Roswell to Amarillo Road Trip Guide: UFOs, Landscapes & BBQ

Driving from Roswell, New Mexico to Amarillo, Texas takes you across the high plains of the Llano Estacado, a region rich in UFO lore and pioneer history. The route follows US-285 north to US-60 east, a mostly straight two-lane highway with occasional agricultural traffic. The exact distance is 173 miles (278 km), and without stops, you can drive it in about 2 hours 45 minutes.

One little-known fact: the route crosses the eastern boundary of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States. You'll see pumpjacks nodding in fields of cotton and sorghum.

For tips on discovering hidden gems along your drive, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel stations are sparse on the Roswell to Clovis segment, with only a few options in towns like Kenna and Elida. It's wise to fill up in Roswell or at the large truck stop in Clovis. Clovis also has a Walmart Supercenter for supplies.

The road surface on US-285 is generally good, with some rough patches near the Texas line. US-60 is a wider divided highway from Bovina to Amarillo, with decent shoulders. The speed limit is mostly 65 mph on US-285 and 65-70 mph on US-60.

Cell phone coverage is reliable in towns but can be spotty between Roswell and Clovis. Download offline maps before you go. Emergency services are available in Roswell, Clovis, and Hereford.

• Fuel stops: Roswell, Kenna (limited), Elida, Clovis, Bovina, Hereford, Amarillo
• Food breaks: Clovis (fast food, diners), Hereford (BBQ), Amarillo (steakhouses)
• Roadside amenities: Rest areas near Clovis (eastbound) and at the New Mexico-Texas state line

The landscape is quintessentially high plains: flat, with wide horizons and endless sky. In spring and summer, fields of sunflowers and blooming cotton contrast with the red-brown earth. Autumn harvest time brings a golden hue.

Clovis, New Mexico, is famous for the Norman Petty Recording Studio where Buddy Holly and the Crickets recorded. The nearby Blackwater Draw site (about 12 miles south of Clovis) is a National Historic Landmark with Clovis culture artifacts dating back 13,000 years. Although not a UNESCO site, it's a significant archaeological site.

As you approach Amarillo, the landscape changes subtly: mesas and buttes appear in the distance, foreshadowing the dramatic Palo Duro Canyon, just south of the city. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-see, offering hiking, biking, and scenic drives.

Local commerce along the route includes roadside stands selling pecans and chile in New Mexico, and beef jerky stores in Texas. In Hereford, stop at the Deaf Smith County Historical Museum for local history.

Drive-aware: the main hazards are farm equipment, deer at dawn/dusk, and sudden crosswinds. Keep your gas tank above a quarter, especially between Roswell and Clovis. Rest areas are limited; plan a stop in Clovis (45 minutes from Roswell) and another near Hereford (30 minutes from Amarillo).

For families, the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell is a big hit. Along the way, the tiny town of Grady, NM has a quirky roadside attraction: the World's Largest Pistachio (actually a 30-foot-tall fiberglass nut). In Amarillo, children love the Cadillac Ranch art installation and the Don Harrington Discovery Center.

Pet-friendly stops: most rest areas welcome dogs on leashes. The Clovis Petting Farm (call ahead) and Palo Duro Canyon (leashed pets allowed on trails) are good options. Avoid leaving pets in cars in summer heat.

Fatigue management: rotate drivers or take a 15-minute break every two hours. Coffee is available at gas stations; for a proper pick-me-up, try The Coffee Shop in Amarillo's downtown.