Chisum Travel Center
0 mi from route
Trip from Meadow Lake, NM to Carlsbad, 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 7m
Distance
310.7 mi
500 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 54m
★
6 AM
6h 7m
8 AM
6h 33m
10 AM
6h 16m
12 PM
6h 14m
3 PM
6h 18m
5 PM
6h 32m
8 PM
6h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Meadow Lake, NM
Jean-Paul Wettstein
Carlsbad, NM
Malcolm Garret
Trip Overview
Meadow Lake to Carlsbad is 310.7 miles and takes about 6 hours 7 minutes via 8th Street, Coronado Freeway, and Southeast Main Street, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Desert Southwest, traversing New Mexico for its entirety. Expect a mix of highway cruising and surface street driving as you make your way south. With only one recommended stop and a drive time under seven hours, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure time.
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
155.4 miles from Meadow Lake, NM
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 8th Street | 91.9 mi | 1h 41m |
| Coronado Freeway | 58.1 mi | 1h 1m |
| Southeast Main Street | 29.9 mi | 35m |
| US Highway 285 | 27.4 mi | 31m |
| Seven Rivers Highway | 26.3 mi | 29m |
| I 25 | 22.1 mi | 23m |
| Oak Street | 14.5 mi | 17m |
| Meadow Lake Road | 7.9 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
8th Street
— 91.9 mi, about 1h 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Meadow Lake, NM and Carlsbad, NM.
1
Start on Sportsman Court
500 ft
·
28 sec
·
Sportsman Court
2
Turn left onto Sportsman Drive
0.2 mi
·
49 sec
·
Sportsman Drive
3
Turn left onto Meadow Lake Road
7.9 mi
·
14 min
·
Meadow Lake Road
4
Continue on NM 263
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
North el Cerro Loop
5
Continue on NM 263
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Vigil Road
6
Continue on NM 263
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
El Cerro Road
7
Turn left onto NM 6
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Main Street
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
9
Merge onto I 25
22 mi
·
23 min
·
I 25
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 226B-A
Toward I 40: Gallup, Santa Rosa
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 226A
Toward I 40 East: Santa Rosa
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 40
58 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
Coronado Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Toward US 285: Vaughn, Santa Fe
14
Keep slight left at fork
470 ft
·
15 sec
15
Turn right onto US 285
27 mi
·
31 min
·
US Highway 285
16
Continue on US 60; US 285
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Oak Street
17
Continue on US 54; US 60; US 285
92 mi
·
1 hr 41 min
·
8th Street
18
Continue on US 285
6.9 mi
·
14 min
·
North Main Street
19
Turn slight left onto US 285
30 mi
·
35 min
·
Southeast Main Street
20
Continue on US 285
7.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Roswell Highway
21
Continue on US 285
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North 1st Street
22
Continue on US 285
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
South 1st Street
23
Continue on US 285
26 mi
·
29 min
·
Seven Rivers Highway
24
Continue on US 285
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Artesia Highway
25
Continue on US 285
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Pierce Street
26
Continue on US 285
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
North Canal Street
27
Continue on US 285
155 ft
·
9 sec
·
North Canal Street
28
Arrive at destination
US 285
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour duration, an early morning departure from Meadow Lake is advisable to maximize daylight. Plan for one stop to break up the drive; consider timing this stop around the halfway point or when you transition to surface roads. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you approach Carlsbad, as fuel availability can vary in more rural stretches of New Mexico. The flexibility of a single-day drive means you can adjust your start time based on weather or personal preference.
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 155.4 miles from Meadow Lake, NM, or about 3h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.9 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 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.4 miles or 3h 2m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Carlsbad, NM than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Meadow Lake, 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 Meadow Lake, NM
This is one driving day of about 310.7 miles and 6h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Meadow Lake, 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 8th Street for about 91.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
155 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 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 155.4 miles from Meadow Lake, NM, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before 8th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 91.9 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.
US-285 Vaughn Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Mesa Rest Area
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Cline's Corners
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Lisa's Truck Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.1 mi from route
Dr. John Clarke Rest Area
1.4 mi from route
Rest Area
2 mi from route
Rest Area
2.3 mi from route
Carlsbad Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
mile 310.7
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+15758870276
Visit websiteLiving Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
mile 310.7
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Hours: 9 am–3:30 pm
+15758875516
Visit websiteWildlife West Nature Park
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Early in the drive, ~9 min detour
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
mile 66.6
Edgewood, New Mexico
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+15052817655
Visit websiteJerry Cline Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~10 min detour
4.2 mi from route
~10 min detour
mile 44.4
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hours: 8 am–9 pm
+15057685353
Visit websiteThe Downs Racetrack & Casino
3.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~10 min detour
4.2 mi from route
~10 min detour
mile 44.4
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hours: 11 am–3 pm
+15057677171
Visit websiteWinter Wonderland NM
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.5 mi from route
~11 min detour
mile 44.4
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hours: 6–9 pm
+15052499987
Visit websiteRoswell Welcome Sign
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Later in the drive, ~12 min detour
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
mile 244.1
Roswell, New Mexico
Hours: Open 24 hours
+15756233442
Historic Microsoft Headquarters Plaque
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~11 min detour
4.5 mi from route
~11 min detour
mile 44.4
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 95 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 36.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Sportsman Drive
Turn left onto Sportsman Drive
Navigation decision point
5
13.8 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
I 25
Merge onto I 25
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
35.9 mi into trip
|
~49m in
Take the exit toward I 40: Gallup, Santa Rosa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 226B-A
Toward I 40: Gallup, Santa Rosa
8
36.2 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East: Santa Rosa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 226A
Toward I 40 East: Santa Rosa
5
36.6 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
I 40 / Coronado Freeway
Merge onto I 40 / Coronado Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.92 one way
$93.85 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
109 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.21 | $51.51 | $103.02 |
| premium | $4.56 | $55.77 | $111.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $68.60 | $137.20 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 93.2 | 1 | $32.62 | $14.91 |
| Efficient EV | 77.7 | 0 | $27.19 | $12.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 124.3 | 1 | $43.50 | $19.88 |
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Meadow Lake, NM
Late night in Meadow Lake on Sunday
Local time
4:24 AM
MDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Carlsbad, NM
Late night in Carlsbad on Sunday
Local time
4:24 AM
MDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
43°F
Santa Rosa, NM
155 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
36 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
6h 7m 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.
Petroglyph National Monument
National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 32.1
Caution: Be City Smart: Take precautions to secure your vehicle and valuables.
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
$1
near mile 300
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
About 35% of this drive will be on highways, with the remainder on surface streets. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 91.9 miles on 8th Street. Prepare for a transition from highway speeds to more frequent stops and lower speeds as you move onto surface roads. The profile indicates a mix of highway and surface driving, so expect changes in the driving environment.
35% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91.9 mi on 8th Street.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Sportsman Drive.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 310.7 miles you will encounter 9 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: at 0.1 miles (Sportsman Drive): Navigation decision point; at 13.8 miles (I 25): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 35.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Meadow Lake, NM and Carlsbad, NM, road signs point toward Santa Rosa and Santa Fe.
Santa Rosa
35.9 mi in
|
~49m
Santa Fe
94.7 mi in
|
~1h 52m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 7m. Total distance: 310.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 7m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 91.9 miles on 8th Street. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Carlsbad, 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 0.1 miles (Sportsman Drive): Navigation decision point; at 13.8 miles (I 25): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 35.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petroglyph National Monument and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Carlsbad, 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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