Road Trips from Hobbs, NM
Hobbs sets you up for a range of New Mexico adventures. You've got options for shorter, park-focused day trips, and longer hauls that are perfect for a weekend escape. The terrain generally involves high-altitude sections with climbs, and most routes offer access to national parks. If you're looking for a solid drive with plenty to see, Hobbs is a good starting point.
Total Routes
29
Shortest
4.5h
With Parks Nearby
24
Weekend trip
23 total in this range
Silver City, NM
7h 16m384.6 mi one way
This 384.6-mile drive is your closest option for reaching Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It features high-altitude terrain with climbs, offering a different experience than the Petroglyph National Monument routes. It's a long day trip at 7.3 hours, but you get a full drive score of 10.
Tome, NM
7h 3m347.1 mi one way
At 347.1 miles and 7.1 hours, this is one of your shorter day-trip options from Hobbs. It includes access to Petroglyph National Monument and features high-altitude terrain with climbs. This route offers a 10 drive score.
Valencia, NM
6h 56m338.1 mi one way
This 338.1-mile route is the shortest day trip from Hobbs, taking about 6.9 hours. Like other nearby destinations, it offers access to Petroglyph National Monument and features high-altitude terrain with climbs. You'll get a full drive score of 10.
Laguna, NM
7h 12m361.9 mi one way
A 361.9-mile, 7.2-hour drive, this option provides access to Petroglyph National Monument. The terrain includes high-altitude sections with notable climbs, and it carries a 10 drive score. It’s a good mid-range day trip.
Mesquite, NM
4h 58m265.8 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
6 total in this range
Spencerville, NM
9h 52m492.5 mi one way
At 492.5 miles and 9.9 hours, this is a recommended overnight trip. You get access to Aztec Ruins National Monument, Petroglyph National Monument, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The terrain involves high-altitude sections with climbs.
Waterflow, NM
10h 14m509.5 mi one way
This 509.5-mile, 10.2-hour journey is your longest option and requires an overnight stay. It's labeled a 'Long-haul drive' and grants access to Petroglyph National Monument, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Expect high-altitude terrain with climbs.
Lee Acres, NM
9h 36m483.6 mi one way
This 483.6-mile, 9.6-hour trip is recommended for an overnight stay. It provides access to Petroglyph National Monument, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The drive score is 9, and the terrain includes high-altitude sections with climbs.
Aztec, NM
9h 46m488.7 mi one way
A 488.7-mile drive that takes 9.8 hours, this option is best suited for an overnight trip. You can visit Aztec Ruins National Monument, Petroglyph National Monument, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The terrain includes high-altitude sections with climbs.
Gallup, NM
8h 45m453.8 mi one way
This 453.8-mile drive to Gallup takes 8.8 hours and is recommended for an overnight stay. It offers access to Petroglyph National Monument, El Malpais National Monument, and El Morro National Monument. The terrain consists of high-altitude sections with climbs.
Browse by Mood
Silver City, NM
7h 16m384.6 mi one way
Tome, NM
7h 3m347.1 mi one way
Valencia, NM
6h 56m338.1 mi one way
Laguna, NM
7h 12m361.9 mi one way
Silver City, NM
7h 16m384.6 mi one way
Mesilla, NM
5h 9m276 mi one way
Grants, NM
7h 45m393.1 mi one way
Santa Teresa, NM
4h 38m246.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The high-altitude terrain with climbs means spring drives could offer pleasant temperatures for exploring parks like Petroglyph National Monument.
Summer
Summer drives are feasible, though expect warmer temperatures given the high-altitude terrain. Park access remains consistent.
Fall
Autumn likely provides cooler weather for the high-altitude drives and park visits, making it a good time for longer trips.
Winter
Winter conditions on high-altitude terrain with climbs can be challenging; check conditions before embarking on longer drives.
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 Hobbs, NM city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.