Distance: ~690 miles | Drive Time: 10-11 hours | Recommended Duration: 3-5 days
This spectacular 690-mile adventure from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City crosses four states, showcasing the Mojave Desert's otherworldly landscapes, Las Vegas's neon-lit entertainment, and Utah's red rock country. The journey features iconic stops like Kelso Dunes, the Las Vegas Strip, and Zion National Park. Spring and fall offer ideal weather conditions, while summer requires early morning departures to avoid desert heat. Perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure and first-time RVers exploring the Southwest's natural wonders.
Ready to hit the road? Start your journey with Los Angeles RV rentals and discover why this route captivates every traveler.
A little further north, you'll find the Fishlake National Forest. Its namesake, Fish Lake, is the biggest natural mountain lake in Utah, and the aspen forest is a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Visitors can encounter black bears, moose, elk, and cougar. Deer and mountain goats also frequent the area.
It may not surprise you that fishing is the most common activity in this national forest. Anglers travel to the area year-round to catch lake trout and MacKinaw trout. Second only to fishing, hiking and riding on the 20 different trails provide even more opportunities for outdoor recreation.
RV campers with large rigs can head to the Adelaide Campground if you need to stay overnight. There are tons of other small campgrounds here as well.
The preserve's 1.6 million acres showcase singing sand dunes, dense Joshua tree forests, and volcanic formations perfect for family exploration.
Stop at Kelso Dunes, the Mojave's most popular destination, featuring 650-foot-high singing sand dunes. The moderate 3-mile round-trip hike rewards visitors with panoramic desert views and the mysterious "booming" sound of shifting sand. Visit the restored Kelso Depot Visitor Center for exhibits on railroad history and desert ecology.
The Teutonia Peak Trail offers an easy 3.3-mile hike through the world's densest Joshua tree forest. Hole-in-the-Wall provides excellent RV camping with 35 sites accommodating rigs up to 35 feet. The campground offers vault toilets, picnic tables, and access to the unique Rings Trail.
Most people have heard of the Grand Canyon, but many are unaware of the Parashant National Monument, which is found just to the west. The scenery is arguably equally stunning, and it receives far fewer visitors since it isn't officially one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
While the monument may not receive the praise of the Grand Canyon, the canyons are colorful, and the mountains are still towering. It's roughly equal in size to its famous neighbor and lies in northwest Arizona. The area is rugged, so preparation is the key to navigating the changing desert landscapes. Hiking is the best way to explore the park and Mt. Trumbull, Mt. Dellenbaugh, and the Grand Wash Cliffs are the best places to start.
The significance of the monument comes from the convergence of three ecoregions - the Colorado Plateau, the Basin and Range Province, and the Mohave Desert.
While you're in the area, and only if you have time, you can also visit the busy Grand Canyon National Park. This will take you about four hours out of your way on some winding roads with steep elevation changes made more difficult in an RV.
The nightlife, shows, and casinos of Las Vegas may not be your ideal RV road trip attractions, but that doesn't mean you need to bypass this twinkly city altogether. If you like the idea of bright lights, take a tour of the Neon Museum. The kids might start to groan at the mention of a museum, but don't worry, this one is not typical. Set outdoors in just over 2.5 acres, the museum displays colorfully lit neon signs from old casinos and other Vegas attractions. Other signs are in disrepair and waiting to be restored.
The museum prides itself on telling the rich history of the entertainment capital of the world in neon. And why not? Vegas is so famous for its lights - it makes perfect sense.
Featuring a main collection, known as the boneyard, the museum also offers different special exhibits throughout the year. Check their website for more details. It may go without saying, but this museum is best when visited at night.
This remarkable paleontological site displays over 2,000 dinosaur tracks and fossils in their original location.
Interactive exhibits help families understand how these 200-million-year-old traces were preserved in ancient lake sediments. The climate-controlled museum protects both visitors and fossils while providing engaging educational experiences.
Located just off I-15, it's an easy stop that kids absolutely love. Plan 1-2 hours for the full experience, including the short interpretive trail.
Before you leave the city and start your RV road trip, stretch your legs with a tour around the mysterious Los Angeles Underground Tunnels. Used during prohibition as hidden drinking dens, the 11 miles of service tunnels were routes to underground speakeasies. Now, you'll find murals by street artists on the walls, rusting pipes, and crumbling bricks. Transport yourself back in time to the 1920s with a little imagination.
The entrance to the tunnels is easy to miss. Find the Temple Street Hall of Records, and behind it, there is a non-descript elevator that will take you down to another world.
While in the area, visit the famous King Eddy Saloon. This bar has been operating at the corner of Main and 5th since the 1900s. A brief stint as a piano store during prohibition allowed it to provide uninterrupted refreshment service to its patrons all these years. will take you down to another world.
The Entertainment Capital offers world-class dining, shows, and attractions just steps from RV-friendly accommodations.
Explore the famous Las Vegas Strip with its themed resorts, spectacular fountains, and street performers. Visit the Neon Museum to see vintage Vegas signs or catch a world-class show. The Fremont Street Experience downtown provides free entertainment with its LED canopy light shows.
RV parking is available at major casinos, though spaces fill quickly on weekends. Consider staying at nearby campgrounds and using rideshare services for Strip exploration. Many visitors enjoy the contrast between desert solitude and urban excitement.
Utah's first national park features towering red sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and the iconic Virgin River Narrows.
Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (restrictions apply for RVs over 40 feet or 11'4" high) or explore from the main canyon via the free shuttle system. Popular family hikes include the Riverside Walk and Lower Emerald Pool Trail. More adventurous visitors can tackle Angel's Landing or The Narrows with proper preparation.
South Campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, with reservations essential from March through October. The nearby town of Springdale offers additional RV services and dining options. For complete planning details, check our comprehensive Zion National Park guide.
Consider a pre-trip detour to California's iconic desert park, just 2 hours from Los Angeles.
This otherworldly landscape showcases unique Joshua trees, massive rock formations, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Perfect for rock climbing, hiking, and desert photography. Multiple campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. For a complete desert experience, explore our Joshua Tree National Park guide.
Now that you've made it to your destination of Salt Lake City, the photos taken along the way and the memories made will last a lifetime. Don't miss a trip to the Great Salt Lake just northwest of the city. It's the biggest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere so it won't disappoint. In no time, you'll be looking for your next great adventure.