Roswell to Orderville: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The drive from Roswell, New Mexico to Orderville, Utah spans 703 miles of high desert, volcanic fields, and mountain passes. You'll traverse three states and climb from 3,600 feet to over 6,000 feet elevation. The route follows US-285 north to I-40 west, then US-491 and US-191 into Utah. A little-known fact: the highway between Gallup and Shiprock crosses the ancient shoreline of a vast inland sea that once covered the Colorado Plateau.

This journey is worth driving not just for the destination but for the surreal transitions — you'll see the last remnants of the Permian Basin give way to the red rock country. The full drive takes about 11 hours of pure driving, but plan for at least two days to absorb the sights. For tips on uncovering hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Below is a snapshot of the key logistics for this route:

The landscapes shift dramatically: from the flatllands of Roswell to the Sangre de Cristo foothills near Santa Fe, then the red mesas of the Navajo Nation. The best natural attractions include:

• Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness: Located 30 miles south of Farmington, NM. A surreal badlands of hoodoos and petrified wood. Access via dirt road (high clearance recommended).
• Valley of the Gods: East of Mexican Hat, UT. A 17-mile gravel loop through towering sandstone monoliths. Free and uncrowded.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante: Near Orderville. Miles of slot canyons and dinosaur fossils.

Local commerce along the route includes Navajo vendors selling silver jewelry at scenic overlooks, especially at Monument Valley. In Blanding, the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum offers authentic Pueblo pottery. Roswell's UFO-themed shops are a kitschy start to your trip.

Road quality is excellent on interstates but variable on US-491 and US-163. Watch for livestock on US-491, especially at dawn and dusk. Construction zones near Gallup can cause delays. Always carry water and a spare tire — the remote sections have no services for up to 50 miles.

• Family-friendly stops: Santa Fe Children's Museum, Farmington's Aquatic Center, and the Dinosaur Museum in Blanding.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most National Forest lands allow pets on leash. In Navajo Nation, pets must be kept in vehicle at overlooks.
• Fatigue management: Take a break every 2 hours. Top rest zones: Rest area near Thoreau, NM (Mile 53 on I-40), and the Montezuma Creek Overlook (Mile 15 on US-191).

For families with children, the best stops along Roswell to Orderville include the Very Large Array (Socorro detour) and the Red Rock Park in Gallup. Kids will enjoy the alien theme in Roswell and the dinosaur fossils in Blanding. For those wondering is it worth driving from Roswell to Orderville, the stunning landscapes and cultural richness make it a resounding yes.

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-40 but sparse on US-491 and US-191, especially between Shiprock and Mexican Hat. Always top off in Gallup (Mile 20 on I-40) or in Blanding, Utah. Gas prices tend to be lowest in New Mexico and rise near tourist areas like Monument Valley.

• Average fuel cost: $4.20/gal in NM, $4.50 in UT (prices may vary).
• Total fuel estimate: ~25 gallons for a midsize car, about $105-115.
• Cell coverage: strong on I-40, limited on US-491 (Verizon works best).

Rest stops: Rest areas exist at Mile 20 east of Gallup (southbound side) and at the Arizona-Utah border near Monument Valley. The town of Blanding has a well-maintained city park with restrooms. For those asking how long to drive Roswell to Orderville without stops, it's 11 hours; with recommended breaks, plan 13-14 hours.