The Colorado Plateau lies between SLC and ABQ. Any NPS or state park on the plateau is worth a visit. You will see lots of red sandstone. There are canyons, dino digs and Anazazi Indian ruins to explore. August is hot so elevations around 4,000 feet are quite toasty while locations above 7,000 feet are more comfortable. Also August is in the summer rainy season with afternoon thunderstorms. Don't camp on low ground. Moab is a tourist destination for red rock and mountains. Hanksville is near the Capitol Reef (a favorite park of mine). US 89 through Utah and Arizona is a lovely route taking you near many parks. Page, AZ is a good base camp for exploring Lake Powell. Superb Anazazi ruins are near Cortez, CO and Farmington, NM. The San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado are high and rugged. There are excellent seam train trips through these mountains starting in Durango, CO and Chama, NM. While at the Balloon Fiesta visit some ABQ museums (National Atomic and Museum of Ballooning are good) and take the tram ride up to Sandia Crest. Visit Old Town Albuquerque built around a historic plaza. Nearby Santa Fe offers another historic plaza and a collection of museums worth a few days of your time. After the Balloon Fiesta head back to the Southern Rockies and watch the aspen forests turn golden yellow.
