Trip from Clovis, NM to Mesquite, NM

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

Drive Time

6h 13m

Distance

305.6 mi

492 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

6h 1m ★

6 AM

6h 13m

8 AM

6h 39m

10 AM

6h 22m

12 PM

6h 20m

3 PM

6h 24m

5 PM

6h 38m

8 PM

6h 6m

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

Clovis, NM

Wikimedia Commons

Mesquite, NM

Stephen Leonardi

Trip Overview

This 305.6-mile journey from Clovis, NM, to Mesquite, NM, is a solid day trip, estimated to take about 6 hours and 13 minutes. You'll primarily navigate US 70, with some time spent on West 2nd Street and South Prince Street as you start and end your drive. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $46, and with only one recommended stop, it's a relatively straightforward drive. Both your origin and destination are within the Desert Southwest region, offering a consistent landscape throughout. This route is best suited for a single day of travel, making it a convenient option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently.

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

152.8 miles from Clovis, NM

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 70	154.2 mi	2h 56m
West 2nd Street	100.6 mi	2h 7m
South Prince Street	17.4 mi	21m
US 54	13.6 mi	17m
I 25	7.7 mi	10m
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway	5.6 mi	5m
State Highway 228	1.8 mi	3m
East 1st Street	1.6 mi	3m

Longest stretch: US 70 — 154.2 mi, about 2h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Clovis, NM and Mesquite, NM.

Start on North Main Street

0.4 mi · 55 sec · North Main Street

Turn left onto US 60; US 70; US 84

0.5 mi · 46 sec · East 1st Street

Turn right onto US 70

17 mi · 21 min · South Prince Street

Continue on US 70

0.3 mi · 50 sec · North Chicago Avenue

Turn right onto East 1st Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · East 1st Street

Continue on US 70

1.0 mi · 1 min · West 2nd Street

Continue on US 70

91 mi · 1 hr 45 min · US 70

Turn right onto US 70; US 380

100 mi · 2 hr 6 min · West 2nd Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto North Bookout Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Bookout Road

Turn left onto US 54; US 70

8.7 mi · 10 min · US 54; US 70

Take the exit onto US 54; US 70

4.9 mi · 7 min · US 54; US 70

Take the exit onto US 70

63 mi · 1 hr 11 min · US 70

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Merge onto I 25

7.7 mi · 10 min · I 25

Merge onto I 10

5.6 mi · 5 min · Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec

Toward Mesquite

Turn right onto Mossman Arroyo Road

215 ft · 9 sec · Mossman Arroyo Road

Turn left onto FR 1035

0.4 mi · 44 sec · FR 1035

Turn right onto NM 228

1.8 mi · 3 min · State Highway 228

Turn right onto NM 478

347 ft · 5 sec · Highway 478

Arrive at destination

NM 478

Trip Plan

For this 6-hour-plus drive, consider an early morning departure from Clovis to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. While it's manageable in one day, you'll want to plan for at least one fuel stop, especially given the longest stretch of 154.2 miles on US 70. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as services might be less frequent in some of the longer, more remote sections of US 70. The flexibility of this route means you can adjust your timing based on your preferences, but being prepared with snacks and drinks is always a good idea for a drive of this length.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 152.8 miles from Clovis, NM, or about 3h 5m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 154.2 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 67 miles or 1h 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 152.8 miles or 3h 5m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 7m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Clovis, 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 Clovis, NM

This is one driving day of about 305.6 miles and 6h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Clovis, 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 154.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ruidoso, NM

153 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

Roswell, NM

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ruidoso, NM

Meal break

The midpoint is around 152.8 miles from Clovis, 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 154.2 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.

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Clovis, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 21.8

Portales, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Clovis, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Clovis, New Mexico

+18668167584

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Clovis, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Clovis, New Mexico

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 174.6

Ruidoso Downs, NM

+15753781611

Visit website

Mescalero Cultural Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 196.5

Mescalero, New Mexico

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+15754641270

Visit website

Billy The Kid Scenic Byway Visitor Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 174.6

Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+15753785318

Visit website

Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 174.6

Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico

+15753784431

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 18.7 and 303.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

18.7 mi into trip | ~23m in | East 1st Street

Turn right onto East 1st Street

Navigation decision point

112.1 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in | US 70; US 380 / West 2nd Street

Turn right onto US 70; US 380 / West 2nd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

226.7 mi into trip | ~4h 40m in | US 70

Take the exit onto US 70

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

303 mi into trip | ~6h 8m in

Take the exit toward Mesquite

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward Mesquite

303.3 mi into trip | ~6h 9m in | Mossman Arroyo Road

Turn right onto Mossman Arroyo Road

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.15 one way

$92.31 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 107 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.21	$50.66	$101.33
premium	$4.56	$54.85	$109.70
diesel	$5.61	$67.47	$134.95

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: 106.9 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	91.7	1	$32.09	$14.67
Efficient EV	76.4	0	$26.74	$12.22
EV Truck/SUV	122.2	1	$42.78	$19.56

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

Clovis, NM

Evening in Clovis on Saturday

Local time

8:45 PM

MDT

Current temp

83°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Mesquite, NM

Evening in Mesquite on Saturday

Local time

8:45 PM

MDT

Current temp

50°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

33 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

6h 13m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour $25 near mile 242.4

Park Closure: Dunes Drive Safety Corridor

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 58% of it being on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 154.2 miles along US 70, so be prepared for a significant period of consistent driving. This section likely offers a steady pace, allowing you to cover a good amount of distance. As you transition onto and off of US 70, you'll experience different road types, including urban streets like West 2nd Street and South Prince Street, which will likely be slower and more complex.

58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 154.2 mi on US 70.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

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 18.7 miles in near East 1st Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 13m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 14 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 18.7 miles (East 1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 112.1 miles (US 70; US 380 / West 2nd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 226.7 miles (US 70): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 13m. Total distance: 305.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 13m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (58%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 154.2 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.

It helps. This is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Mesquite, NM before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

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.

Yes — White Sands National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Mesquite, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Clovis, NM or browse trips ending in Mesquite, NM.

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Trip from Clovis, NM to Mesquite, NM

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

EvGateway Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Noodoe Charging Station

Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine

White Sands Visitor Center

PistachioLand

White Sands Historic District

Land of Entrapment Escape Rooms

Mescalero Cultural Center

Billy The Kid Scenic Byway Visitor Center

Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Clovis, NM

Mesquite, NM

Same local time

33 degrees cooler at arrival

6h 13m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

White Sands National Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Will I have cell service along this route?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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