The Cost of a Trip Between Centerville, Utah and Gilbert, Arizona
Are you planning a road trip from Centerville, Utah to Gilbert, Arizona? If so, you are probably thinking about the cost of the trip. Gas prices fluctuate constantly, making it important to be strategic about your route. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We will ultimately recommend the best route so that you can budget accordingly.
Possible Routes
The Northern Route - This route takes you through Salt Lake City, Provo, and Price, UT before crossing the border to Colorado and New Mexico and then into Gilbert, AZ. The total distance for this route is approximately 833 miles, and it takes around 13 hours to make this trip. You would head south on I-15, connect with US 6 in Provo, and eventually connect with I-70. Once you pass Grand Junction, CO, you'll connect with I-25 to Albuquerque, where you'll connect with I-40 to Flagstaff, Arizona, then head south on US 89 south to I-17, which takes you to the Phoenix area.
The Southern Route - This route takes you through Las Vegas, NV and Kingman, AZ before arriving in Gilbert, AZ. The total distance for this route is approximately 820 miles, and it takes around 12 hours to make this trip. You would head south on I-15 and then connect with I-40 in Barstow, CA. Once you pass through Kingman, you'd head south on AZ 93 to I-40, which you'd take east to US 60, which takes you to Gilbert.
The Central Route - This route takes you through two national parks, Zion and Bryce Canyon. The total distance for this route is approximately 790 miles, and it takes around 12 hours to make this trip. The route passes through the scenic but slower roads through Cedar City and St. George UT, and through Arizona communities like Fredonia, Cameron, and Tuba City.
Route Costs
The cost of a road trip can be broken down into three parts - gas, food, and lodging. For gas, we took into account the average fuel economy of a mid-size car (25 miles per gallon) and the current national average gas price ($3.03 per gallon). For food and lodging, we assumed an average of $50 per day per person.
Northern Route Costs
- Gas - $121.32
- Food - $150
- Lodging - $300
- Total cost - $571.32
Southern Route Costs
- Gas - $116.16
- Food - $150
- Lodging - $300
- Total cost - $566.16
Central Route Costs
- Gas - $113.76
- Food - $150
- Lodging - $300
- Total cost - $563.76
Recommended Route
While the Northern Route is the longest, it covers several points of interests that may suit tourists that have the time to take it slow and take in the views. The Southern Route is slightly shorter but may be more appropriate or more comfortable when traveling in summer months when Las Vegas and the nearby Hoover Dam may offer greater interest along the way. The Central Route is slightly cheaper yet still enjoyable. It's also a good option when trying to avoid more extreme weather conditions any other seasonal hazards.
Ultimately, the decision on which route to take will depend on the individual’s priorities around cost, time, and personal preferences. However, our recommended route provides an essential balance between distance, travel time, and overall experience.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the cost of a road trip between Centerville, Utah, and Gilbert, Arizona, will vary depending on each person's habits and priorities, but generally, the expenses fall into three significant categories - gas, food, and lodging. There are three possible routes to choose from, each with different costs, time expectations, and benefits. Ultimately, the recommended route will depend on whether you would like to take it slow and enjoy scenic views or prefer to rush and take in some landmarks or even enjoy an overnight stop or two. Whatever route you choose, enjoy the drive, and have a great time exploring the American Southwest!