Major Highways & Driving Tips in Mesa, Arizona, United States
1. Loop 202 (Santan Freeway)
A major east-west freeway connecting Phoenix and Gilbert, offering quick travel to downtown Mesa and surrounding areas. Reduces congestion on local roads.
- Express Lanes: Provides faster commuting for a toll during peak hours.
- Interchange Access: Connects to other highways like US-60 and AZ-101 for seamless travel within the valley.
- Rest Areas: Features rest areas with amenities such as restrooms, food options, and gas stations along its length.
2. US-60 (Superstition Freeway)
A primary north-south route through Mesa connecting Phoenix to Globe. Provides easy access to attractions like Apache Trail and Goldfield Ghost Town.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers stunning vistas of the Superstition Mountains along its route.
- Toll Roads: Includes a toll section near Queen Creek, but offers quicker travel for a fee during peak hours.
- Local Attractions: Connects to various attractions such as Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake, and the Dinosaur World museum.
3. AZ-87 (Apache Trail)
Scenic drive connecting Apache Junction to Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Offers stunning views of the Superstition Mountains and Tortilla Flat.
- Off-Road Sections: Includes off-road sections that may require high-clearance vehicles.
- Recreational Opportunities: Passes by Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat, and various hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Seasonal Considerations: May be closed during inclement weather or flash floods, so check road conditions before traveling.
4. AZ-187 (East Loop 101)
Connects Gilbert and Mesa to the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeways. Offers quick access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
- Express Lanes: Provides express lanes for faster commuting during peak hours.
- Airport Access: Directly connects to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, saving time for travelers.
- Local Destinations: Connects to popular destinations like Golfland Sunsplash and the Mesa Arts Center.
5. US-60 (Country Club Dr)
Main street through downtown Mesa, offering easy access to local restaurants, shops, and historical sites.
- Historical Landmarks: Passes by the Mesa Temple, a prominent religious site.
- Local Attractions: Nearby attractions include the i.d.e.a Museum and the Mesa Convention Center.
- Pedestrian Friendly: Features wide sidewalks, making it pedestrian-friendly for exploring downtown Mesa.
6. AZ-202 (Red Mountain Freeway)
Connecting East Mesa to the Loop 202, offering quick access to Phoenix and Tempe. Reduces congestion on local roads.
- Express Lanes: Provides express lanes for faster commuting during peak hours.
- Interchange Access: Connects to other highways like US-60 and AZ-143 for seamless travel within the valley.
- Rest Areas: Features rest areas with amenities such as restrooms, food options, and gas stations along its length.
7. AZ-143 (Gilbert Road)
Major north-south route connecting Gilbert to Mesa. Offers quick access to popular destinations like the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
- Recreational Opportunities: Passes by the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, a popular destination for bird watching and nature photography.
- Local Attractions: Connects to attractions like Golfland Sunsplash and the Mesa Arts Center.
- Bike Lanes: Features bike lanes, making it an appealing option for cyclists.
8. US-60 (Main St, Mesa)
Another main street through downtown Mesa offering easy access to local restaurants, shops, and historical sites.
- Historical Landmarks: Passes by the Mesa Historical Museum, showcasing the city's history.
- Local Attractions: Nearby attractions include the i.d.e.a Museum and the Mesa Convention Center.
- Pedestrian Friendly: Features wide sidewalks, making it pedestrian-friendly for exploring downtown Mesa.
9. Loop 101 (Pima Freeway)
Major north-south freeway connecting Scottsdale to Phoenix and offering easy access to Mesa via the East Loop 101.
- Express Lanes: Provides express lanes for faster commuting during peak hours.
- Interchange Access: Connects to other highways like Loop 202 and US-60, making it easy to navigate the valley.
- Local Destinations: Connects to popular destinations like Tempe Town Lake and Mill Avenue.
10. AZ-286 (Val Vista Dr)
Major east-west route connecting Gilbert to Mesa. Offers quick access to popular destinations like the Superstition Springs Center.
- Shopping Destinations: Connects to shopping centers such as the Superstition Springs Center.
- Local Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Golfland Sunsplash and the Mesa Arts Center.
- Bike Lanes: Features bike lanes, making it an appealing option for cyclists.
11. AZ-241 (Ellsworth Rd)
Major north-south route connecting Queen Creek to Mesa. Offers easy access to local attractions like the Schnepf Farm.
- Local Attractions: Connects to attractions like the Schnepf Farm and Golfland Sunsplash.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers scenic views of the Superstition Mountains along its route.
- Seasonal Considerations: May be closed during inclement weather or flash floods, so check road conditions before traveling.
12. AZ-78 (Power Rd)
Major east-west route connecting Ahwatukee Foothills to Mesa. Offers quick access to popular destinations like the Fiesta Mall.
- Shopping Destinations: Connects to shopping centers such as the Fiesta Mall.
- Local Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Golfland Sunsplash and the Mesa Arts Center.
- Bike Lanes: Features bike lanes, making it an appealing option for cyclists.
13. AZ-286 (Power Rd)
Another major east-west route connecting Chandler to Mesa. Offers quick access to popular destinations like the Superstition Springs Center.
- Shopping Destinations: Connects to shopping centers such as the Superstition Springs Center.
- Local Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Golfland Sunsplash and the Mesa Arts Center.
- Bike Lanes: Features bike lanes, making it an appealing option for cyclists.
14. AZ-241 (Baseline Rd)
Major north-south route connecting Gilbert to Mesa. Offers easy access to local attractions like the Golfland Sunsplash.
- Local Attractions: Connects to attractions like the Golfland Sunsplash and the Mesa Arts Center.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers scenic views of the Superstition Mountains along its route.
- Seasonal Considerations: May be closed during inclement weather or flash floods, so check road conditions before traveling.
15. AZ-78 (Gilbert Rd)
Major east-west route connecting Gilbert to Mesa. Offers easy access to popular destinations like the Superstition Springs Center.
- Shopping Destinations: Connects to shopping centers such as the Superstition Springs Center.
- Local Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Golfland Sunsplash and the Mesa Arts Center.
- Bike Lanes: Features bike lanes, making it an appealing option for cyclists.