Dr. John Clarke Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Alamogordo, NM to Jal, NM
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 57m
Distance
216.6 mi
349 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 44m
★
6 AM
4h 58m
8 AM
5h 25m
10 AM
5h 7m
12 PM
5h 5m
3 PM
5h 9m
5 PM
5h 24m
8 PM
4h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alamogordo, NM
Wikimedia Commons
Jal, NM
Afif Ramdhasuma
Trip Overview
Alamogordo, NM to Jal, NM is 216.6 miles and takes about 4 hours 57 minutes via US Highway 82, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Desert Southwest region, traversing New Mexico for its entire length. Expect a mix of highway cruising and more rural surface roads as you make your way east. With only one recommended stop and a manageable drive time, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion, offering a straightforward path across the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
108.3 miles from Alamogordo, NM
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 33m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 82 | 62.9 mi | 1h 22m |
| Jal Highway | 51.8 mi | 1h 13m |
| Seven Rivers Highway | 26.3 mi | 29m |
| Hope Highway | 21.6 mi | 32m |
| US 82 | 16.8 mi | 26m |
| Potash Mines Road | 7.7 mi | 11m |
| Pecos Highway | 7.1 mi | 8m |
| West Main Street | 4.9 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 82
— 62.9 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alamogordo, NM and Jal, NM.
1
Start on North White Sands Boulevard
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
North White Sands Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn right onto US 82
17 mi
·
26 min
·
US 82
3
Continue on US 82
18 mi
·
26 min
·
US Highway 82
4
Continue on US 82
45 mi
·
56 min
·
US Highway 82
5
Continue on US 82
6.2 mi
·
9 min
·
Hope Highway
6
Continue on US 82
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
7
Continue on US 82
15 mi
·
22 min
·
Hope Highway
8
Continue on US 82
4.9 mi
·
7 min
·
West Main Street
9
Turn right onto US 285
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
South 1st Street
10
Continue on US 285
26 mi
·
29 min
·
Seven Rivers Highway
11
Continue on US 285
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Artesia Highway
12
Continue on US 285
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Pierce Street
13
Continue on US 285
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Canal Street
14
Continue on US 285
0.8 mi
·
56 sec
·
South Canal Street
15
Continue on US 285
7.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Pecos Highway
16
Turn left onto NM 31
7.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Potash Mines Road
17
Turn right onto NM 128
52 mi
·
1 hr 13 min
·
Jal Highway
18
Continue on NM 128
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Kansas Avenue
19
Turn right onto NM 205
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
North 3rd Street
20
Arrive at destination
NM 205
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 57 minute estimated drive time, leaving Alamogordo in the morning is recommended to ensure you arrive in Jal with plenty of daylight. There's only one stop suggested along this 216.6-mile route, so plan your breaks accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or when you notice fuel options becoming less frequent. The fuel cost is estimated at $34, so ensure your tank is full before departing Alamogordo. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in your departure time, but keep an eye on the changing road conditions as you transition from highway to surface roads.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 108.3 miles from Alamogordo, NM, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 48 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.3 miles or 2h 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jal, NM than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alamogordo, NM so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Alamogordo, NM
This is one driving day of about 216.6 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Alamogordo, NM.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US Highway 82 for about 62.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
108 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.3 miles from Alamogordo, NM, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US Highway 82 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Pilot Travel Center
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Alameda Park Zoo
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+15754394290
Visit websiteTularosa Basin Museum of History
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0 mi from route
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+15754344438
Visit websiteAlamo Jump
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Hours: 10 am–1 pm
+15753080083
Visit websiteAlamogordo Historic Downtown
4.2
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Washington Park
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Hours: Open 24 hours
+15754394100
Visit websiteOld Apple Barn
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
High Rolls, New Mexico
Visit websiteLiving Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
2.8 mi from route
~7 min detour
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Hours: 9 am–3:30 pm
+15758875516
Visit websiteShroud Exhibit and Museum
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Hours: 1–5 pm
+15754155206
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
4 of 44 decision points cluster between mile 110 and 216.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
110 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
|
US 285 / South 1st Street
Turn right onto US 285 / South 1st Street
Navigation decision point
3
155.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 30m in
|
NM 31 / Potash Mines Road
Turn left onto NM 31 / Potash Mines Road
Navigation decision point
3
163.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 41m in
|
NM 128 / Jal Highway
Turn right onto NM 128 / Jal Highway
Navigation decision point
4
216.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m in
|
NM 205 / North 3rd Street
Turn right onto NM 205 / North 3rd Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.07 one way
$60.14 round trip
$3.53/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.95 | $33.64 | $67.28 |
| premium | $4.29 | $36.57 | $73.15 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $40.90 | $81.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65 | 0 | $22.74 | $10.40 |
| Efficient EV | 54.2 | 0 | $18.95 | $8.66 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86.6 | 1 | $30.32 | $13.86 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Alamogordo, NM
Late night in Alamogordo on Sunday
Local time
12:38 AM
MDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 5 mph
35% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:12PM MDT until July 18 at 7:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:43PM MDT until July 18 at 5:30PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Destination
Jal, NM
Late night in Jal on Sunday
Local time
12:38 AM
MDT
Current temp
93°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 to 10 mph
35% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:12PM MDT until July 18 at 7:15PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:43PM MDT until July 18 at 5:30PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
101°F
Artesia, NM
108 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 57m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
White Sands National Park
National Park
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles...
23 mi from route
~58 min detour
$25
Park Closure: Dunes Drive Safety Corridor
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
National Park
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when s...
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
$1
near mile 149.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
About 37% of this 216.6-mile drive is on highways, with the longest stretch on US Highway 82 covering 62.9 miles. You'll transition from highway to surface roads, so be prepared for a change in pace and surroundings. The profile is mixed highway and surface, meaning you'll experience both faster cruising and slower, more rural driving conditions. Expect fewer exits and more open stretches as you head toward Jal.
37% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.9 mi on US Highway 82.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 110 miles in near US 285 / South 1st Street.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 57m drive. You will face about 4 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 110 miles (US 285 / South 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 155.9 miles (NM 31 / Potash Mines Road): Navigation decision point; at 163.6 miles (NM 128 / Jal Highway): Navigation decision point.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
7,542 ft
3,028 ft
Total Climb
3,770 ft
Total Descent
5,033 ft
Highest Point
7,542 ft
~15.5 mi in
Elevation Range
4,514 ft
Notable High Points
7,542 ft at ~15.5 miles
+220 ft prominence
About the Cities
Starting in Alamogordo, NM
Full guide →Founded 1898
Alamogordo is a small city in southeastern New Mexico. The town is the county seat for Otero County and supports two major nearby military installations, Holloman Air Force Base and the White Sands Missile Range.
Top landmarks
- • New Mexico Museum of Space History — aviation museum in Alamogordo, New Mexico, United States
- • Alamogordo Woman's Club — American women's club
- • Lincoln National Forest Service Building
Arriving in Jal, NM
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 57m. Total distance: 216.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (37%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.9 miles on US Highway 82. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 5 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through NM can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: at 110 miles (US 285 / South 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 155.9 miles (NM 31 / Potash Mines Road): Navigation decision point; at 163.6 miles (NM 128 / Jal Highway): Navigation decision point.
Yes — White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Jal, NM, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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