Driving ABQ to Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Albuquerque, Santa Fe: rental car, fit in) - City-Data Forum

eddie cantrell · 09-29-2009, 09:21 PM

In spite of alot of negative info regarding trying to fit in Carlsbad on my whirlwind trip of NM, the caverns are calling my name.
I will land in ALB around 6 PM, want to drive and go to Carlsbad next morning.
ANy suggestions on best route, a good stoping point, etc
Also my posts have given me various drive time any help will be appreciated
thanks

GregW · 09-30-2009, 05:10 AM

I strongly recommend putting off the Cavern visit for another trip. It is in the wrong direction from your ultimate destination. You would spend almost all of your time looking out of a windshield instead of actually seeing the place.

I do not know where you are starting from but Southwest Airline fares are not all that expensive.I think you should plan on taking a week in the spring to see the Caverns and surrounding area.

karmathecat · 09-30-2009, 07:03 AM

From the airport, take I-25 north to I-40 east. Take I-40 east to exit 218 and take I-285 south.....it's about 5 hours. So by the time you land, get your luggage, get a rental car, stop someplace to eat, you'll be in Carlsbad around 12 am - 1 am.

I think that's crazy but whatever....

Zoidberg · 09-30-2009, 07:12 AM

Other options to you include a direct flight to Carlsbad from Albuquerque (I believe they offer them at prohibitive prices), or flying into a more convenient airport. Both El Paso and Midland/Odessa offer a (slightly) shorter drive time if you HAVE to fly Southwest.

If you don't, Roswell (1:20 north of Carlsbad and 1:40 north of the Caverns) also has AA service to LAX and DFW airports. Car rentals are $10 a day there through the Toyota dealer.

jaxart · 09-30-2009, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW

I strongly recommend putting off the Cavern visit for another trip.

The first mistake the OP is making is by flying into Albq. El Paso would make more sense, or another airport closer to Carlsbad. Midland-Odessa airport, as another example. Both El Paso and Midland-Odessa are serviced by Southwest Airlines, and El Paso by even more of the major carriers (American, etc).

GregW · 09-30-2009, 07:32 AM

Good advice but he still has to wind up in Durango, Colorado a couple of days later.

annaegel · 09-30-2009, 07:51 AM

If you are driving from Alb to the caverns in one day, you really won't have time to stop and do or see things along the way. Roswell is the largest town along the way, you could get a bite to eat and stretch. I think the drive is a bit monotonous and tedious. I love the caverns. I have been there a few times. If you are there at sundown, you should stay to watch the bats exit the caves. I have never done that, but it seems like a sight to see.

You may find little places of interest along the way.

Do you plan on staying over night or heading back to Alb. the same day? You are going to be exhausted! I hope you have another driver with you!

You'll enjoy the caverns. However, I think there are plenty of stuff closer to Alb. for you to enjoy. Bendelier National Park is really nice. You can go hiking. Santa Fe and Toas is really nice. There are plenty of things to see and do along the way there.

Enjoy your trip!

Poncho_NM · 09-30-2009, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddie cantrell

I will land in ALB around 6 PM, want to drive and go to Carlsbad next morning.
ANy suggestions on best route, a good stoping point, etc
Also my posts have given me various drive time any help will be appreciated

According to Google maps:

Albuquerque International Sunport to Carlsbad Caverns Natl Park is 307 miles using Highway US-285 and the drive time takes 5 hours 54 minutes, for all practical purposes at least 6 hours of driving not counting necessary stops.

Here is the route link on Google Maps: from: Albuquerque International Sunport to: 727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220-9463 (Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Carlsbad Caverns-Guadalupe Mountains Association) - Google Maps

Rich

mike0421 · 09-30-2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poncho_NM

According to Google maps:

Albuquerque International Sunport to Carlsbad Caverns Natl Park is 307 miles using Highway US-285 and the drive time takes 5 hours 54 minutes, for all practical purposes at least 6 hours of driving not counting necessary stops.

Here is the route link on Google Maps: from: Albuquerque International Sunport to: 727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220-9463 (Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Carlsbad Caverns-Guadalupe Mountains Association) - Google Maps

Rich

Rich,

Those directions assume a 50 mph speed limit on 285. He's going to be able to make better time on that road during that time of the evening. He could probably drive 90-100 MPH if he wanted to. That's one of the most desolate roads in the country. The section from Vaughn to Roswell alone he could probably get away with going over 100 MPH. It's a 4 lane highway!

ZOOM ZOOM!

DOUBLE H · 09-30-2009, 08:19 AM

And I'm happy they 4 laned that too, for a long, long time it was just a 2 laner. Not necessarily THAT dangerous as not a whole lot of traffic on the road but still saw some bad wrecks there. Mikes right about the desolation, you have Vaughn there and for close to 100 miles you have nothing until you get to Roswell.