How far is Rio Verde, AZ from Gilbert, AZ?
Fastest route
The route from Rio Verde, Arizona, USA to Gilbert, Arizona, USA takes approximately 51 minutes and covers a distance of 36.0 miles. It involves driving through N McDowell Mountain Rd, AZ-87 S, and S Gilbert Rd.
Directions
- Start at Rio Verde, Arizona, USA.
- Take N McDowell Mountain Rd and N Saguaro Blvd to AZ-87 S.
- Head southwest on N Medelice Ln toward E Vía Laguna.
- Turn left onto E 4 Peaks Blvd.
- Turn right onto Forest Rd.
- Turn right onto N McDowell Mountain Rd.
- Continue onto Fountain Hills Blvd.
- Turn left onto N Saguaro Blvd.
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto E Shea Blvd.
- Continue on AZ-87 S to Mesa. Take exit 182 from US-60 E.
- Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto AZ-87 S.
- Pass by Dairy Queen (on the left in 14.6 mi).
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left to merge onto US-60 E.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 182 for Gilbert Rd.
- Follow S Gilbert Rd to N Ash St in Gilbert.
- Turn right onto S Gilbert Rd.
- Pass by Circle K (on the left in 1.8 mi).
- Turn right onto W Page Ave.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to have a GPS or navigation system available for accurate directions.
- ⛰️ Enjoy the scenic drive through N McDowell Mountain Rd.
- 🛣️ Follow the signs for AZ-87 S and US-60 E to stay on the correct route.
- 📅 Check for any traffic updates or road closures before starting your journey.
- ⛽ Plan for fuel stops along the way, especially if your vehicle has limited range.
- 📱 Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible in case of emergencies.
- 🚦 Observe traffic rules and regulations for a safe and smooth trip.
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.
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 Rio Verde and Gilbert.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rio Verde and Gilbert.
-
1
Start on North Medelice Lane
592 ft · 31 sec · North Medelice Lane
-
2
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Four Peaks Boulevard
1922 ft · 1 min · East Four Peaks Boulevard
-
3
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Forest Road
1 km · 2 min · North Forest Road
-
4
Continue on McDowell Mountain Road
8.1 mi · 20 min · McDowell Mountain Road
-
5
Continue on North Fountain Hills Boulevard
2417 ft · 1 min · North Fountain Hills Boulevard
-
6
Turn left onto North Saguaro Boulevard
3.8 mi · 7 min · North Saguaro Boulevard
-
7
Turn left onto East Shea Boulevard
3146 ft · 1 min · East Shea Boulevard
-
8
Turn right onto Beeline Highway
6.7 mi · 8 min · Beeline Highway
-
9
Turn left onto North Gilbert Road
6.2 mi · 10 min · North Gilbert Road
-
10
Continue on South Gilbert Road
4.1 mi · 8 min · South Gilbert Road
-
11
Turn left onto East Vaughn Avenue
134 m · 22 sec · East Vaughn Avenue
-
12
Turn right onto North Elm Street
1134 ft · 41 sec · North Elm Street
-
13
Turn right
62 m · 15 sec
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rio Verde and Gilbert.
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.
McDowell Mountain Road
Continue on 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.
Clear leaving Rio Verde and Clear near Gilbert.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rio Verde to Gilbert?
The road trip is about 31.6 miles (50.8 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 15.8 miles from Rio Verde and 15.8 miles from Gilbert.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.3 miles (42.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.3 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 $5.19 one way or $10.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Clear around Rio Verde and Clear near Gilbert.
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 Rio Verde and Gilbert. Straight-line distance: 26.36 mi (42.43 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Gilbert
The fifth most populous city in Arizona.
| Population | 257,658 |
| Coordinates | 33.3528300, -111.7890300 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-111.788735, 33.35291)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 51 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $5.19 | $10.38 |
| Mid-grade | $5.03 | $5.59 | $11.18 |
| Premium | $5.36 | $5.95 | $11.91 |
| Diesel | $6.27 | $6.96 | $13.92 |
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