How far is Picture Rocks, AZ from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance from Picture Rocks, AZ to Mesa, AZ is about 104.2 miles (167.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 81.5 miles (131.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 33m 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 46m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Picture Rocks and Mesa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Picture Rocks and Mesa.
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1
Start on North Avra Road
1.4 mi · 5 min · North Avra Road
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2
Turn slight right onto West Emigh Road
1 mi · 4 min · West Emigh Road
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3
Turn left onto North Sanders Road
1 mi · 2 min · North Sanders Road
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto West Twin Peaks Road
2644 ft · 52 sec · West Twin Peaks Road
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5
Turn right onto North Clayton Road
1.2 mi · 2 min · North Clayton Road
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6
Turn sharp right onto West Avra Valley Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Avra Valley Road
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7
Turn left onto North Sanders Road
4 mi · 7 min · North Sanders Road
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8
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Marana Road
2819 ft · 53 sec · West Marana Road
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9
Continue on Marana Main Street
2724 ft · 1 min · Marana Main Street
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward North Sandario Road
58 m · 6 sec · North Sandario Road
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11
Exit the roundabout onto North Sandario Road
1584 ft · 60 sec · North Sandario Road
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12
Take the ramp left toward I 10 West: Phoenix
2256 ft · 55 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
36.1 mi · 36 min · Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
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14
Continue on Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
24.1 mi · 24 min · Phoenix-Casa Grande Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward AZ 587 North: Chandler, Gilbert
1404 ft · 54 sec
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16
Turn left
5.8 mi · 9 min
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17
Continue on South Arizona Avenue
11 mi · 19 min · South Arizona Avenue
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18
Continue on South Country Club Drive
4 mi · 7 min · South Country Club Drive
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19
Turn right onto West University Drive
1.6 km · 2 min · West University Drive
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East University Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Picture Rocks and Mesa.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
Merge slight left onto Casa Grande-Tucson Highway
36.1 mi · 00h 36m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Picture Rocks and Partly Sunny near Mesa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Picture Rocks to Mesa?
The road trip is about 104.2 miles (167.7 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Arizona City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.3 miles from Picture Rocks and 56.9 miles from Mesa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 81.5 miles (131.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.7 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 2:56 PM MST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.22 one way or $36.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Picture Rocks and Partly Sunny near Mesa.
Stop Ideas Near Arizona City
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Casa Grande
Eloy City Hall
Arizona City Plaza
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Arizona City.
Maricopa
Phoenix (Airport), Arizona
Phoenix (Greyhound), Arizona
Tucson
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Picture Rocks and Mesa. Straight-line distance: 81.54 mi (131.23 km).
#1 Picture Rocks
Census-designated place in Pima County, Arizona, United States
| Population | 9,563 |
| Coordinates | 32.3459100, -111.2462100 |
| Altitude | 634 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: East University Drive (-111.82264, 33.422353)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 168 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.95 | $18.22 | $36.44 |
| Mid-grade | $5.34 | $19.64 | $39.29 |
| Premium | $5.57 | $20.48 | $40.97 |
| Diesel | $6.37 | $23.43 | $46.85 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.