Clovis NM to Albuquerque drive: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Clovis NM to Albuquerque drive are Santa Rosa NM, Moriarty NM and Tijeras NM. The distance from Clovis NM to Albuquerque by car is 222 miles, with a 3h29m driving time.
Planning a Clovis NM to Albuquerque road trip itinerary
The Clovis NM to Albuquerque drive takes you from the east of New Mexico to the state’s capital city.
Clovis NM is on the Llano Estacado, and doesn’t exactly have the dramatic scenery you’ll find elsewhere in the state. Nevertheless, you can still pass a couple of hours at the Hillcrest Park Zoo.
Perhaps more interesting, however, is the Norman Petty Recording Studios, where the likes of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison recorded. The Norman and Vi Petty Rock N Roll Museum goes into to more detail about Clovis’ musical legacy.
If you need a bed for the night, compare prices on Clovis hotel deals.
Fabulous Albuquerque experiences include a sunrise hot air balloon flight, old town ghost walks, nature tours by bike and guided hops between craft breweries . You can also pay a visit to the castle-like Turquoise Museum and old town food tours focusing on New Mexican flavours.
Great Albuquerque accommodation choices include the historic, adobe-style Casas de Suenos and the old town’s art-filled Hotel Chaco.
Clovis NM to Albuquerque distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Clovis NM to Albuquerque is 222 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 29 minutes. The best road trip stops to add to the Clovis NM to Albuquerque drive are Santa Rosa NM, Moriarty NM and Tijeras NM.
Clovis NM to Albuquerque road trip attractions: Santa Rosa NM
Santa Rosa NM bills itself as the Scuba diving capital of the Southwest, largely thanks to the Blue Hole. This 81ft deep pool, fed by an artesian spring, is naturally heated to 62 degrees year-round. Divers need a permit, swimmers don’t.
Another alternative for swimming is Park Lake, which is patrolled by lifeguards in summer and has an inflatable obstacle course that’s very popular with children.
Car-lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy the Route 66 Auto Museum.
If stopping for the night, accommodation in Santa Rosa is all motel chains.
- For more suggestions, check out the guide to the Santa Rosa to Albuquerque drive.
Best stops between Clovis NM and Albuquerque: Moriarty NM
Moriarty NM is home to the US Southwest Soaring Museum, which is dedicated to the art of gliding. Visitors can see various aircraft, learn the history of gliding and discover the part soaring plays in the western US.
After a long day’s driving, you may be more interested in the Sierra Blanca Brewing Company. There’s a big craft beer menu to taste, and a handy beer garden.
Clovis NM to Albuquerque drive: Tijeras NM
Tijeras NM is sandwiched between the Sandia Mountains and Manzano Mountains. There are several hiking trailheads around the village. For a relatively easy leg-stretch, the one mile return walk to Travertine Falls is best tackled in spring when the water is flowing. The trail to Carlito Springs is another option that won’t eat much of the day.
For cultural attractions, take a walk through the ruins of the Tijeras Pueblo Architectural Site or the Museum of the American Military Family.
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