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Trip from Loving, NM to Sunland Park, NM

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

Drive Time

3h 23m

Distance

180.6 mi

291 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 11m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 48m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 47m
8 PM
3h 16m

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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Downtown Loving, NM, NM

Loving, NM

www.kaboompics.com

city in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States

Sunland Park, NM

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 180.6 miles across the Desert Southwest, this journey from Loving to Sunland Park is a straightforward trip that typically takes about 3 hours and 23 minutes. Because the drive is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $28 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly option for those traveling through New Mexico. While the route remains within the same desert region, it offers a consistent, highway-focused experience that serves as a reliable transit path. Whether you are commuting or road-tripping, this route provides a practical, no-nonsense connection between these two points.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

90.3 miles from Loving, NM

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US Highway 62 102.3 mi 1h 46m
National Parks Highway 33.5 mi 37m
Montana Avenue 21.4 mi 27m
Pecos Highway 9 mi 10m
I 10 7.2 mi 9m
McNutt Road 2.5 mi 4m
South Canal Street 0.8 mi <1m
Executive Center Boulevard 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US Highway 62 — 102.3 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Loving, NM and Sunland Park, NM.

1

Start on North 4th Street

105 ft · 6 sec · North 4th Street
2

Turn right onto West Cedar Street

0.3 mi · 45 sec · West Cedar Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto US 285

0.4 mi · 26 sec · North 8th Street
4

Continue on US 285

9.0 mi · 10 min · Pecos Highway
5

Continue on US 285

0.7 mi · 45 sec · South Canal Street
6

Keep slight left at fork onto US 285

437 ft · 13 sec · South Canal Street
7

Turn left onto US 62; US 180

34 mi · 37 min · National Parks Highway
8

Continue on US 62; US 180

102 mi · 1 hr 46 min · US Highway 62
9

Continue on US 62; US 180

21 mi · 27 min · Montana Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Turn slight left onto US 62; US 180

0.5 mi · 40 sec · East Paisano Drive
11

Turn right onto US 180

163 ft · 3 sec · Gateway Boulevard West
12

Take the ramp onto US 180

0.2 mi · 25 sec · US 180
Toward I 10 West
13

Merge onto I 10

7.2 mi · 9 min · I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 16 Toward Executive Center Boulevard, Mesa Park Drive
15

Turn sharp left onto Executive Center Boulevard

0.6 mi · 1 min · Executive Center Boulevard
16

Turn right onto US 85

0.5 mi · 57 sec · West Paisano Drive
17

Continue on US 85

0.4 mi · 30 sec · Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
18

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward FM 273: McNutt Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn straight onto McNutt Road

2.5 mi · 4 min · McNutt Road
20

Turn left onto Loma Vista Drive

86 ft · 3 sec · Loma Vista Drive
21

Keep slight left at fork onto Loma Vista Drive

0.2 mi · 57 sec · Loma Vista Drive
22

At end of road, turn right onto Valle Vista Drive

370 ft · 16 sec · Valle Vista Drive
23

Arrive at destination

Valle Vista Drive

Trip Plan

Since this is a manageable drive of under four hours, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though hitting the road early helps you avoid peak traffic in more populated areas. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, as the long, 102.3-mile stretch on US Highway 62 can make for a tiring block of time behind the wheel. Given the desert environment, keep an eye on your fuel gauge before starting that longest leg to ensure you aren't caught short on gas in more remote sections. Because you only have one stop scheduled, use it strategically to refresh yourself midway through the 180.6-mile trek. Prioritize checking your vehicle's fluid levels before departing, as the consistent highway speeds will put steady demand on your engine.

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 90.3 miles from Loving, NM, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.3 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 40 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 90.3 miles or 1h 38m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 38m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Loving, 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 Loving, NM

This is one driving day of about 180.6 miles and 3h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Loving, 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 62 for about 102.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Van Horn, TX, TX

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Van Horn, TX

90 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

Carlsbad, NM

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Van Horn, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 90.3 miles from Loving, NM, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US Highway 62 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.3 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.

Pine Springs Visitor Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 64.5

Salt Flat, Texas

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+19158283251

Visit website

El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 167.7

El Paso, Texas

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19152120966

Visit website

White Spur Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 180.6

El Paso, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19152120092

Visit website

Fort Bliss Museum

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 167.7

Fort Bliss, Texas

Hours: 9 am–3:30 pm

+19155685412

Visit website

Frijole Ranch Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 64.5

Salt Flat, Texas

+19158283307

Visit website

Devil's Hall

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 64.5

Dell City, Texas

Visit website

Magoffin Home State Historic Site

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 167.7

El Paso, Texas

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+19155335147

Visit website

International Museum of Art

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 167.7

El Paso, Texas

Hours: 1–5 pm

+19155436747

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 180.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Cedar Street

Turn right onto West Cedar Street

Navigation decision point

5
168.4 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in | I 10

Merge onto I 10

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
175.6 mi into trip | ~3h 13m in

Take the exit toward Executive Center Boulevard, Mesa Park Drive

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 16 Toward Executive Center Boulevard, Mesa Park Dr...
6
177.4 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in

Take the exit toward FM 273: McNutt Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward FM 273: McNutt Road
5
180.3 mi into trip | ~3h 22m in | Loma Vista Drive

Keep slight left at fork onto Loma Vista Drive

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.27 one way

$54.55 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.21 $29.94 $59.88
premium $4.56 $32.42 $64.83
diesel $5.61 $39.87 $79.75

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 63.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 54.2 0 $18.96 $8.67
Efficient EV 45.2 0 $15.80 $7.22
EV Truck/SUV 72.2 0 $25.28 $11.56

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Loving, NM

Late night in Loving on Sunday

Local time

2:12 AM

MDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sunland Park, NM

Late night in Sunland Park on Sunday

Local time

2:12 AM

MDT

Current temp

83°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

27 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

3h 23m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 61% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares like US Highway 62 and National Parks Highway. You will spend a significant portion of your time on a long, uninterrupted stretch of 102.3 miles along US Highway 62, which defines the steady pace of the drive. As you transition onto Montana Avenue, the character of the road remains consistent, favoring efficiency over technical curves or complex navigation. Be prepared for a driving experience that prioritizes open road transit, requiring you to maintain focus during the lengthy highway segments. Overall, the route is designed for those who prefer steady, predictable travel through the desert landscape.

61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.3 mi on US Highway 62.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 62 and National Parks Highway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Cedar Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 180.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Cedar Street): Navigation decision point; at 168.4 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 175.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 180.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (61%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 102.3 miles on US Highway 62. 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.

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: near the start (West Cedar Street): Navigation decision point; at 168.4 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 175.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Sunland Park, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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