Trip from Scottsdale, AZ to Swift Trail Junction, AZ

Drive Time

3h 43m

Distance

168 mi

270 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 31m ★

6 AM

3h 44m

8 AM

4h 9m

10 AM

3h 52m

12 PM

3h 50m

3 PM

3h 54m

5 PM

4h 8m

8 PM

3h 36m

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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Scottsdale, AZ

Abhishek Navlakha

Swift Trail Junction, AZ

Mark Direen

Trip Overview

Traveling from Scottsdale to Swift Trail Junction spans 168 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 43 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey fits comfortably into a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. You will primarily navigate via the Superstition Freeway, the Phoenix–Globe Highway, and the Globe-Lordsburg Highway. Budgeting roughly $33 for fuel should cover your transit across the Desert Southwest. It is a straightforward trip that balances highway connectivity with local road navigation, making it a reliable option for travelers looking to get from the Phoenix metro area toward the higher elevations of the region.

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

84 miles from Scottsdale, AZ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a shift in driving styles as you transition from major freeways to more technical local roads. With only 20% of the trip consisting of highway driving, this route leans heavily into a turn-heavy profile that requires your full attention. You will spend the longest uninterrupted portion of your journey covering 71.2 miles on the Globe-Lordsburg Highway. Be prepared for the road to change character significantly as you leave the Superstition Freeway behind and navigate the winding segments that define this trek. While it isn't an exhausting interstate grind, the constant need for steering adjustments keeps the drive engaging from start to finish.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 24 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. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Chaparral Road.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 168 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: 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 8.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 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 | East Chaparral Road

Turn right onto East Chaparral Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

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.

8.5 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward US 60 East, US 60 West: Globe, Phoenix

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 55A; 55B Toward US 60 East, US 60 West: Globe, Phoenix

8.7 mi into trip | ~11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 60 East: Globe

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Exit 55A Toward US 60 East: Globe

9.8 mi into trip | ~13m in | US 60 / Superstition Freeway

Merge onto US 60 / Superstition Freeway

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

Use the none lane.

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Scottsdale, AZ to Swift Trail Junction, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Phoenix along the way.

Phoenix

8.5 mi in | ~10m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Globe-Lordsburg Highway	71.2 mi	1h 28m
Phoenix–Globe Highway	43 mi	55m
Superstition Freeway	22.2 mi	25m
South 1st Avenue	7.3 mi	11m
Pima Freeway	4.9 mi	5m
US 60	4 mi	7m
Price Freeway	2.7 mi	3m
West Thatcher Boulevard	2.3 mi	4m

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

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Scottsdale, AZ and Swift Trail Junction, AZ.

Start on this road

64 ft · 6 sec · this road

Turn right onto East Chaparral Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Chaparral Road

Use the none lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 46 sec

Toward AZ 101 Loop South

Merge onto AZ 101 Loop

4.9 mi · 5 min · Pima Freeway

Use the none lane.

Continue on AZ 101 Loop

2.7 mi · 3 min · Price Freeway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Exit 55A; 55B Toward US 60 East, US 60 West: Globe, Phoenix Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 2 min

Exit 55A Toward US 60 East: Globe Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto US 60

22 mi · 25 min · Superstition Freeway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 60; US 80 Hist

43 mi · 55 min · Phoenix–Globe Highway

Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.

Continue on US 60

1.9 mi · 3 min · Live Oak Street

Continue on US 60

4.0 mi · 7 min · US 60

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 60

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Broad Street

Use the none lane.

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

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 70; AZ 77

0.8 mi · 1 min · Globe-Lordsburg Highway

Use the none lane.

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

0.5 mi · 1 min · West 5th Street

Turn right onto US 191

7.3 mi · 11 min · South 1st Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto West Swift Trail

102 ft · 3 sec · West Swift Trail

Arrive at destination

West Swift Trail

Trip Plan

Planning your departure for early in the morning is your best bet to manage the 3 hour and 43 minute duration effectively. Since the route includes one planned stop, use that break to stretch your legs and refuel before hitting the more technical sections of the drive. Keep in mind that the majority of your time is spent on local roads, so maintain a steady pace to avoid unnecessary fatigue. Because the total fuel cost is estimated at $33, it is wise to fill up before leaving the Scottsdale area to ensure you have plenty of range for the climb toward Swift Trail Junction. Flexibility is your greatest asset on this 168-mile trip, so feel free to adjust your single stop based on your personal comfort level.

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 84 miles from Scottsdale, AZ, or about 1h 51m 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 80 miles or 1h 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84 miles or 1h 51m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 59m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Swift Trail Junction, 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 168 miles and 3h 43m.

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 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 84 mi from Scottsdale, AZ · 1h 51m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Queen Creek, AZ

84 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Queen Creek, AZ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84 miles from Scottsdale, 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 Swift Trail Junction, AZ

The final approach into Swift Trail Junction, 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 Swift Trail Junction, 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

$33.43 one way

$66.87 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.34	$35.31	$70.61
premium	$5.59	$36.95	$73.91
diesel	$5.64	$37.32	$74.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 58.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	50.4	$17.64	$8.06
Efficient EV	42	$14.70	$6.72
EV Truck/SUV	67.2	$23.52	$10.75

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Scottsdale, AZ

Afternoon in Scottsdale on Sunday

Local time

3:37 PM

MST

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Swift Trail Junction, AZ

Afternoon in Swift Trail Junction on Sunday

Local time

3:37 PM

MST

Current temp

51°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

7 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

3h 43m 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 Swift Trail Junction, AZ covers 168 miles and takes about 3h 43m 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, Superstition Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 84 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 $33.43 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.

On the drive from Scottsdale, AZ to Swift Trail Junction, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Phoenix along the way.

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Trip from Scottsdale, AZ to Swift Trail Junction, AZ

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Swift Trail Junction, AZ

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Scottsdale, AZ

Swift Trail Junction, AZ

Same local time

7 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 43m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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