson and Jerome.
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