Road trip - lodging

Question

Where is a good place to stay between Carlsbad, NM and Boulder? We have adult kids and an extra day to kill.

Answer

Planning a road trip from Carlsbad, NM to Boulder, CO offers plenty of scenic options and interesting stops along the way. Since you have an extra day and are traveling with adult children, choosing a midway point with some attractions or enjoyable surroundings is ideal.

Here are some recommended areas to consider for an overnight stay:

Santa Fe, NM: About 4.5–5 hours from Carlsbad, Santa Fe is a cultural gem with art galleries, historic architecture, and excellent dining. It’s a lively city for adult travelers to explore, stroll around the Plaza, and enjoy Southwestern cuisine.
Taos, NM: Slightly north of Santa Fe, Taos offers art galleries, the Taos Pueblo, and a charming historic town center. Perfect if you want a more relaxed, artsy stop.
Raton, NM: A smaller town near the New Mexico-Colorado border, roughly 6–7 hours from Carlsbad. It’s a quieter option with lodging and restaurants, suitable if you want to break up driving time without extensive sightseeing.
Trinidad, CO: Just over the border into Colorado, around 6–7 hours from Carlsbad. Trinidad has historic downtown charm, some cultural sites, and is a convenient midway stop before heading into the mountains toward Boulder.

If you prefer to break the drive into two roughly equal segments and enjoy some sightseeing, Santa Fe or Taos is ideal. For a shorter, no-fuss stop before heading into Colorado, Raton or Trinidad works well.

Additional tips:

Book lodging in advance, especially in Santa Fe or Taos, as these can fill up quickly in summer and holiday periods.
Check for interesting local attractions near your overnight stop—art districts, historic sites, or scenic walks can enhance your trip.
Keep in mind elevation changes and mountain driving as you approach Colorado, especially if your extra day includes outdoor exploration.

With this route, you can enjoy a mix of scenic drives, cultural experiences, and convenient overnight stops, making the journey from Carlsbad to Boulder as memorable as the destination itself.