How far is Mesa, AZ from Tonto Basin, AZ?
The driving distance from Mesa, AZ to Tonto Basin, AZ is about 78.1 miles (125.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 41.5 miles (66.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 18m 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 01h 39m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mesa and Tonto Basin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mesa and Tonto Basin.
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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
52.4 mi · 1 hr · Beeline Highway
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7
Turn right onto Claypool-Jakes Corner Highway
17.1 mi · 24 min · Claypool-Jakes Corner Highway
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8
Turn left
1069 ft · 1 min
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9
At the end of the road, turn left
804 ft · 59 sec
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mesa and Tonto Basin.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Beeline Highway
Continue on Beeline Highway
52.4 mi · 01h 00m
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 Sunny near Tonto Basin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mesa to Tonto Basin?
The road trip is about 78.1 miles (125.7 km) and usually takes 01h 39m 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 39 miles from Mesa and 39.1 miles from Tonto Basin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 41.5 miles (66.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.6 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 3:12 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.90 one way or $25.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Mesa and Sunny near Tonto Basin.
Stop Ideas Near Fountain Hills
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
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 Tonto Basin. Straight-line distance: 41.51 mi (66.81 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 Tonto Basin
Situated at an elevation of 2,238 feet in Gila County, Arizona, this rural community lies within a broad geological depression between the Mazatzal Mountains and the Sierra Ancha range.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 33.8317100, -111.2945700 |
| Altitude | 682 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tonto Basin (-111.29457, 33.83171)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 126 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $12.90 | $25.80 |
| Mid-grade | $5.03 | $13.89 | $27.79 |
| Premium | $5.36 | $14.80 | $29.60 |
| Diesel | $6.27 | $17.31 | $34.62 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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