USA RV trip Planner free trial - Las Vegas to Los Angeles motorhome trip planner

From Neon to Ocean: A Family RV Road Trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles

There’s something unforgettable about watching the desert change colors outside your motorhome window. We set off from Las Vegas, the city of lights and legends, on a 17-day road trip in our campervan—ready to trade casino glitz for canyon cliffs, stargazing skies, and the golden coast of California. With a solid RV route planner and a flexible spirit, we ventured on a journey filled with natural wonders, dinosaur tracks, zip lines, and a sprinkle of Disney magic.

Starting Strong in Vegas
Before leaving Las Vegas, we made time for some indoor thrills. The kids were fascinated by Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, and we all loved the immersive storytelling at The Mob Museum—a surprising history lesson. The Strip dazzled us one last time before we rolled out in our motorhome toward Utah.

Utah’s Canyons and Stargazing Dreams
Zion National Park welcomed us with open skies and soaring cliffs. Zion Cycles set us up for some gentle trail rides, and the Emerald Pools Trailhead gave us a manageable and rewarding hike for the whole family. Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon became our go-to for southwest flavors, while the Dark Ranger Telescope Tours was an absolute highlight. There’s nothing quite like pointing out Saturn’s rings to your kids under a sky free from city lights.

Bryce Canyon’s Hoodoo Magic
In Bryce Canyon, we wandered the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trails, marveling at the strange rock spires and their changing colors. We spotted real dinosaur footprints at the Moenave Dinosaur Tracks and took silly cowboy photos at Little Hollywood Land—a fun stop in Kanab where the Wild West still lives.

Water, Waves, and Navajo Culture
At Lake Powell, the boat tour offered a peaceful break and gave us a chance to appreciate the red rocks from the water. We booked an unforgettable tour of Antelope Canyon through Carolene Ekis’s team, with those smooth, swirling sandstone walls stealing the show. Then came Page, Arizona, where we learned a great deal at the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum.

Into the Grand Canyon
No motorhome journey through the Southwest is complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon. From Mather Point, we were stunned into silence by the sheer scale of it all. The Yavapai Geology Museum helped the kids (and us!) understand how this marvel came to be. A sunrise from the rim is something we'll never forget.

Back to California: Desert Oddities and History
Crossing into California, we visited Alpacas of the Southwest—a fluffy detour that delighted the kids—and stopped for a unique distillery visit at Desert Diamond. At Mitchell Caverns and Hole-in-the-Wall, we explored underground and above, stretching our legs on trails filled with Joshua Trees and volcanic rock.

California Gold
Calico Ghost Town brought the Old West to life with historic buildings and staged gunfights. For a dose of adrenaline, we hit the Ziplines At Pacific Crest, high above the Mojave, and then slowed down again at our final stop—Disneyland Park, where reality melted into magic. After days in nature, the colors, characters, and themed rides were pure joy for the whole family.

Tips for How to Plan a Motorhome Trip in the USA: Las Vegas to Los Angeles

• Use a Route Planner: Map your stops based on daily mileage and road conditions. Apps like Roadtrippers or Google Maps are helpful for motorhome-friendly routing.

• Book Early: Campgrounds near Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon fill up fast. Booking RV parks in advance ensures you won’t be scrambling.

• Flexibility Is Key: Weather, road closures, or a spontaneous detour (like those alpacas!) can be part of the fun. Build in buffer days.

• Pack for Extremes: You'll hit hot desert sun and cool mountain air. Layers are your friend.

• Entertainment Onboard: Long stretches of driving can be tough on kids. Bring games, audiobooks, and let them help with road trip planning.

Whether you're in a sleek campervan, a family-sized motorhome, or a rented RV, the route from Las Vegas to Los Angeles offers an unforgettable blend of geology, culture, adventure, and relaxation. With the right plan and the right mindset, this stretch of the American Southwest becomes a playground for all ages.

Ready to go? Open your favorite camper route planner and start mapping out your own story through canyons, caverns, and coastlines. Happy trails!