Fort Stockton to Carlsbad Route: Hwy 285? - Montana Owners Club

Izzy1313 · 02-08-2023, 07:43 AM

Hi all, had a quick question for the group. My family and I will be embarking on our first trip here in 2 weeks out west from TN to CA. On the way will be making some stops. Such as Big Bend and Carlsbad for the Caverns and Guadalupe Mtns. Of course I keep looking over the maps, and recently came across a couple of forums talking about how Hwy 285 from Ft Stockton to Carlsbad was atrocious. With crazy oil field drivers and worn out roads. Has anyone had any recent experience driving Hwy 285 northbound from Ft Stockton to Carlsbad? Should I consider a different route that is not so direct, but more user friendly? Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

**DQDick** · 02-09-2023, 09:24 AM

It's not the best road, but most of them in west Texas are similar or worse in my opinion.

Dimomma · 02-10-2023, 11:12 AM

I live in Carlsbad and would advise you to take another route on better roads because of oilfield traffic. Not only are the roads bad but they're dangerous. Not meant to scare you but it's a reality around here.

Izzy1313 · 02-10-2023, 08:54 PM

&dimomma is there any route and/or hwy you would recommend?

Dimomma · 02-11-2023, 07:41 AM

My suggestion is to take I-10 east to 385. 385 takes you NE for a bit then North. Follow that to Seminole then take 62/180 West to Carlsbad. You'll still be driving in oilfield country but the roads are better. Be very cognizant of oilfield trucks (18 wheelers). They'll pull right out in front of you or make turns without warning. I don't want to scare you just make you aware of the craziness around here. Use your "Spidey" senses!! Lol

Izzy1313 · 02-11-2023, 01:52 PM

Thanks for the tip. I'll be using those "spidey senses" To be honest, I should have labeled this thread "Terlingua to Carlsbad" Since I will be coming from visiting Big Bend NP. I initially put Ft Stockton because I figured I would go that way. But now I am wondering if I need to pick a whole new route. Instead of going east-ish on hwy 67 to Ft Stockton from Alpine, I should now go west on Hwy 90 towards Van Horn then North on 54 until I get to Hwy 62. Have you ever travel those roads.

Dimomma · 02-11-2023, 03:34 PM

54 is another narrow two lane but I haven't been on it in quite awhile. Whatever you do, don't go the Pecos route. The Permian basin has eaten up most of those roads and it's 24/7/365. I think that would be a good choice just stay away from roads in and out of SE New Mexico going towards Texas except for 62/180. But stay on your toes on 62/180.

wed · 02-12-2023, 02:21 PM

The road is not great

Dimomma · 02-13-2023, 07:14 AM

I asked my sister about 54 and she said it was a pretty bad road. Seems the oilfield has eaten that road up too. She used to drive an 18 wheeler for an oilfield company and took that road to avoid the heavier traffic but it's just as heavy these days. I'm not sure how many miles 54 is but if you take it, please drive it in the daylight.

Greyghost · 02-16-2023, 02:37 AM

One more thing to keep in mind is once you get on 61/180 towards the Guadalupe mountains is the wind in the pass along the mountain range, it can be dangerous for an RV. Keep an eye on the weather for moving fronts, etc. Good luck.

Cindy and Ray's Grand Tour · 02-16-2023, 07:45 PM

We took 285 from Carlsbad to Ft. Stockton in September 2021 and never saw an issue. Maybe it has gotten worse in the last 18 months. All we saw was empty country, make sure you are full of fuel.

Daryles · 02-16-2023, 08:52 PM

We will also be visiting Carlsbad Caverns in the spring.
We are planning on coming down from Amarillo on i27 S, the US 60 W, then US 70 W. Stop at Roswell. Then US 285 S to Carlsbad.
When we leave we plan on going west on US 82 to White Sands.
How does US 82 look between Artisia and
Holloman AFB?

twindman · 02-17-2023, 06:38 AM

Sorry, but your directions don't make sense unless you are starting at Amarillo????

Daryles · 02-17-2023, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twindman

Sorry, but your directions don't make sense unless you are starting at Amarillo????

My bad, yes Amarillo (corrected above).
Thanks.

Dimomma · 02-25-2023, 01:38 PM

82 is fine. It's mountainous and a pretty drive. Stop in Cloudcroft. There's a really good BBQ restaurant there but you have to get in line early or you're out of luck. They sell out every day. There are some shops just one street over (West) that would be good place to walk and stretch your legs. Then it's only 16 miles to Alamogordo and another 10 to 15 miles to White Sands. Watch your speed.

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