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Trip from Clayton, NM to Roswell, NM

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 50m

Distance

307.2 mi

494 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 37m ★
6 AM
5h 50m
8 AM
6h 16m
10 AM
5h 59m
12 PM
5h 57m
3 PM
6h 1m
5 PM
6h 15m
8 PM
5h 42m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in New Mexico

Clayton, NM

Wikimedia Commons

city in and the county seat of Chaves County, New Mexico, United States

Roswell, NM

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking from Clayton, New Mexico, to Roswell, New Mexico, this 278.7-mile journey takes approximately 4 hours and 47 minutes to complete. The drive is best managed as a single day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. With an estimated fuel cost of $43, it’s an economical option for exploring the Desert Southwest. This route, characterized by frequent turns, offers a local driving experience rather than an interstate cruise. You'll navigate primarily on South 1st Street and US 385 South before transitioning to West 1st Street as you near Roswell.

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

153.6 miles from Clayton, NM

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 70 89.9 mi 1h 47m
US 385 80.1 mi 1h 24m
South 1st Street 56.3 mi 1h 4m
US 60 26.7 mi 29m
West 1st Street 20.8 mi 21m
South Prince Street 17.4 mi 21m
Wheeler Avenue 4.8 mi 6m
US 87 4.7 mi 5m
Longest stretch: US 70 — 89.9 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Clayton, NM and Roswell, NM.

1

Start on US 56; US 64; US 412

45 ft · 8 sec · Main Street
2

Turn left onto US 87

56 mi · 1 hr 4 min · South 1st Street
Use the left lane.
3

Continue on US 87; US 385

4.7 mi · 5 min · US 87; US 385
4

Take the exit onto US 385

80 mi · 1 hr 24 min · US 385
Toward US 385 South: Channing
5

Turn right onto US 60

21 mi · 21 min · West 1st Street
6

Continue on US 60

27 mi · 29 min · US 60
7

Continue on US 60; US 70; US 84

4.8 mi · 6 min · Wheeler Avenue
8

Continue on US 60; US 70; US 84

3.7 mi · 4 min · Mabry Drive
9

Continue on US 60; US 70; US 84

0.2 mi · 17 sec · East 1st Street
10

Turn left onto US 70

17 mi · 21 min · South Prince Street
Use the left lane.
11

Continue on US 70

0.3 mi · 50 sec · North Chicago Avenue
12

Turn right onto East 1st Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · East 1st Street
13

Continue on US 70

1.0 mi · 1 min · West 2nd Street
14

Continue on US 70

84 mi · 1 hr 35 min · US 70
15

Take the exit onto US 70

5.9 mi · 12 min · US 70
Toward US 285 South: Roswell
16

Turn right onto US 70; US 380

0.1 mi · 20 sec · West 2nd Street
17

Arrive at destination

US 70; US 380

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 47-minute duration, departing Clayton in the morning will comfortably get you to Roswell with plenty of daylight remaining. Plan for one stop to break up the 278.7 miles and refuel if necessary, though the $43 fuel cost suggests it's not an exceptionally fuel-intensive trip. Keep an eye on your navigation system, as the 'turn-heavy' profile means paying close attention to upcoming turns is crucial to staying on track. Taking advantage of the flexibility of a single-day drive allows you to depart on your schedule.

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 153.6 miles from Clayton, NM, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.9 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 68 miles or 1h 16m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 153.6 miles or 2h 46m 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 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Roswell, NM than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Clayton, 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 Clayton, NM

This is one driving day of about 307.2 miles and 5h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Clayton, 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 70 for about 89.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Parmer County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Friona, TX

154 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

Dumas, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Friona, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 153.6 miles from Clayton, NM, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 70 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route

Clayton, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 197.5

Clovis, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 43.9

Dalhart, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18062440111

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 43.9

Dalhart, Texas

+18333994638

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 197.5

Clovis, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 197.5

Clovis, New Mexico

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 219.4

Portales, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 197.5

Clovis, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

Roswell UFO Spacewalk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 307.2

Roswell, New Mexico

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15759102113

Visit website

International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 307.2

Roswell, New Mexico

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+15756259495

Visit website

BrickTown: Alien Attack

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 307.2

Roswell, New Mexico

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+15754954123

Visit website

Spaceport Roswell

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 307.2

Roswell, New Mexico

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+15754954123

Visit website

The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 307.2

Roswell, New Mexico

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15756235600

Visit website

Spring River Zoo

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 307.2

Roswell, New Mexico

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15756246760

Visit website

Roswell Welcome Sign

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 307.2

Roswell, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15756233442

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 301.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 87 / South 1st Street

Turn left onto US 87 / South 1st Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
4
61 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in | US 385

Take the exit onto US 385 toward US 385 South: Channing

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 385 South: Channing
4
197.4 mi into trip | ~3h 35m in | US 70 / South Prince Street

Turn left onto US 70 / South Prince Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
4
215.2 mi into trip | ~3h 57m in | East 1st Street

Turn right onto East 1st Street

Navigation decision point

4
301.2 mi into trip | ~5h 37m in | US 70

Take the exit onto US 70 toward US 285 South: Roswell

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 285 South: Roswell

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.39 one way

$92.79 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $50.93 $101.86
premium $4.56 $55.14 $110.28
diesel $5.61 $67.83 $135.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$46

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$71–$96

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 107.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 92.2 1 $32.26 $14.75
Efficient EV 76.8 0 $26.88 $12.29
EV Truck/SUV 122.9 1 $43.01 $19.66

Gas CO2

107 kg

EV CO2

36 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Clayton, NM

Evening in Clayton on Saturday

Local time

8:52 PM

MDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Roswell, NM

Evening in Roswell on Saturday

Local time

8:52 PM

MDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

37 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

5h 50m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a turn-heavy local drive, meaning you'll be making frequent directional changes rather than cruising on a consistent highway. With a 0% highway share, expect a more intimate connection with the landscape as you traverse local roads. While there's no longest uninterrupted stretch noted, the constant adjustments suggest a dynamic driving experience. The profile indicates that the road will likely shift in character as you move from the open spaces around Clayton to the areas surrounding Roswell, keeping you engaged behind the wheel.

66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.9 mi on US 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 70 and US 385. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 87 / 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 5h 50m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 87 / South 1st Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 61 miles (US 385): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 197.4 miles (US 70 / South Prince Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 50m. Total distance: 307.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (66%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 89.9 miles on US 70. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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: near the start (US 87 / South 1st Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 61 miles (US 385): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 197.4 miles (US 70 / South Prince Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Roswell, NM before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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