Phoenix, AZ to Portland, OR: A Comprehensive Guide

The Distance and Drive

Traveling from Phoenix, Arizona to Portland, Oregon is an epic road trip spanning approximately 950 miles and taking roughly 14 hours of non-stop driving. Along the way, you'll traverse scenic mountain ranges, vast deserts, and charming towns.

Choosing Your Route

There are two primary routes available:

Route 1 (Faster):

• Drive west on Interstate 10 to Indio, California (425 miles)
• Take Interstate 15 north through the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas, Nevada (270 miles)
• Continue north on Interstate 15 to Salt Lake City, Utah (400 miles)
• Switch to Interstate 80 west through Wyoming and Nevada to Winnemucca, Nevada (570 miles)
• Drive northwest on Interstate 84 to Portland (850 miles)

Total Distance: 850 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 13 hours

Route 2 (More Scenic):

• Drive north on Highway 60 to Show Low, Arizona (220 miles)
• Take Highway 260 east through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to Alpine, Arizona (320 miles)
• Continue east on Highway 180 to Clifton, Arizona (410 miles)
• Drive northwest on Highway 191 through the Gila National Forest to Silver City, New Mexico (570 miles)
• Switch to Interstate 25 north to Albuquerque, New Mexico (650 miles)
• Take Interstate 40 west to Gallup, New Mexico (730 miles)
• Drive northwest on Highway 491 to Farmington, New Mexico (810 miles)
• Continue northwest on Highway 64 to Durango, Colorado (890 miles)
• Switch to Highway 160 west through the San Juan Mountains to Pagosa Springs, Colorado (930 miles)
• Drive north on Highway 285 to Denver, Colorado (990 miles)
• Take Interstate 25 north to Cheyenne, Wyoming (1050 miles)
• Switch to Interstate 80 west through Wyoming and Nevada to Winnemucca, Nevada (1180 miles)
• Drive northwest on Interstate 84 to Portland (1300 miles)

Total Distance: 1300 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 18 hours

Stops and Attractions Along the Way

Route 1:

• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
• Hoover Dam (Arizona/Nevada)
• Zion National Park (Utah)
• Great Salt Lake (Utah)
• Boise, Idaho

Route 2:

• Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
• White Sands National Park (New Mexico)
• Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
• Denver, Colorado
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

Tips and Tricks

• Plan your trip during the summer months for optimal weather conditions.
• Book your accommodation and rental car in advance, especially if traveling during peak season.
• Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options may be limited along some stretches of the route.
• Allow ample time for breaks and sightseeing.
• Be prepared for various road conditions, including mountain passes, desert landscapes, and urban areas.

Useful Tables

Gas Prices

Accommodation Costs

Food Costs

Estimated Total Cost of Trip