Aberdeen, WA → Aztec, NM Road Trip Adventure

Day 1: Aberdeen ➜ Boise – Scenic Pacific Northwest

Morning: Depart Aberdeen and cruise south on I‑5, enjoying the rolling hills of the Palouse. Stop at **Pullman** for a quick coffee and a stroll through the historic downtown.

Afternoon: Continue toward **Spokane**, where you can explore Riverfront Park and snap photos of the iconic Spokane Falls. Grab lunch at a local bistro before heading west on I‑90.

Evening: Arrive in **Boise**, check into your hotel, and wander the vibrant 8th Street District. Finish the night with dinner at a farm‑to‑table restaurant and a sunset view from the Boise River Greenbelt.

Day 2: Boise ➜ Salt Lake City – High Desert Highlights

Morning: Depart Boise and drive east on I‑84, crossing the Snake River Plain. Take a short detour to **Shoshone Falls**, often called the “Niagara of the West,” for a breathtaking waterfall view.

Afternoon: Enter Utah and stop at **Great Salt Lake State Park** for a quick photo op of the shimmering lake. Continue to **Salt Lake City**, checking into your lodging and exploring Temple Square.

Evening: Dine in the historic **The Gateway** district and enjoy a leisurely walk around the **Liberty Park** lake. If time permits, catch a sunset over the Wasatch Range.

Day 3: Salt Lake City ➜ Moab – Red Rock Wonders

Morning: Hit the road toward **Arches National Park**, stopping at **Goblin Valley State Park** for a quick hike among the quirky rock formations.

Afternoon: Arrive in **Moab** and explore **Arches National Park**, walking to iconic sites like **Delicate Arch** and **Landscape Arch**. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with desert vistas.

Evening: Stroll through downtown Moab, browsing local art galleries and souvenir shops. Dine at a riverside eatery and rest up for the final leg of the journey.

Day 4: Moab ➜ Aztec – Ancient Ruins and Canyonlands

Morning: Depart Moab and head east on US‑191, entering the spectacular **Canyonlands National Park**. Take a short hike to **Mesa Arch** for sunrise over the canyon.

Afternoon: Continue toward **Aztec**, New Mexico, with a stop at the historic **Aztec Ruins National Monument** to explore well‑preserved Ancestral Puebloan structures.

Evening: Arrive in **Aztec**, check into a cozy inn, and unwind with dinner at a local Southwestern restaurant. End the night with a stroll through the town’s historic plaza.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Pullman, WA (coffee stop) – 0.5 hr – $5
• Spokane Riverfront Park – 2 hr – $0 (free)
• Boise accommodation – 1 night – $120
• Shoshone Falls – 1 hr – $5 (parking)
• Great Salt Lake State Park – 1 hr – $5
• Salt Lake City accommodation – 1 night – $130
• Goblin Valley State Park – 1.5 hr – $5
• Arches National Park (entry) – 4 hr – $30
• Moab accommodation – 1 night – $150
• Canyonlands National Park (entry) – 2 hr – $30
• Aztec Ruins National Monument (entry) – 2 hr – $20
• Aztec accommodation – 1 night – $110
• Fuel (approx. 1,500 miles) – – – $210
• Meals (average $40/day) – 4 days – $160

Total Estimated Cost: $1,080

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Moab to explore **Dead Horse Point State Park** or a guided rafting trip on the Colorado River. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Great Salt Lake stop and drive straight from Boise to Salt Lake City, reducing the itinerary to three days while still catching the main highlights.