How far is Mesa, AZ from Cave Creek, AZ?
The driving distance from Mesa, AZ to Cave Creek, AZ is about 35.1 miles (56.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 29.3 miles (47.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 53m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mesa and Cave Creek.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa and Cave Creek.
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1
Start on East University Drive
22 m · 6 sec · East University Drive
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2
Turn right onto North Mesa Drive
2 mi · 4 min · North Mesa Drive
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3
Turn left onto East McKellips Road
1.6 km · 2 min · East McKellips Road
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4
Turn right onto North Country Club Drive
1.2 km · 1 min · North Country Club Drive
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5
Continue on North Beeline Highway
1635 ft · 38 sec · North Beeline Highway
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6
Turn left onto East McDowell Road
2.6 mi · 4 min · East McDowell Road
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7
Take the ramp right toward AZ 101 Loop North
1974 ft · 50 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Pima Freeway
14.2 mi · 16 min · Pima Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Scottsdale Road
1841 ft · 45 sec
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10
Turn straight onto Pima Freeway
579 ft · 14 sec · Pima Freeway
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11
Turn right onto North Scottsdale Road
9.7 mi · 15 min · North Scottsdale Road
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12
Continue on North Tom Darlington Drive
1.7 mi · 4 min · North Tom Darlington Drive
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13
Turn straight onto North Tom Darlington Drive
1426 ft · 30 sec · North Tom Darlington Drive
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14
Turn left onto East Cave Creek Road
1.7 mi · 5 min · East Cave Creek Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Cave Creek Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mesa and Cave Creek.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Pima Freeway
Merge slight left onto Pima Freeway
14.2 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Mesa and Clear near Cave Creek.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mesa to Cave Creek?
The road trip is about 35.1 miles (56.5 km) and usually takes 00h 53m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Paradise Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.6 miles from Mesa and 17.5 miles from Cave Creek.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 29.3 miles (47.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:42 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.14 one way or $12.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Mesa and Clear near Cave Creek.
Stop Ideas Near Paradise Valley
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Mastro's City Hall
City of Mesa Construction Permits
City of Tempe City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Paradise Valley.
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Phoenix (Metro Center Transit Station), Arizona
Maricopa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mesa and Cave Creek. Straight-line distance: 29.35 mi (47.23 km).
#1 Mesa
The fourth most populous city in Arizona and the center of the Mesa metropolitan area.
| Population | 528,159 |
| Coordinates | 33.4222700, -111.8226400 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cave Creek
Town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 5,986 |
| Coordinates | 33.8333716, -111.9507042 |
| Altitude | 648 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cave Creek (-111.950704, 33.833372)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 57 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $6.14 | $12.28 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $6.62 | $13.24 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $6.90 | $13.80 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $7.89 | $15.79 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Arizona · Apr 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.