Origin
Window Rock, AZ
Late night in Window Rock on Wednesday
Local time
5:40 AM
MDT
Current temp
28°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Window Rock, AZ to Mesa, AZ
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
5h 32m
Distance
271.3 mi
437 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 19m
★
6 AM
5h 33m
8 AM
5h 59m
10 AM
5h 42m
12 PM
5h 39m
3 PM
5h 43m
5 PM
5h 58m
8 PM
5h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Window Rock, AZ
Mark Direen
Mesa, AZ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 271.3-mile journey from Window Rock, AZ, to Mesa, AZ, is estimated to take about 5 hours and 32 minutes of driving time. Designed as a single-day trip, it covers a distance that makes for a full, but manageable, day on the road. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $54. You'll primarily navigate using the South Beeline Highway and Heber Road, with a relatively low 17% of the drive on major highways. This route offers a more local driving feel, making it an engaging option for those who prefer to experience the nuances of the landscape rather than just covering ground.
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
135.7 miles from Window Rock, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 271.3-mile trip, with only 17% of the route on major highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 73.1 miles along the South Beeline Highway. This suggests a driving experience that is less about high-speed cruising and more about engaging with the road as it winds through the terrain. The Purple Heart Trail and Heber Road will likely present more varied driving conditions, requiring your attention as you navigate through local areas.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
South Beeline Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 73.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Tribal Hill Drive.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 5h 32m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Tribal Hill Drive): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (Morgan Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (N100 / Navajo Route 100): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Tribal Hill Drive
Turn right onto Tribal Hill Drive
Navigation decision point
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Morgan Boulevard
Turn left onto Morgan Boulevard
Navigation decision point
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
N100 / Navajo Route 100
Turn sharp right onto N100 / Navajo Route 100
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
97.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
|
AZ 77
Take the exit onto AZ 77 toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South, US 180 East: Show Low, Heber
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South...
6
271.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 32m in
|
East University Drive
Turn left onto East University Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Window Rock, AZ to Mesa, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Heber along the way.
Heber
97.2 mi in
|
~1h 50m
|
via AZ 77
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South Beeline Highway | 73.1 mi | 1h 26m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 69.9 mi | 1h 9m |
| Heber Road | 30.9 mi | 36m |
| Payson-Show Low Highway | 24.2 mi | 30m |
| Navajo Route 12 | 24.2 mi | 34m |
| Hwy 260 | 15.9 mi | 22m |
| Payson-Heber Highway | 12.7 mi | 17m |
| West 3rd Street North | 4.9 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
South Beeline Highway
— 73.1 mi, about 1h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Window Rock, AZ and Mesa, AZ.
1
Start on this road
126 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Tribal Hill Drive
0.2 mi
·
58 sec
·
Tribal Hill Drive
3
Turn left onto Morgan Boulevard
447 ft
·
25 sec
·
Morgan Boulevard
4
Turn sharp right onto N100
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
Navajo Route 100
5
Continue on Window Rock Boulevard
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Window Rock Boulevard
6
At end of road, turn left onto N12
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Navajo Route 12
7
Turn right onto AZ 264
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Arizona State Highway 264
8
Turn left onto N12
24 mi
·
33 min
·
Navajo Route 12
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
10
Merge onto I 40
70 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
11
Take the exit onto AZ 77
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
AZ 77
Toward I 40 Business, AZ 77 South, AZ 377 South, US 180 East: Show Low, Heber
12
Turn left onto I 40 Bus; AZ 77; US 66 Hist
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Navajo Boulevard
13
Continue on US 180; AZ 77
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Holbrook-Springerville Highway
14
Continue on AZ 77
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Show Low-Holbrook Highway
15
Turn right onto AZ 377
31 mi
·
36 min
·
Heber Road
16
Turn straight onto AZ 377
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Heber-Holbrook Highway
17
At end of road, turn right onto AZ 277
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
West 3rd Street North
18
Continue on AZ 277
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Highway 277
19
At end of road, turn right onto AZ 260
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Highway 260
20
Continue on AZ 260
16 mi
·
22 min
·
Hwy 260
21
Continue on AZ 260
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Payson-Heber Highway
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on AZ 260
24 mi
·
30 min
·
Payson-Show Low Highway
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn left onto AZ 87
73 mi
·
1 hr 26 min
·
South Beeline Highway
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on AZ 87
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Country Club Drive
25
Turn left onto West McKellips Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West McKellips Road
Use the left lane.
26
Turn right onto North Mesa Drive
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
North Mesa Drive
27
Turn left onto East University Drive
73 ft
·
1 sec
·
East University Drive
Use the left lane.
28
Arrive at destination
East University Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 32-minute estimated drive time, starting your trip from Window Rock in the morning is advisable to reach Mesa with daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop and a total distance of 271.3 miles, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before embarking on longer stretches like the 73.1 miles on South Beeline Highway, as services might be less frequent. The 'turn-heavy' nature of this drive means staying alert is key to enjoying the experience safely.
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 135.7 miles from Window Rock, AZ, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.1 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.7 miles or 2h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mesa, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Window Rock, 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 Window Rock, AZ
This is one driving day of about 271.3 miles and 5h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Window Rock, 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 South Beeline Highway for about 73.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 135.7 mi from Window Rock, AZ · 2h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
136 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 135.7 miles from Window Rock, AZ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South Beeline Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.1 miles.
Arriving in Mesa, AZ
The final approach into Mesa, 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 Mesa, 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
$54.05 one way
$108.09 round trip
$5.06/gal
25.4 MPG avg
95 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.36 | $57.20 | $114.39 |
| premium | $5.59 | $59.72 | $119.44 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $59.90 | $119.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81.4 | 1 | $28.49 | $13.02 |
| Efficient EV | 67.8 | 0 | $23.74 | $10.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 108.5 | 1 | $37.98 | $17.36 |
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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
Mesa, AZ
Late night in Mesa on Wednesday
Local time
4:40 AM
MST
Current temp
59°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
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
31 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
5h 32m 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 Window Rock, AZ to Mesa, AZ covers 271.3 miles and takes about 5h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are South Beeline Highway, Purple Heart Trail, Heber Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 135.7 miles from Window Rock, AZ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $54.05 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.
This is a straightforward 5h 32m drive. You will face about 17 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Tribal Hill Drive): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (Morgan Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (N100 / Navajo Route 100): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach.
On the drive from Window Rock, AZ to Mesa, AZ, road signs begin pointing toward Heber along the way.
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