Plan your way out
Evacuation Routes Out of the Phoenix Metro
The main highways leaving the Valley, what to expect on each, and how to plan for desert travel in an emergency.
Always check official guidance first
This page is for planning only. In a real emergency, routes may be closed, contraflowed, or unsafe. Follow instructions from emergency officials and check:
- Maricopa County Emergency Management: local evacuation orders and shelters
- Arizona Dept. of Emergency & Military Affairs (DEMA): statewide emergencies
- ADOT AZ511 (or dial 511): live road closures, crashes, and traffic cameras
Map
View larger map (OpenStreetMap) · Live conditions on AZ511. Distances below are approximate, measured from central Phoenix.
Main routes
North
I-17 North: toward Flagstaff (and Prescott via SR-69)
The fastest way to cooler, high-country air: Flagstaff sits at about 7,000 ft. Expect steep grades north of Black Canyon City that strain engines and AC in summer, and frequent crash-related backups. Limited alternate routes if the freeway closes. Exit at Cordes Junction for SR-69 to Prescott.
NE
SR-87 (Beeline Highway): toward Payson and the Mogollon Rim
Leaves the northeast Valley past Fountain Hills to Payson (about 5,000 ft). Mountain driving with long climbs; few services between the Valley and Payson. Wildfire season can close this corridor, so check AZ511.
East
US-60 East: toward Superior and Globe
The Superstition Freeway runs through the East Valley to Apache Junction, then becomes a two-lane mountain highway through Superior, the Queen Creek Tunnel, and Miami/Globe. Scenic, but slow and easily blocked by one crash.
East
I-10 East: toward Casa Grande and Tucson
The main corridor to Tucson and points east, with connections to I-8 West near Casa Grande. Often congested between the Valley and Casa Grande, and dust storms in monsoon season can cause sudden zero-visibility conditions. Tucson is hot too, so this route is better for reaching family or services than for escaping heat.
West
I-10 West: toward Quartzsite, Blythe, and Southern California
Passes Buckeye and Tonopah, then long empty desert stretches with few services. Extremely hot in summer. Fill up on fuel and water before leaving the West Valley, and make sure your vehicle's cooling system is in good shape.
to I-8
SR-85 South to I-8 West: toward Gila Bend, Yuma, and San Diego
From I-10 at Buckeye, SR-85 runs south to Gila Bend, where it meets I-8 heading west to Yuma and San Diego. A useful alternate if I-10 West is jammed, but very remote and extremely hot. Carry extra water.
/ US-93
US-60 West (Grand Ave) / US-93: toward Wickenburg, Kingman, and Las Vegas
Grand Avenue (or Loop 303) heads northwest to Wickenburg, where US-93 continues toward Kingman and Las Vegas. Lots of traffic signals in the metro section; use Loop 303 to reach US-60 faster from the West Valley.
Planning considerations
Heat
A breakdown in the desert in summer can be life-threatening. Travel during cooler hours when you can, carry extra water for everyone (including pets), and stay with your vehicle if stranded. It's easier for rescuers to find, and it gives you shade.
Fuel
Keep your tank at least half full at all times. In an evacuation, stations may run out or lose power. Know where fuel stops are on your route.
Water
Pack at least 1 gallon per person per day, and more in summer. Add electrolytes, a cooler, and wet towels for cooling.
Traffic
Everyone will try the same freeways. Know at least two routes and have a paper map in case phones and GPS fail.
Timing
Leave early, before an order becomes mandatory and roads clog. Waiting for certainty often means waiting too long.
Destination
Know where you're going: a friend, family member, hotel, or official shelter. Tell someone your route and expected arrival.
Need a go-bag? See the Survival Gear checklist.
When phones fail: agree on radio channels and check-in times with your family and travel group. See Radio Communication (CB channel 19 for highway info, channel 9 for emergencies).