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| Total Distance | 1,369 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 15 Days |
| Start / End | Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO |
| States Crossed | California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado |
| Ideal For | Families, outdoor adventurers, and history buffs |
| Best Season | Spring or Fall (avoids extreme desert heat and heavy mountain snow) |
An RV road trip from the Pacific Coast to the Rocky Mountains is the quintessential American journey. Over 15 days and 1,369 mi, this route perfectly blends the glittering lights of iconic cities with the raw, untouched beauty of the American Southwest. Transitioning from the bustling streets of Southern California into the vast Mojave Desert, winding through the red rock canyons of Utah, and finally climbing into the high altitudes of Colorado offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. By dedicating 15 days to this drive, you are embracing the art of slow travel—allowing ample time to soak in hot springs, explore ancient petroglyphs, and navigate mountain passes without rushing.
Spanning four states and 1,369 mi, this itinerary is best experienced in distinct regional stages. Breaking the trip down ensures you balance long driving stretches with immersive days of exploration.
Your journey begins with the cultural landmarks and scenic viewpoints of Los Angeles. As you leave the coast behind, the route transitions into the arid, striking expanse of the Mojave Desert. The pacing here is energetic, moving from urban exploration to the quiet, open roads of the California desert.
After crossing the state line, the dazzling atmosphere of Nevada provides a vibrant contrast to the natural world. From there, the drive shifts dramatically as you enter the rugged, geological wonders of southern Utah. Expect moderate driving days here, prioritizing time out of the RV to hike and explore.
The heart of the trip slows down to focus on relaxation and heritage. Central Utah offers a wealth of ancient artifacts, state parks, and natural hot springs. This stage is all about settling into the rhythm of the road and discovering the layered history of the native cultures that shaped the region.
The final leg of your journey ascends into the towering peaks of Colorado. The landscape transforms from high desert to alpine forests and botanical gardens. The driving here requires a bit more focus due to elevation changes, leading you gently into the vibrant, family-friendly attractions of Denver to conclude your trip.
This route is packed with a diverse array of attractions. While the full day-by-day breakdown is available inside RV PLANET, here are the core themes and highlights you will encounter:
While the 1,369 mi drive can technically be completed in under a week, a 15-day itinerary is highly recommended. This allows you to comfortably cross four states, spend multiple nights in key regions like Utah and Colorado, and truly enjoy the natural features and tourist attractions along the way.
Absolutely. The contrast between the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, the Colorado Plateau, and the Rocky Mountains makes this one of the most visually stunning routes in the country. It offers something for everyone, from extreme activities and amusement parks to quiet picnic areas and botanical gardens.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. Families will love the zoos, aquariums, and interactive science sites. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the hiking areas, horseback riding, and canoeing opportunities, while those seeking a more relaxed pace will enjoy the traditional restaurants, museums, and hot springs.
Spring (April to early June) and Fall (September to October) are ideal. These seasons help you avoid the extreme summer heat of the California and Nevada deserts, while also keeping you clear of the heavy winter snows that can make navigating the Colorado mountain passes difficult in an RV.
Planning a 15-day, 1,369 mi journey requires thoughtful financial preparation. Since this is a point-to-point journey from Los Angeles to Denver, you will need to factor in a one-way drop fee, which varies by fleet provider. Your primary expenses will include the nightly RV rental rate, fuel costs for the journey, and campground reservations. Because this route passes through several highly sought-after state parks and private resorts, booking your campsites well in advance is crucial.
Additionally, allocate funds for family attractions, guided tours, and dining. Balancing traditional restaurant visits with cooking meals in your RV's kitchen is a great way to manage your travel funds while enjoying local flavors.
Ready to finalize your desert and mountain adventure? View the full Los Angeles to Denver route details on RV PLANET to explore the complete itinerary and secure 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) | $450–$600 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $700–$1,260 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $500–$800 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg in a Class C RV, $3.50/gallon average gas price, and a mix of public and private campgrounds over 14 nights. 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.
Transition from the bustling coast and iconic city landmarks into the vast, open expanses of the Mojave Desert.
Experience the bright lights of the desert before climbing into the rugged, red-rock terrains of southern Utah.
Slow down to explore ancient history, native artifacts, and relaxing hot springs hidden within the valleys.
Ascend into the towering peaks of Colorado, enjoying botanical gardens and mountain vistas before concluding the journey.
Total cost for this 15-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,369 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Denver 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 → Denver 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: