How far is Mesa, AZ from Rio Verde, AZ?
The driving distance from Mesa, AZ to Rio Verde, AZ is about 29.1 miles (46.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 22.4 miles (36.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 44m 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 52m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
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 Rio Verde.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa and Rio Verde.
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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
4.5 mi · 5 min · North Beeline Highway
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6
Continue on Beeline Highway
6.7 mi · 8 min · Beeline Highway
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7
Turn left onto East Shea Boulevard
3136 ft · 60 sec · East Shea Boulevard
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8
Turn right onto North Saguaro Boulevard
3.8 mi · 7 min · North Saguaro Boulevard
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9
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Fountain Hills Boulevard
2417 ft · 1 min · North Fountain Hills Boulevard
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10
Continue on East McDowell Mountain Road
8.1 mi · 20 min · East McDowell Mountain Road
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11
Continue on North Forest Road
1 km · 2 min · North Forest Road
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12
Turn left onto East Four Peaks Boulevard
1943 ft · 2 min · East Four Peaks Boulevard
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13
Turn right onto North Medelice Lane
592 ft · 26 sec · North Medelice Lane
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Medelice Lane
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mesa and Rio Verde.
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.
East McDowell Mountain Road
Continue on East McDowell Mountain Road
8.12 mi · 00h 20m
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 Rio Verde.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mesa to Rio Verde?
The road trip is about 29.1 miles (46.9 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Fountain Hills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.5 miles from Mesa and 14.6 miles from Rio Verde.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.4 miles (36.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.7 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 4:46 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.81 one way or $9.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Mesa and Clear near Rio Verde.
Stop Ideas Near Fountain Hills
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Mastro's City Hall
City of Mesa Customer Service
Mesa Police Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Fountain Hills.
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 Rio Verde. Straight-line distance: 22.41 mi (36.06 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 Rio Verde
Located in the high Sonoran Desert of Maricopa County at an elevation of 1617 feet, this unincorporated community is situated northeast of Scottsdale near the Verde River.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 33.7225400, -111.6756900 |
| Altitude | 493 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rio Verde (-111.67569, 33.72254)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 47 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $4.81 | $9.63 |
| Mid-grade | $5.03 | $5.19 | $10.37 |
| Premium | $5.36 | $5.52 | $11.05 |
| Diesel | $6.27 | $6.46 | $12.92 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026