
Days 1-5 — Neon Lights to Desert Canyons
~400–500 mi across this legLeave the entertainment capital behind and ease into the striking red rock landscapes at a relaxed pace.
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Embark on an epic 22-day journey through the arid beauty of the American Southwest. This comprehensive loop offers an incredible contrast between world-class entertainment and vast, untouched wilderness.
| Start / End | Las Vegas, Nevada (Round Trip) |
| Duration | 22 Days |
| Total Distance | 2,422 mi |
| States Crossed | Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah |
| Ideal For | Families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts |
| Best Season | Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) |
Few road trips offer the striking contrasts found on this 22-day journey. Starting and ending in the neon-lit heart of Las Vegas, this route seamlessly transitions from vibrant cityscapes to some of the most remote and breathtaking natural landscapes on earth. With a generous 22-day timeline, you can truly embrace the art of slow travel. This pacing allows ample time to hike deep into canyons, watch the sunrise over ancient rock formations, and cruise historic highways without ever feeling rushed.
Because this is a round trip out of Las Vegas, you benefit immensely from a major international travel hub. The city hosts a massive fleet of RV rentals, making it easy to find the perfect motorhome for your group. Furthermore, the loop design naturally eliminates one-way drop-off fees, allowing you to allocate more of your travel funds toward guided day tours, national park passes, and memorable dining experiences.
Covering 2,422 mi requires a balanced and intentional pace. We break this expansive journey down into four distinct regional stages, giving you a sense of the trip's rhythm without spoiling the exact day-by-day stops found inside the RV PLAN.
Leave the entertainment capital behind and ease into the striking red rock landscapes of the surrounding states. This initial leg is about adjusting to the freedom of the road, transitioning from amusement parks and city lights to expansive horizons and early morning hikes.
As you venture further into Arizona and Utah, the elevation and scenery shift dramatically. This stage focuses heavily on natural features, offering incredible opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and exploring vast hiking areas. The driving pace slows down here as you spend more time outside the RV.
Pushing into California, the arid beauty gives way to diverse ecosystems. You will find opportunities for family activities, visits to aquariums, and even cruise terminals or sailing excursions. This leg blends the ruggedness of the wild with coastal influences and rich historical sites.
The final stretch winds through classic desert highways, bringing you back toward Nevada. This stage emphasizes heritage sites, local industry tours, and traditional markets. It is a reflective cruise back to your starting point, capping off the journey before returning your motorhome.
While the specific day-by-day itinerary is detailed within your RV PLAN, this route is packed with diverse attractions that cater to every type of traveler.
Nature enthusiasts will be in their element. The route is defined by its access to pristine hiking areas, awe-inspiring natural features, and fascinating caves. For those seeking adrenaline, there are options for extreme activities, horseback riding, bike rentals, and canoe, kayak, or rafting excursions.
The Southwest is rich in history and discovery. Along the way, you can explore heritage and historical sites that tell the story of the region. Museums, art galleries, and science sites offer educational stops that break up the driving days perfectly.
Traveling with children is highly rewarding on this loop. Expect to find amusement parks, aquariums, and animal shows or wildlife watching opportunities. Cable railways and dedicated family activity centers ensure that younger travelers are engaged throughout the 22 days.
After a long day of exploring, the route offers excellent culinary and leisure experiences. Enjoy traditional restaurants and fine dining, browse traditional markets for local goods, take guided day tours, or relax in beautifully curated botanical gardens.
This itinerary is perfectly optimized for 22 days. Covering 2,422 mi across four diverse states requires time. Rushing this route would mean missing the subtle beauty of the arid landscapes and the depth of the historical sites. A three-week timeline allows for the slow travel experience that makes RVing so special.
Absolutely. The contrast alone makes it a bucket-list trip. You get the unmatched convenience of flying into Las Vegas, combined with the unparalleled beauty of the American Southwest and California. The diversity of activities—from extreme sports to fine dining—ensures no two days feel the same.
This loop is incredibly versatile. It is ideal for families looking for a mix of educational museums and amusement parks, photographers chasing the perfect canyon sunrise, and nature enthusiasts eager to hike remote trails.
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the optimal seasons. During these months, the desert temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities, and the crowds at major natural features are generally thinner than in the peak summer months.
When budgeting for your 22-day adventure, consider your primary expenses: the RV rental, fuel for 2,422 mi, campground fees, food, and attraction admissions. Because this is a round trip starting and ending in Las Vegas, you will save significantly by avoiding one-way drop-off fees. Your fuel costs will depend on the size of the motorhome you select, but the mileage is fixed. For specific campground recommendations, permit requirements, and exact pricing for your travel dates, consult the detailed logistics within the RV PLAN.
Ready to experience the ultimate contrast between neon lights and natural wonders? Check the live availability and secure your vehicle through RV PLANET to start planning your unforgettable 22-day Southwest adventure today.
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 | Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Las Vegas (LAS area)), Road Bear RV-26 E (Las Vegas (LAS area)), Blacksford USA - 26 E (Las Vegas (LAS area)), El Monte-2026-E (Las Vegas (LAS area)), Britz USA-25/26-E (Las Vegas (LAS area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $900–$1,100 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $900–$1,400 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$800 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $800–$1,200 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 MPG fuel efficiency, an average campground rate of $55/night, and peak spring/fall travel seasons. 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.

Leave the entertainment capital behind and ease into the striking red rock landscapes at a relaxed pace.

Immerse yourself in the vast natural features and hiking areas of the American Southwest.

Shift from arid beauty to diverse ecosystems, embracing family activities and coastal influences.

Wind down your epic journey through rich heritage sites and classic desert highways back to the start.
Total cost for this 22-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,422 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Las Vegas → Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Triumph 29T Blacksford USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 8 | 29.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Thor Quantum LC28 Blacksford USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Las Vegas → Las Vegas route.
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