RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Duration | 17 Days |
| Distance | 2,422 mi |
| Start / End | Los Angeles, CA to Minneapolis, MN |
| States Crossed | Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah |
| Best For | Families, cross-country explorers, nature enthusiasts |
| Best Season | Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall |
Embarking on a cross-country RV adventure from the Pacific Coast to the heart of the Midwest is a bucket-list experience. This magical RV trip wizard route planning from Los Angeles to Minneapolis will take you to another world within just 17 days. Covering 2,422 mi, this journey offers a masterclass in American geography, transitioning seamlessly from the sun-drenched entertainment hubs of California to the tranquil lakes of Nevada, the ancient canyons of Arizona, the soaring peaks of the Colorado Rockies, and the welcoming plains of the Midwest.
Traveling by RV is the ideal way to experience this immense diversity. Instead of flying over the changing landscapes, you get to wake up to a new ecosystem every few days. The 17-day timeline promotes the philosophy of slow travel, allowing you enough time to hike red rock trails, explore botanical gardens, and enjoy family-friendly water parks without feeling rushed. With the freedom of your own kitchen and living space on wheels, this route perfectly balances thrilling tourist attractions with serene natural features.
To truly enjoy a trip of 2,422 mi, pacing is everything. Rather than a rigid day-by-day itinerary, we recommend viewing this journey in four distinct regional stages. This approach allows you to adapt to the road and savor each unique environment.
Your journey begins in the bustling landscape of Southern California. The initial rhythm is energetic and family-focused, shifting gradually as you leave the city behind and enter the expansive, arid beauty of the Mojave Desert and Nevada. The driving here is straightforward, giving you time to acclimate to your RV while transitioning from coastal energy to desert tranquility.
As you cross into Arizona, the pace slows down to accommodate awe-inspiring natural wonders and deep cultural history. This stage is all about scale and reverence. You will spend your days exploring immense canyons, learning about Native American art and traditions, and taking in some of the most iconic geological formations in the world. Expect shorter driving days and longer times spent outside the vehicle.
Heading north and east, the terrain becomes rugged and mountainous. You will navigate from the striking sandstone arches of Utah into the high altitudes of Colorado. The rhythm here is active and outdoorsy—perfect for hiking, photography, and exploring alpine environments. Mountain driving requires a steady, unhurried pace, rewarding you with spectacular panoramic views.
The final leg of your journey descends from the mountains into the rolling agricultural heartland of Nebraska and Iowa, culminating in the vibrant state of Minnesota. The driving rhythm becomes smooth and steady as you cruise through the plains. This stage offers a relaxing wind-down to your epic journey, featuring family orchards, local industry, and fun water parks before you reach your final destination.
This massive cross-country route is packed with diverse experiences. Here is a grouped look at the types of attractions you will encounter along the way.
Families will find plenty of thrills on this route. Your first magical point is Disneyland Park in California, setting a high bar for family fun right at the start. Later in the trip, as you cross the Midwest, you will not want to miss any game at Island Oasis Water Park, providing a refreshing break during your drive through the plains.
The transition of landscapes is the star of this trip. Early on, you can relax and find peace at Boulder Beach in Nevada. As you move into Utah, go ahead for a hiking journey but don't forget to enjoy views at Devil's Garden Trailhead. From deep caves to vast natural features, the outdoor recreation opportunities—including hiking areas, canoe/kayak spots, and horseback riding—are endless.
The Southwest portion of this route is rich in history. Try the historical experience, with Native American art, lodging, dining, and gifts just at Cameron Trading Post in Arizona. Further along, you will be amazed by what you watch at Monument Valley Safari, offering an immersive look into the traditions and landscapes of the Navajo Nation.
As you enter Colorado and the Midwest, the focus shifts to flora and farming. See hundreds of exotic blooms, including rare orchids from the Gardens' collection at Denver Botanic Gardens. Later, you will rock & roll with family at Clark Family Orchards, a perfect stop to enjoy local industry and fresh produce straight from the source.
We strongly recommend dedicating the full 17 days to this route. Covering 2,422 mi is a significant undertaking. A 17-day timeline allows you to average a comfortable amount of driving per day, leaving ample time to explore the Grand Canyon, hike in Utah, and enjoy the attractions in Colorado and the Midwest without driver fatigue.
Absolutely. This specific routing is a showcase of America's best features. You get the ultimate contrast: the glitz of California, the raw natural power of the Southwestern deserts, the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, and the pastoral beauty of the Great Plains. It is a comprehensive American road trip wrapped into one seamless journey.
This route is incredibly versatile. With stops like Disneyland and water parks, it is a dream for families. The inclusion of Monument Valley, Devil's Garden, and botanical gardens makes it equally appealing to couples, nature photographers, and retirees looking for a scenic, multi-state adventure.
Late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) are the optimal times. These shoulder seasons help you avoid the extreme summer heat of the Mojave Desert and Arizona, while also keeping you clear of the heavy winter snows that can make navigating the Colorado Rockies and Minnesota challenging in an RV.
Planning a 2,422 mi journey requires careful attention to your RV rental details. For a trip of this length, comfort is key. Families often prefer a Class C motorhome for the extra sleeping space above the cab, while couples might enjoy the maneuverability of a campervan or a smaller Class B. If you want maximum luxury for the long haul, a Class A motorhome offers panoramic windshields perfect for taking in the mountain and desert views.
Because this route starts in Los Angeles and ends in Minneapolis, you will be booking a one-way rental. It is important to factor in a one-way drop fee, which covers the logistics of returning the vehicle to its origin fleet. Additionally, ensure your rental agreement includes a generous mileage package. With a baseline of 2,422 mi, you will want extra miles built in for detours to campgrounds, national parks, and scenic overlooks. For exact pricing, availability, and to secure the best vehicle for your dates, check the live pricing tool below.
From the magical gates of Disneyland to the towering red rocks of the Southwest and the welcoming plains of the Midwest, this 17-day adventure is waiting for you. To view the complete, day-by-day interactive itinerary, secure your campground reservations, and book the perfect vehicle, head over to RV PLANET and start planning your ultimate cross-country escape 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) | $850–$1,100 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $800–$1,280 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$750 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $650–$950 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C RV averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state park and private campground rates, and summer travel pricing. 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.
Transitioning from vibrant coastal cityscapes and theme parks to the tranquil, expansive beauty of the western deserts.
Immersing in ancient cultural history and marveling at the sheer scale of iconic Southwestern geological wonders.
Climbing into higher altitudes, trading dramatic sandstone formations for lush alpine environments and botanical beauty.
Cruising steadily through rolling agricultural heartlands and enjoying family-friendly stops toward your final destination.
Total cost for this 17-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 Los Angeles → Minneapolis 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 → Minneapolis route.
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