Road Trips from Albuquerque, NM
Planning a weekend escape from Albuquerque? You've got options for quick hops or longer hauls. For a short drive, consider destinations under an hour that offer a decent drive score. If you're looking for more extensive exploration, there are routes over 3 hours that include national monuments and varied terrain. This list covers everything from brief excursions to more involved trips, suitable for various preferences.
Total Routes
15
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
10
Under 2 hours
Bosque Farms, NM
27m18.2 mi one way
This is your closest option at only 0.5 hours and 18.2 miles. It offers a mixed drive profile and no parks, making it a straightforward, quick trip.
McIntosh, NM
1h 2m49.5 mi one way
At 1 hour and 49.5 miles, this route features a highway-focused drive. It's notable for including Petroglyph National Monument, a significant park nearby.
Los Lunas, NM
28m23.9 mi one way
This 0.5-hour, 23.9-mile drive is highway-focused and includes Petroglyph National Monument. It's distinct for its high-altitude sections and climbs.
Santa Fe, NM
1h 12m63.1 mi one way
A 1.2-hour, 63.1-mile highway-focused drive, this route includes high-altitude sections with climbs. It's a popular choice for a slightly longer day trip.
Edgewood, NM
37m30.3 mi one way
This 0.6-hour, 30.3-mile drive is highway-focused and offers access to Petroglyph National Monument. It's a convenient option for a short excursion.
Full-day getaway
6 total in this range
Roswell, NM
3h 50m200.9 mi one way
At 3.8 hours and 200.9 miles, this is a longer trip with a high drive score of 10. It features a mixed drive profile and includes Petroglyph National Monument.
Capitan, NM
3h 15m171.2 mi one way
This 3.3-hour, 171.2-mile option is a mixed drive with a high score of 10. It's characterized by high-altitude sections and notable climbs, plus nearby Petroglyph National Monument.
Las Cruces, NM
3h 49m222.1 mi one way
A 3.8-hour, 222.1-mile highway-focused drive with a good score of 8. It offers access to Petroglyph National Monument and is a substantial trip.
Aztec, NM
3h 27m178.6 mi one way
This 3.5-hour, 178.6-mile drive has a score of 8 and is highway-focused. It stands out with multiple nearby parks: Aztec Ruins National Monument, Petroglyph National Monument, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Navajo, NM
3h 51m174.5 mi one way
At 3.9 hours and 174.5 miles, this highway-focused drive scores an 8. It provides access to Petroglyph National Monument and Bandelier National Monument.
Weekend trip
Hobbs, NM
6h 29m316.6 mi one way
The longest option at 6.5 hours and 316.6 miles, this route has a high drive score of 9 and a turn-heavy local drive profile. It includes Petroglyph National Monument.
Columbus, NM
5h 10m265.3 mi one way
This 5.2-hour, 265.3-mile trip is highway-focused with a top drive score of 10. It features high-altitude sections with climbs, but no nearby parks listed.
Clayton, NM
4h 59m271.9 mi one way
Berino, NM
4h 15m243.1 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Roswell, NM
3h 50m200.9 mi one way
Capitan, NM
3h 15m171.2 mi one way
Hobbs, NM
6h 29m316.6 mi one way
Columbus, NM
5h 10m265.3 mi one way
Hobbs, NM
6h 29m316.6 mi one way
Las Vegas, NM
2h 8m123.4 mi one way
Santa Fe, NM
1h 12m63.1 mi one way
Edgewood, NM
37m30.3 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good conditions for drives with high-altitude sections and climbs, as parks like Petroglyph National Monument become more accessible.
Summer
Summer is ideal for longer, highway-focused drives to destinations like Las Cruces or Aztec, with parks like Petroglyph National Monument offering opportunities for exploration.
Fall
Fall's cooler temperatures are well-suited for the mixed drives to Capitan or Roswell, and for exploring terrain with high-altitude sections.
Winter
Winter travel is feasible for shorter, highway-focused trips, though high-altitude sections might present challenges. Parks like Petroglyph National Monument can still be visited.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Albuquerque, NM city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.