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Before you dive into the details of this spectacular Western adventure, here is a quick overview of what to expect on your motorhome journey.
| Total Distance | 1,387 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 12 Days |
| Start / End | Los Angeles, California / Salt Lake City, Utah |
| States Crossed | Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah |
| Ideal For | Families, stargazers, nature enthusiasts, and slow-travel advocates |
| Best Season | Spring and Fall |
This 1,387 mi journey is the ultimate motorhome road trip, seamlessly blending the vibrant energy of the Pacific coast with the legendary desert landscapes of the American West. Traveling in an RV allows you to experience this dramatic transition at your own pace. Instead of rushing from one hotel to the next, you carry your home with you as the scenery shifts from the bustling streets of California to the vast, open skies of the Mojave Desert, and finally into the iconic red rock canyons of Utah.
By dedicating 12 days to this trip, you are embracing the philosophy of slow travel. This pacing ensures you have ample time to enjoy everything from behind-the-scenes Hollywood magic to tranquil desert sunsets. The route crosses four states—California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah—offering an incredible cross-section of regional culture, authentic local food, and diverse natural ecosystems.
To get the most out of this adventure, we recommend breaking the drive into four distinct regional stages. This approach keeps your daily mileage manageable and allows you to deeply connect with each landscape. For the exact day-by-day stopping points and campground recommendations, you will want to unlock the full itinerary on RV PLANET.
Your journey begins in the heart of Los Angeles. After soaking in the city's iconic attractions, you will gently transition eastward toward the desert. This opening leg is all about contrast—leaving the urban sprawl behind and gaining elevation as you approach the striking landscapes of the Palm Springs region.
As you push further inland, the landscape transforms into a surreal expanse of unique flora and rugged terrain. This stage is dedicated to the quiet beauty of the Mojave Desert. The pacing here should be intentionally slow, allowing for daytime hikes among the cacti and late evenings spent marveling at some of the clearest night skies in the country.
Crossing state lines, the terrain becomes more dramatic. This middle stretch of the trip serves as a bridge between the flat desert floors and the towering rock formations ahead. You will navigate scenic routes that hint at the geological wonders waiting just over the horizon, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor family activities.
The final leg of your journey brings you into the heart of Utah's world-famous red rock country. The vibrant colors and towering canyons provide a breathtaking backdrop for the last few days of your trip. Eventually, the rugged wilderness gives way to the welcoming urban environment of Salt Lake City, concluding your 1,387 mi adventure.
This route is packed with diverse experiences. While the full interactive plan on RV PLANET provides exact coordinates and booking links, here are the core themes and verified highlights you will encounter:
We highly recommend 12 days for this 1,387 mi route. This timeframe allows you to drive comfortably, set up camp before dark, and truly immerse yourself in the day tours, family activities, and natural features along the way.
Absolutely. The transition from the Pacific coast deserts to the towering red rocks of Utah offers some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in North America. It is a bucket-list trip that perfectly balances nature, science sites, and cultural points of interest.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. It features family activities and accessible cable railways for multi-generational travelers, challenging hiking areas for outdoor enthusiasts, and romantic night tours and fine dining for couples.
Spring and Fall are the optimal seasons. The desert segments can experience extreme heat in the peak of summer, while winter may bring snow and freezing temperatures to the higher elevations in Utah. Traveling in the shoulder seasons ensures comfortable hiking weather and pleasant nights in the RV.
When planning your budget for a 1,387 mi journey from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Because this is a point-to-point journey, you will likely incur a one-way drop fee. This fee is standard in the industry and covers the logistics of returning the vehicle.
You will also need to consider your mileage package. While the base route is 1,387 mi, you should always add a buffer for scenic detours, campground access, and local exploring. A Class C motorhome is ideal for families needing extra sleeping space, while a nimble Class B campervan might be perfect for a couple focused on easy maneuverability. For exact seasonal rates, one-way fees, and vehicle availability, utilize the live pricing tools below.
The open roads of the American West are calling. From the Hollywood hills to the serene Utah canyons, this 12-day journey is ready to be explored. To access the detailed day-by-day itinerary, exact campground recommendations, and to secure your vehicle, visit the official trip page on RV PLANET and start building your dream vacation 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–$550 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $550–$850 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$450 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $450–$650 |
| 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 stays, and mid-season travel. 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.
Easing out of the bustling city and gaining elevation into the dramatic, sun-drenched landscapes of Southern California.
Exploring expansive desert terrain, unique flora, and settling in for incredibly clear, star-filled night skies.
Crossing state lines to witness the dramatic shift from open desert floors to the beginnings of towering rock formations.
Taking in the majestic, colorful canyons and high-altitude plateaus before arriving at your final urban destination.
Total cost for this 12-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,387 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Salt Lake City 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 → Salt Lake City 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: