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| Start / End | Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL |
| Recommended Duration | 13 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,753 mi |
| States Crossed | Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico |
| Best For | Families, History Buffs, and Sightseers |
| Ideal Season | Late Spring to Early Autumn |
Embarking on a 13-day motorhome road trip from Albuquerque to Chicago offers an incredibly diverse cross-section of the American landscape. Transitioning from the high deserts of New Mexico through the towering peaks of Colorado, and finally cruising across the expansive plains of the Midwest to the Great Lakes, this route is a showcase of changing scenery. RV travel is the perfect medium for this journey, allowing you to comfortably navigate the 1,753 mi distance at your own pace. With wide-open interstate cruising through Nebraska and Iowa, and ample opportunities to pull over for a scenic view or an impromptu museum visit, this itinerary balances driving days with rich, immersive stops.
To truly appreciate this cross-country expedition, we highly recommend a slow travel approach. Rather than rushing to the finish line, breaking the trip into regional stages allows your family to settle into the rhythm of the road. The detailed, day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLAN, but here is how the journey flows:
Your adventure begins in New Mexico, focusing on a relaxed pace as you get acquainted with your motorhome. This stage is all about easing into the trip with cultural immersion and natural relaxation before you cross the state line into Colorado.
As you move north into Colorado, the elevation rises and so does the adrenaline. This segment of the trip balances thrilling outdoor activities with urban art and historic city squares. The driving here requires a bit more attention due to mountain grades, but the panoramic vistas make every mile memorable.
Leaving the mountains behind, the route levels out into the Great Plains of Nebraska. This stage offers a steady, relaxing cruising pace on wide-open highways. It is a fantastic time to dive into America's pioneer history and enjoy local agriculture and craft brewing.
The final leg of your journey takes you through the rolling hills of Iowa and into Illinois. You will trace historic trails and cross the mighty Mississippi River before navigating the transition from rural heartland to the bustling urban environment of Chicago.
This route is packed with a dynamic mix of place types, from botanical gardens and swimming spots to local industry tours and historic sites. Here is a look at what you can expect to discover along the way:
If you are fascinated by the past, this route delivers. Begin by learning about the history and culture of Southwest Native Americans at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. As you head north, the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum offers a fascinating look at aviation history. In the plains, step back into the Wild West at the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Museum, or experience early agricultural life at the Wessels Living History Farm. The journey also provides deep insights into pioneer history with stops like the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trails and Visitor Center.
For families traveling with children, there is no shortage of excitement. Take a thrilling ride at Cliff's Amusement Park in New Mexico, or brave the rapids with Raft Masters in Colorado. For breathtaking views, walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park over the Arkansas River. When it is time to unwind, soak in the natural beauty of Montezuma Hot Springs. Later in the trip, experience the grandeur of the Mississippi River with a Riverboat Twilight tour.
Satisfy your cultural curiosity—and your sweet tooth. Watch the candy-making process and sample delicious treats at Hammond's Candies. Art lovers will appreciate the Denver Art Museum, boasting over 70,000 works of art, followed by a stroll through historic Larimer Square. For a taste of local industry, take in the stunning panoramic views of the Union Pacific's Bailey Yard from the Golden Spike Tower, indulge in craft beer at Pals Brewing Company, admire vintage automobiles at the Classic Car Collection, or explore the varied exhibits at the Putnam.
We recommend dedicating 13 days to this journey. Covering 1,753 mi over nearly two weeks ensures you are driving a manageable distance every few days, leaving plenty of time to explore museums, hike, and enjoy the campgrounds without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. The transition from the Southwest to the Midwest offers an unparalleled educational and recreational experience. It combines extreme activities, traditional visits, and family-friendly amusements into one seamless road trip.
This route is ideal for families, history buffs, and travelers who appreciate a mix of outdoor adventure and museum exploration. The variety of attractions ensures that everyone from thrill-seekers to art enthusiasts will find something to love.
Late spring through early autumn is the optimal window. Summer offers the best access to amusement parks, river rafting, and warm-weather camping, while early autumn provides beautiful foliage and cooler hiking temperatures. Winter travel is not recommended due to potential snow and ice in Colorado and the Midwest.
Because this is a one-way trip from Albuquerque to Chicago, you will need to factor a one-way drop fee into your budget. When selecting your RV, consider the size of your travel party; a Class C motorhome is often a great choice for families, offering a balance of living space and drivability.
Additionally, pay close attention to mileage packages. With a baseline of 1,753 mi—not including scenic detours or campground runs—you will want to secure an adequate mileage allowance upfront to avoid excess fees at drop-off. For specific vehicle availability, one-way fees, and current seasonal rates, check the live pricing below.
From soaking in hot springs to cruising the Great Lakes, this cross-country adventure is waiting for you. Finalize your plans, gather the family, and secure your vehicle today. For the complete day-by-day breakdown and to start your reservation, visit RV PLANET.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Cruise America- 26-E (Albuquerque) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $550–$700 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $600–$900 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$800 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$900 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg for a Class C motorhome, an average of $55 per night for campgrounds, and mid-season travel. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Ease into the journey with cultural immersion and natural relaxation before crossing into Colorado.
Navigate higher elevations while enjoying river rapids, suspension bridges, and dynamic city art.
Settle into a steady, scenic cruising pace across the plains, delving into pioneer history and local brewing.
Follow historic trails to the Mississippi River basin before wrapping up the expedition in Chicago.
Total cost for this 13-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,753 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Albuquerque → Chicago pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Albuquerque pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| CA-25 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 5 | 24.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-21 Compact Plus Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 4 | 21.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Ultra Compact C18 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class TC - Truck Camper | 2 | 19.5 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Albuquerque → Chicago route.
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