Pojoaque, NM to Clovis, NM is 229.1 miles and takes about 4h 26m via I 40 and US Highway 60, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive is a straightforward, highway-focused journey across New Mexico's Desert Southwest. With 92% of the route on highways, expect a consistent pace for most of the trip. It's a single-day adventure, making it ideal for those looking to cover ground efficiently between these two points in the same 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
114.6 miles from Pojoaque, NM
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
58.2 mi
58m
US Highway 60
56.8 mi
1h 7m
US 285
41.5 mi
50m
South US Highway 84
41.1 mi
46m
US 84/285
7.5 mi
8m
I 25
6.2 mi
6m
Taos Highway
4.7 mi
5m
Old Pecos Trail
3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 58.2 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pojoaque, NM and Clovis, NM.
1
Start on US 84; US 285
1.3 mi·2 min·Santa Fe Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
2
Continue on US 84; US 285
4.7 mi·5 min·Taos Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Continue on US 84; US 285
7.5 mi·8 min·US 84/285
4
Continue on US 84; US 285
1.5 mi·2 min·North Saint Francis Drive
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Guadalupe Street
6
Continue on North Guadalupe Street
0.8 mi·1 min·North Guadalupe Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Turn left onto West Alameda Street
0.4 mi·1 min·West Alameda Street
8
Turn right onto Old Santa Fe Trail
0.6 mi·1 min·Old Santa Fe Trail
9
Continue on Old Pecos Trail
3.0 mi·5 min·Old Pecos Trail
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward I 25 North: Las Vegas, Clines Corners
11
Merge onto I 25
6.2 mi·6 min·I 25
12
Take the exit onto US 285
0.2 mi·25 sec·US 285
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 285
41 mi·49 min·US 285
14
Turn left
0.3 mi·36 sec
Use the left lane.
15
Merge onto I 40
58 mi·58 min·I 40
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward US 84 South: Fort Summer
17
Turn right onto US 84
264 ft·3 sec·Historic Route 66
18
Continue on US 84
41 mi·46 min·South US Highway 84
19
Continue on US 84
0.6 mi·45 sec·North 4th Street
20
Continue on US 60; US 84
1.3 mi·1 min·East Sumner Avenue
21
Continue on US 60; US 84
57 mi·1 hr 7 min·US Highway 60
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto West 7th Street
2.4 mi·4 min·West 7th Street
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto North Main Street
41 ft·1 sec·North Main Street
24
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 26m duration, departing Pojoaque in the morning allows ample time to reach Clovis before sunset, even with a single planned stop. The longest stretch without services is 58.2 miles on I 40, so ensure your fuel tank is at least half full before embarking on this section. While this is a manageable one-day drive, the $35 fuel cost is an estimate, so monitor your gauge, especially if you encounter headwinds common in the Desert Southwest. Planning your fuel and rest stops around the transition points between I 40 and US Highway 60 can help break up the drive effectively.
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 114.6 miles from Pojoaque, NM, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.2 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 50 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.6 miles or 2h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clovis, NM than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pojoaque, 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 Pojoaque, NM
This is one driving day of about 229.1 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Pojoaque, 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 I 40 for about 58.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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 0 and 226.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 84; US 285 / Santa Fe Highway
Depart onto US 84; US 285 / Santa Fe Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
15 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward Guadalupe Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward Guadalupe Street
4
20.1 mi into trip|~28m in
Take the ramp toward I 25 North: Las Vegas, Clines Corners
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 25 North: Las Vegas, Clines Corners
6
68.2 mi into trip|~1h 26m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
226.7 mi into trip|~4h 21m in|West 7th Street
Turn left onto West 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.80 one way
$63.61 round trip
$3.53/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$3.95
$35.58
$71.17
premium
$4.29
$38.69
$77.37
diesel
$4.80
$43.26
$86.52
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.7
0
$24.06
$11.00
Efficient EV
57.3
0
$20.05
$9.16
EV Truck/SUV
91.6
1
$32.07
$14.66
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Pojoaque, NM
Late night
in Pojoaque on Sunday
Local time
4:41 AM
MDT
Current temp
89°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 0 to 5 mph51% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 3:30AM MDT until July 17 at 5:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:45AM MDT until July 17 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Clovis, NM
Late night
in Clovis on Sunday
Local time
4:41 AM
MDT
Current temp
89°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 10 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 3:30AM MDT until July 17 at 5:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:45AM MDT until July 17 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 26m 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.
Pecos National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Pecos is a natural and cultural crossroads through which hunters, gatherers, traders, missionaries, immigrants, soldiers, ranchers, and other travelers passed and lived. Follow in their footsteps and...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 31.6
The Manhattan Project is one of the most transformative events of the 20th century. It ushered in the nuclear age with the development of the world’s first atomic bombs. Most of this development took...
Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of ruggedly beautiful canyon and mesa country. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 92% of the 229.1 miles on major roads like I 40 and US Highway 60. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 58.2 miles on I 40, offering a good opportunity for consistent speed. While the majority of the drive is on these main arteries, the transition between them will define the character of your journey. Expect a pragmatic and efficient driving experience for the bulk of the 4h 26m duration.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 58.2 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and US Highway 60. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 84; US 285 / Santa Fe Highway.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 229.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 84; US 285 / Santa Fe Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 20.1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
7,130 ft4,075 ft
Total Climb
2,104 ft
Total Descent
3,679 ft
Highest Point
7,130 ft
~65.5 mi in
Elevation Range
3,055 ft
Notable High Points
6,983 ft at ~16.4 miles+492 ft prominence
7,130 ft at ~65.5 miles+500 ft prominence
4,400 ft at ~212.7 miles+22 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Pojoaque, NM to Clovis, NM, road signs begin pointing toward Clines Corners along the way.
Pojoaque (pronounced poh-WAH-kay) is a small town in north central New Mexico, USA, not far from Santa Fe. While of limited interest itself to the traveler, it is a good jumping-off point for many northern New Mexico attractions.
Clovis is a city in the southeastern region of New Mexico, in Curry County, near the Texas state line. It is famous for the nearby archaeological site where "Clovis man" was discovered. It is a military community supporting nearby Cannon Air Force Base.
Top landmarks
•Hotel Clovis — historic building in Clovis, New Mexico, US
•State Theater — movie theater in Clovis, New Mexico, United States
•Clovis Depot — railway station in Clovis, the United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 26m. Total distance: 229.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 58.2 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 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 Clovis, 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 8 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: near the start (US 84; US 285 / Santa Fe Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 20.1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Pecos National Historical Park, Manhattan Project National Historical Park and Bandelier National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Clovis, NM, but most travelers stay overnight.
