How far is Carlsbad, NM from Mescalero, NM?
The driving distance from Carlsbad, NM to Mescalero, NM is about 132.4 miles (213 km), with a travel time of about 03h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 103.2 miles (166.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 23m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 11m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Village in New Mexico, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carlsbad and Mescalero.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carlsbad and Mescalero.
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1
Start on North Canal Street
1.1 mi · 1 min · North Canal Street
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2
Continue on West Pierce Street
3.4 mi · 5 min · West Pierce Street
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3
Continue on Artesia Highway
2.1 mi · 2 min · Artesia Highway
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4
Continue on Seven Rivers Highway
25.3 mi · 29 min · Seven Rivers Highway
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5
Continue on South 1st Street
3164 ft · 41 sec · South 1st Street
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6
Continue on Seven Rivers Highway
1286 ft · 17 sec · Seven Rivers Highway
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7
Continue on South 1st Street
3.2 mi · 4 min · South 1st Street
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8
Turn left onto West Main Street
4.9 mi · 8 min · West Main Street
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9
Continue on Hope Highway
15.4 mi · 23 min · Hope Highway
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10
Continue on Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · Main Street
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11
Continue on Hope Highway
6.2 mi · 9 min · Hope Highway
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12
Continue on US Highway 82
32.3 mi · 37 min · US Highway 82
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13
Turn right onto Elk Canyon Road
1.1 mi · 3 min · Elk Canyon Road
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14
Continue on 16 Springs Canyon Road
2.2 mi · 5 min · 16 Springs Canyon Road
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15
Keep slight right to continue on Elk Canyon Road
4.6 mi · 11 min · Elk Canyon Road
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16
Continue on Indian Service Rt 2
2.3 mi · 6 min · Indian Service Rt 2
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17
Continue on M2
6.3 mi · 15 min · M2
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18
Turn right onto NM 244
15.6 mi · 23 min · NM 244
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19
At the end of the road, turn left
4.3 mi · 6 min
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20
Take the exit slight right
818 ft · 24 sec
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21
Turn right
29 m · 3 sec
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22
Turn right onto Eagle Drive
606 ft · 22 sec · Eagle Drive
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23
Turn left onto Mescal Loop
1304 ft · 57 sec · Mescal Loop
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mescal Loop
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carlsbad and Mescalero.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 82
Continue on US Highway 82
32.3 mi · 00h 38m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Carlsbad and Sunny near Mescalero.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carlsbad to Mescalero?
The road trip is about 132.4 miles (213 km) and usually takes 03h 11m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Hope is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.2 miles from Carlsbad and 66.2 miles from Mescalero.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 103.2 miles (166.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:36 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.69 one way or $35.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Carlsbad and Sunny near Mescalero.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carlsbad and Mescalero. Straight-line distance: 103.19 mi (166.07 km).
#1 Carlsbad
Town in Eddy County, New Mexico, USA
| Population | 29,664 |
| Coordinates | 32.4206700, -104.2288400 |
| Altitude | 945 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Mescalero
Unincorporated community in Otero County, New Mexico, United States
| Population | 1,338 |
| Coordinates | 33.1575900, -105.7741500 |
| Altitude | 2016 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mescalero (-105.77415, 33.15759)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 213 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $17.69 | $35.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $19.89 | $39.78 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $21.60 | $43.20 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $25.29 | $50.58 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in New Mexico · Apr 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.