Utah
Photo of AI-LewisClark
AI-LewisClark
23 Aug 2025
ShareShare
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

Salt Lake City to Albuquerque Road Trip Itinerary

Salt Lake City to Albuquerque Road Trip Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Salt Lake City, Utah to Albuquerque, New Mexico, exploring some of the Southwest’s most iconic destinations along the way. Your adventure begins in Salt Lake City, a vibrant metropolis set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, rich with cultural landmarks and outdoor recreation. Next, journey to Arches National Park, where you'll be amazed by over two thousand natural sandstone arches and breathtaking desert scenery.

Continue your expedition to historic Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, home to the remarkable cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, offering a fascinating look into ancient history. Drive on to Durango, a charming mountain town renowned for its historic narrow-gauge railroad and access to thrilling outdoor activities.

As you travel south, discover Santa Fe's unique blend of Native American and Spanish influences, celebrated arts community, and distinctive adobe architecture. Finally, your road trip culminates in Albuquerque, a city bursting with Southwestern flavor, scenic landscapes, and famous festivals. This itinerary promises a diverse mix of natural wonders, history, and local culture, making for a memorable road trip through the heart of the American Southwest.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Salt Lake City offers a vibrant city experience with a stunning natural backdrop, historic Temple Square, top-rated museums, and easy access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Wasatch Mountains.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Arches National Park, UT

    Arches National Park features over 2,000 natural stone arches, breathtaking red rock formations, unique desert landscapes, and numerous opportunities for hiking, photography, and stargazing.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Mesa Verde National Park, CO

    Mesa Verde National Park preserves centuries-old cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans, offering visitors a remarkable glimpse into ancient Native American culture and archaeological wonders surrounded by scenic landscapes.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Durango, CO

    Durango is known for its historic downtown, access to outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and rafting, and the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offering scenic rides through the mountains.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Santa Fe, NM

    Santa Fe captivates visitors with its rich blend of Native American and Spanish heritage, world-class arts scene, unique adobe architecture, and acclaimed cuisine set in a picturesque mountain setting.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin6

    Albuquerque, NM

    Albuquerque offers vibrant Southwestern culture, historic Old Town, the scenic Sandia Mountains, diverse museums, and is famed for the annual International Balloon Fiesta.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Red Iguana

    4.6
    $$$$

    Red Iguana

    Famous for its authentic and diverse Mexican mole dishes, this Salt Lake City staple offers a vibrant atmosphere and bold flavors.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for Red Iguana
  • Restaurant Icon

    Moab Food Truck Park

    4.5

    Moab Food Truck Park

    A collection of unique food trucks in Moab offering a variety of creative cuisines, perfect for a casual and diverse dining experience near Arches National Park.
    4.5
    Picture for Moab Food Truck Park
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Metate Room

    The Metate Room

    Located inside Mesa Verde National Park, The Metate Room serves Southwestern-inspired dishes with stunning cliff views, making it a memorable culinary stop.
    Picture for The Metate Room
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Ore House Restaurant

    4.5
    $$$$

    The Ore House Restaurant

    Durango’s oldest restaurant offers an Old West ambiance, renowned steaks, and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients.
    4.5
    $$$$
    Picture for The Ore House Restaurant
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Shed (Santa Fe)

    4.4
    $$$$

    The Shed (Santa Fe)

    A Santa Fe icon, The Shed serves iconic red chile enchiladas and traditional New Mexican cuisine in an atmospheric adobe building dating back to 1692.
    4.4
    $$$$
    Picture for The Shed (Santa Fe)

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Grand America Hotel

    4.55

    The Grand America Hotel

    A luxurious and elegant hotel in Salt Lake City, known for its impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and opulent rooms, offering a unique experience in the heart of the city.
    4.55
    Picture for The Grand America Hotel
  • Hotel Icon

    Sunflower Hill Inn

    Sunflower Hill Inn

    This charming bed and breakfast in Moab combines rustic country style with modern comforts, and is set in a historic farmhouse surrounded by lush gardens.
    Picture for Sunflower Hill Inn
  • Hotel Icon

    Far View Lodge

    3.9

    Far View Lodge

    Located inside Mesa Verde National Park, this lodge offers guests unparalleled access to the park’s archaeological sites and breathtaking cliff-side sunset views.
    3.9
    Picture for Far View Lodge
  • Hotel Icon

    Strater Hotel

    4.5

    Strater Hotel

    A beautifully restored historic hotel in downtown Durango, filled with Victorian antiques, old-world charm, and tales of the Wild West.
    4.5
    Picture for Strater Hotel
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Andaluz

    Hotel Andaluz

    A boutique hotel in Albuquerque known for its Spanish-inspired design, creative decor, and eco-friendly features, offering upscale accommodations and a unique ambiance.
    Picture for Hotel Andaluz

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Telluride Gay Ski Week

    Telluride Gay Ski Week

    The event will take place at Telluride Town Park in Telluride.
    Map IconTelluride Town Park in Telluride (43.42 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Telluride Gay Ski Week
  • Event Icon

    Community Concerts of the Grand Valley 25-26

    Community Concerts of the Grand Valley 25-26

    The event will take place at Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (110.39 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Community Concerts of the Grand Valley 25-26
  • Event Icon

    NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

    NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

    Share the joy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet with family and friends. Give the gift of a spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets, hand-crafted by the finest artisans of...
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (110.39 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Nov 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
  • Event Icon

    Holiday Concert: CMU Choirs and Orchestra

    Holiday Concert: CMU Choirs and Orchestra

    Celebrate the joy of the season with the CMU Choirs and String Orchestra as they perform holiday favorites and other festive works. Each ensemble will perform separately and then join forces to conclude the concert with an inspiring finale!
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (110.39 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Dec 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Holiday Concert: CMU Choirs and Orchestra
  • Event Icon

    Warren Miller's "Sno-ciety"

    Warren Miller's "Sno-ciety"

    The event will take place at Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (110.39 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Dec 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Warren Miller's "Sno-ciety"
  • Event Icon

    KT Tunstall

    KT Tunstall

    The event will take place at Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (110.39 mi)
    Calendar Icon8 Dec 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for KT Tunstall
  • Event Icon

    Home Free's Let Me Come Home Tour

    Home Free's Let Me Come Home Tour

    The event will take place at Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (110.39 mi)
    Calendar Icon11 Dec 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Home Free's Let Me Come Home Tour

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Hello all. Heading to ABQ the first week of June and pondering a few different routes. My biggest concern is sticking to more populated areas and

    Salt Lake City to Albuquerque

    Hello all. Heading to ABQ the first week of June and pondering a few different routes. My biggest concern is sticking to more populated areas and

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    What's the best route to take? Is there any areas that would be sketchy in the winter? EDIT: Thanks for the input everybody! I decided to spend the

    Anybody ever drive from SLC to Albuquerque?

    What's the best route to take? Is there any areas that would be sketchy in the winter? EDIT: Thanks for the input everybody! I decided to spend the

    /r/SaltLakeCity
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hey everyone my first post here. In September I plan on taking a road trip to Albuquerque, NM from Salt Lake City, UT and Im wondering if any of

    Looking for the best route from SLC to Albuquerque

    Hey everyone my first post here. In September I plan on taking a road trip to Albuquerque, NM from Salt Lake City, UT and Im wondering if any of

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Posted by u/ShrimpCocktailHo - No votes and 24 comments

    How's the drive between ABQ and SLC? Anywhere nice to stay in between?

    Posted by u/ShrimpCocktailHo - No votes and 24 comments

    /r/Albuquerque
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Get on the states live cams to see real time road conditions. ... I drove from Albuquerque to SLC this time last year and the entire trip was in a snow storm. It was not fun. ...

    Has anyone had experience driving from SLC to Albuquerque this time of year? Should I be expecting copious amounts of snow?

    Get on the states live cams to see real time road conditions. ... I drove from Albuquerque to SLC this time last year and the entire trip was in a snow storm. It was not fun. ...

    /r/SaltLakeCity
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A classic road trip anthem that perfectly sets a laid-back, adventurous mood as you drive through vast open landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    This upbeat, iconic tune is synonymous with travel and the excitement of hitting the road.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live
  • Music Icon

    Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")

    Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")

    A melodic exploration of discovery and wanderlust that's ideal for a cross-state journey.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")
  • Music Icon

    The Doors - Riders on the Storm

    The Doors - Riders on the Storm

    With its atmospheric vibe, this song suits those long, scenic stretches through desert and mountain landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Doors - Riders on the Storm
  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    A high-energy track that motivates you to keep moving and enjoy every mile of your trip.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
  • Music Icon

    Jeremy Jordan - Santa Fe

    Jeremy Jordan - Santa Fe

    This reflective tune captures the longing and spirit of travel, coincidentally linking to your road trip route.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Jeremy Jordan - Santa Fe
  • Music Icon

    AC/DC - Highway to Hell

    AC/DC - Highway to Hell

    For a rock-infused adrenaline rush, this song energizes the drive through rugged terrain.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for AC/DC - Highway to Hell
  • Music Icon

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    A heartfelt ballad about the journey and the comfort of finding your way, enhancing introspective moments on the road.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
  • Music Icon

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    A timeless travel tune celebrating the freedom of America’s highways, aligning with your adventurous spirit.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Chuck Berry - Route 66
  • Music Icon

    America - Ventura Highway

    America - Ventura Highway

    This breezy soft rock hit evokes images of sun-kissed drives and open roads, perfect for Southwest scenery.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for America - Ventura Highway