Adventureite2025 Mother's Day Road Trip Recap
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The Plan
Every Mother’s Day, we try to carve out time for something that fills us up—fresh air, wide open roads, and time together with our favorite adventure buddy, Drax. This year, we packed up the car and hit the road for a 3-day loop that started in Albuquerque, New Mexico, rolled through the mountain town of Poncha Springs, wandered into the wild canyons of the Gates of Lodore, and wrapped up with a red rock finale in Moab Valley, Utah.
It wasn’t just about the miles (though we definitely covered plenty); it was about chasing new views, quiet mornings by the river, and sneaking in a few hikes where Drax could stretch his legs and sniff everything in sight. Whether it was sipping coffee under snow-capped peaks or marveling at the deep green of the Yampa River, this trip reminded us why we keep coming back to the road—and to each other.
p.s. After reading this you can check out last Mother’s Day adventure at Salinas Pueblo Missions Abó Ruins
Gear Review: Car Inflatable Air Mattress
Before diving into the details of our trip, I wanted to share a quick review of the new air mattress we tested. As usual for long road trips, we slept in our car (Hyundai Santa Fe). Our go-to setup has typically been a self-inflating memory foam pad like this one from DikaSun, which we’ve found reliable, supportive, and quick to set up.
But for this trip, we decided to switch things up and try something new: the Uncle Elk Inflatable Car Air Mattress. It sounded promising—custom fit, thick padding, and good reviews. Setup was straightforward with the included pump, and it definitely felt cushier at first.
However, by the end of the trip, both of us agreed: the foam pad just works better for us. The air mattress lost a little firmness each night (even though it never fully deflated), and the bounciness made it harder to sleep through tossing and turning. The foam pad, while a bit firmer, stays put, holds its shape, and feels more supportive overall—especially for longer stays.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about inflatables, the Uncle Elk is an easy, car-friendly option worth trying. But for us, the comfort, stability, and low-maintenance setup of the memory foam pad won out.
Day 1: Day 1: Albuquerque to San Juan National Forest Elk, Earth Tones, and Camel Rock
We kicked off Day 1 of our Mother’s Day road trip with that familiar feeling of excitement—the kind that only comes when the bags are packed, the playlist is queued, and Drax is already curled up in the backseat, ready for adventure.
Our first stop was just outside of Santa Fe at Camel Rock, a quirky rock formation that looks just like its name. We grabbed a quick lunch, stretched our legs, and took a short hike around the area. The warm sandstone cliffs and desert brush made a perfect backdrop for our first photos of the trip—and Drax was thrilled to be out sniffing new trails.
From there, we drove north through the stunning high desert, where things got especially magical near Chama, New Mexico. As we came over a hill, we spotted a small herd of deer grazing near the road, followed by several elk just a few miles later. It was one of those quiet, golden-hour moments that makes you grateful to be out in the world.
We ended the day setting up camp in the San Juan National Forest, surrounded by towering pines and the comforting crackle of a campfire. After a long drive, there’s nothing better than falling asleep to the sound of the wind in the trees, with Drax curled up at our feet under the stars.
Day 2: Poncha Springs to Gates of Lodore River Views, Mountain Air, and Dinosaur Country
We woke up to cool forest air and that unmistakable peace that only comes from sleeping in the woods. After breakfast and a bit of campsite cleanup (with Drax supervising, of course), we hit the road heading north toward Colorado’s high country.
Lunchtime found us along the Arkansas River at the Numbers Recreation Site, a spot known for its whitewater but perfect for a peaceful riverside picnic, too. The river was rushing from the spring snowmelt, and we could’ve sat there for hours watching kayakers navigate the rapids and listening to the roar of the water. Drax was pretty into it, too—he kept trying to dip his paws in the water, which was definitely too cold for a swim.
A little further up the road, we made a quick detour to The Summit Colorado. This scenic stop gave us a chance to grab a snack, stretch our legs, and take in some breathtaking alpine views. There’s something about being surrounded by mountains that just resets your brain. Even Drax seemed to slow down and soak it all in.
From there, we made our way to the Gates of Lodore in northwest Colorado, part of Dinosaur National Monument—and easily one of the most underrated places we’ve camped. The cliffs there are massive and dramatic, carved by the Green River over millions of years. We found a quiet campsite with views that felt straight out of a movie. After dinner, we took a short walk near the river and just let the silence settle in. No cell service, no distractions—just us, Drax, and the sound of nature.
Note: Gates of Lodore is not Dog Friendly
Heads up for dog parents: While the Gates of Lodore area is stunning and a great place to camp, dogs aren’t allowed on the Gates of Lodore Trail itself since it’s part of Dinosaur National Monument, which has stricter pet rules. We were a little bummed when we found out, so plan ahead if you’re traveling with your pup. There are still scenic spots near the campground where leashed dogs are welcome, but the main trail is off-limits to four-legged adventurers like Drax.
Day 3: Dinosaur to Moab Red Rocks, Back Roads, and Big Plans
We started our final day with a stop in Dinosaur, Colorado—because when you’re camping near a place named after prehistoric creatures, you just have to check it out. It’s a tiny town, but it’s full of character and history, especially if you’re a fan of fossils and funky roadside signs. We grabbed a coffee and took a little time to wander before crossing into Utah.
From there, the landscape started to shift—gradually at first, then all at once. Rolling hills gave way to red rock formations, and suddenly we were in that surreal, otherworldly terrain that makes Moab such a magnet for adventurers.
Our first stop was the Monitor and Merrimac viewpoint, where two massive buttes rise out of the desert like ancient sentinels. The views here were jaw-dropping, and we didn’t have to hike far to feel totally immersed. Afterward, we cruised to the La Sal Mountain viewpoint, where snow-capped peaks towered over rust-colored canyons. It’s one of those places where you just stop, breathe, and take it all in—no words needed.
Next up: Wilson Arch, one of Utah’s many natural wonders. We didn’t do the full hike up (saving that for another time), but we did scramble around the base and snap a few photos with Drax, who clearly thought he was on top of the world.
The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring back roads, letting curiosity be our compass. Every turn seemed to reveal something new—hidden canyons, quiet overlooks, and long stretches of open sky. We kept saying, “We need to come back in the fall,” and we meant it. This place has layers we barely got to peel back.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded us how much beauty is packed into the Southwest—and how lucky we are to experience it together. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long loop through the Rockies and the desert, there’s always something new around the bend. And if you ask Drax, every trip is the best one yet.
If you’re planning your own spring or fall road trip, we’ll be sharing more detailed guides on our favorite camp spots, scenic drives, and dog-friendly hikes soon. Have you been to any of these places? Or have a favorite hidden gem we should explore next time? We’d love to hear from you—share your stories and photos with us on social media (you’ll find the links in the footer). Let’s keep the adventure (and the conversation) going!
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By Summer and Bill
Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.
