RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Start / End | Los Angeles, California |
| Duration | 18 Days |
| Distance | 2,363 mi |
| States Covered | Arizona, California, Nevada |
| Best Season | Spring or Autumn (Shoulder Seasons) |
Igniting your engine in the City of Angels and setting a bold course along the Pacific Coast, through the towering Sierra Nevadas, and into the sun-baked deserts of the Southwest is the ultimate American road trip. Charting a massive circular path through California, Nevada, and Arizona, the "Golden Triangle" is a masterclass in extreme contrasts. Piloting a motorhome along this incredible 2,363 mi route weaves together misty coastal cliffs, thundering alpine waterfalls, and the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip, making it the perfect canvas for an unforgettable campervan getaway.
By embracing "The Green Road" and practicing responsible slow travel, your camper holiday ensures that the fragile marine sanctuaries of the coast and the harsh, beautiful desert ecosystems remain unspoiled for future generations. Traveling by RV allows you to seamlessly transition between these vastly different environments while carrying your home with you, offering unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace.
Covering 2,363 mi over 18 days requires a steady, deliberate pace. This is not a route to rush; it is a journey meant to be savored. We recommend breaking this massive loop into distinct regional stages to fully appreciate the shifting landscapes.
Your journey begins with the misty coastal cliffs and marine sanctuaries of the Pacific. This opening stage sets a relaxed tone, allowing you to settle into your motorhome while enjoying sweeping ocean views and the gentle rhythm of the sea. Take your time winding along the coastline, letting the marine layer keep you comfortable as you drive.
Leaving the coast behind, the route climbs dramatically into the towering Sierra Nevadas. Here, the landscape transforms into a world of thundering alpine waterfalls and dense forests. This stage requires careful driving on mountain grades, but rewards you with some of the most breathtaking, pristine wilderness in California.
Descending from the mountains, you enter the vast, sun-baked expanses of the Mojave Desert and Nevada. This leg is defined by stark beauty and immense horizons, culminating in the dazzling, neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip. It is a stunning visual and cultural contrast to the quiet alpine forests you just left behind.
The final stage sweeps through the iconic desert landscapes of Arizona before closing the loop back in Los Angeles. This leg offers long, scenic stretches of highway driving, allowing you to reflect on the incredible diversity of the Golden Triangle as you navigate back to the City of Angels.
The Golden Triangle offers a staggering variety of experiences. While the full, day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLAN, here is a preview of the activity types you will encounter:
This specific itinerary is meticulously designed for 18 days. Covering 2,363 mi means you will be driving an average of 130 miles per day. Dedicating 18 days ensures you have enough time to rest, explore, and safely navigate the shifting terrains without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. It is a masterclass in extreme contrasts. Few routes in the world allow you to experience misty coastal cliffs, towering alpine waterfalls, harsh desert ecosystems, and the bright lights of Las Vegas all in one continuous loop.
This route is ideal for adventurous families, nature lovers, and travelers who want a comprehensive taste of the American West. It requires a willingness to drive longer distances and an appreciation for diverse, changing environments.
It is absolutely essential to emphasize the dynamic and extreme climates found along this loop. You are crossing several distinct weather zones. The best times to travel are the spectacular, temperate shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. Venturing into Death Valley and the Mojave Desert during the peak of summer brings blistering, dangerous heat that can easily overheat a large vehicle. Conversely, winter can bring heavy snow and road closures to the high elevations of Yosemite. The coastal marine layer generally keeps California comfortable year-round, but the inland extremes dictate your booking window.
When preparing to book your motorhome for the Golden Triangle, there are a few logistical factors to keep in mind. Because this is a Los Angeles roundtrip, you will avoid the hefty one-way drop-off fees often associated with multi-state journeys. However, you must pay close attention to your mileage package. At 2,363 mi, this is a high-mileage trip; ensure you purchase an adequate mileage allowance upfront to avoid costly per-mile penalties at the end of your holiday.
Budgeting for this trip should include fuel for varying elevations, campground reservations (a mix of state parks and private resorts is ideal), and entrance fees for the numerous attractions, museums, and national parks along the way. For the most accurate, live pricing on vehicles that suit this epic journey, use the search tools provided below.
If you are ready to secure your motorhome for this incredible 18-day journey through California, Nevada, and Arizona, head over to RV PLANET to finalize your itinerary, view detailed day-by-day routing, and lock in your vehicle 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 (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Travellers Autobarn USA-26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Native Campervans-24 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), El Monte-2026-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $900–$1,100 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $850–$1,530 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$700 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$900 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state park and private campground rates, and shoulder-season travel for a family of four. 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.
A relaxed introduction to the Pacific Coast, embracing slow travel along misty shorelines and fragile marine sanctuaries.
Ascending into towering mountains and thundering waterfalls, requiring careful navigation of steep grades in the Sierra Nevadas.
Transitioning from alpine serenity to the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert and the glowing energy of the Las Vegas Strip.
A sweeping drive through Arizona's dramatic, sun-baked landscapes before closing the grand loop back in Los Angeles.
Total cost for this 18-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,363 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| R 29-31 Road Bear RV-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 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 Los Angeles → Los Angeles route.
Picking up in Los Angeles but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: