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| Start Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| End Location | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Total Distance | 2,129 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 17 Days |
| States Crossed | Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada |
| Best For | Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and cross-country explorers |
Embarking on a 17-day journey from the vibrant Twin Cities to the neon lights of Las Vegas offers one of the most dynamic cross-country transitions in North America. Driving 2,129 mi allows you to witness the landscape transform drastically—from the lush, lake-dotted expanses of Minnesota and the rolling agricultural heartland of Iowa and Nebraska, up into the towering peaks of Colorado, through the iconic red rock canyons of Utah, and finally into the vast Mojave Desert of Nevada.
This route is exceptionally well-suited for RV travel because it blends highly accessible interstate driving with scenic byways that beg for a slower pace. The 17-day timeframe is generous, encouraging you to embrace slow travel. Instead of rushing from point A to point B, you have the freedom to settle into campgrounds, unroll the awning, and truly experience the changing topographies. The infrastructure along this path is robust, offering a fantastic mix of full-hookup RV resorts and secluded state or national park campgrounds.
While the exact day-to-day itinerary depends on your personal travel style, pacing a 2,129 mi trip over 17 days breaks down into distinct, manageable stages. Here is the general rhythm you can expect on this cross-country adventure.
Your trip begins in the Upper Midwest, where the focus is on water and greenery. Leaving Minneapolis, the route dips south through Minnesota and into Iowa. This stage is characterized by easy driving, gentle landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for family-friendly stops, lake visits, and local museums. The pace here is relaxed, letting you get comfortable with your RV.
As you transition into Nebraska, the horizon opens up. This stage is about the classic American road trip experience—long, straight stretches of highway punctuated by historical frontier sites and pioneering history. The wide-open skies make for spectacular sunsets right from your campsite. It is a great time to cover some distance while enjoying the meditative rhythm of the open road.
Crossing into Colorado, the elevation changes, and the scenery becomes dramatic. This is where the slow travel philosophy truly pays off. You will want to take your time navigating mountain passes and settling into alpine environments. This stage offers incredible access to hiking areas, extreme outdoor activities, and breathtaking natural features that define the Rockies.
Leaving the high peaks behind, the route descends into the otherworldly landscapes of Utah. The rhythm here shifts to exploration and awe. With a high concentration of natural features, unique geological formations, and world-class hiking, you will likely want to spend several days hopping between majestic canyons and desert plateaus.
The final leg brings you into Nevada, tracing the arid beauty of the desert before culminating in the vibrant oasis of Las Vegas. The driving here is often spectacular but requires respect for desert conditions. The journey ends with a striking contrast between the remote tranquility of the Mojave and the bustling, attraction-filled environment of your final destination.
This diverse route caters to nearly every type of traveler. Based on the regions you will cross, here are the primary themes and experiences you can weave into your itinerary:
We highly recommend 17 days for this 2,129 mi journey. This allows for an average of about 125 miles of driving per day, which is the sweet spot for slow, immersive RV travel. You will have ample time for multi-night stays in key regions like Colorado and Utah without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. It is a bucket-list cross-country experience that showcases the sheer diversity of the American landscape. The contrast between the lush Midwest, the towering Rockies, and the arid Southwest provides a constantly changing backdrop that keeps the drive exciting.
This itinerary is perfect for families looking for a mix of educational historical sites and fun attractions, as well as outdoor enthusiasts eager to hike, paddle, and explore diverse ecosystems. The well-maintained highways also make it suitable for first-time RV renters.
Late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. These shoulder seasons help you avoid the intense summer heat of the Nevada and Utah deserts, while also ensuring the mountain passes in Colorado are clear of winter snow. If you must travel in mid-summer, ensure your RV has a robust air conditioning system and plan your desert driving for the early morning.
Planning a one-way trip from Minneapolis to Las Vegas requires some specific logistical considerations. Because you are picking up the motorhome in one city and dropping it off in another, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee. This fee covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin or moving it to its next required location.
When budgeting, consider the 2,129 mi distance. Most RV rentals include a base mileage allowance, but a trip of this length will likely require purchasing a supplemental mileage package. It is generally more cost-effective to buy these miles upfront during the booking process rather than paying a per-mile overage fee at drop-off. Your other primary expenses will include fuel (budgeting for the varying terrain, especially the mountain climbs), campground fees (mixing state parks with full-hookup private resorts), food, and attraction entrance fees.
For specific pricing, available vehicle types, and to calculate your exact travel dates, use the live pricing tools provided below. Booking well in advance—often 4 to 6 months—is crucial for securing a one-way rental, as fleet availability for these specific routes is limited.
The journey from the Land of 10,000 Lakes to the Entertainment Capital of the World is an unforgettable adventure waiting to be claimed. To view the detailed, day-by-day itinerary, secure your vehicle, and finalize your plans, visit the full route guide on RV PLANET: Minneapolis to Las Vegas RV Route Plan. Your ultimate cross-country road trip starts here.
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 | Use Rent Motorhome to find the closest pickup stations |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $700–$900 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $700–$1,100 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$800 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$900 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of public and private campgrounds at $50/night, 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.
Ease into the journey through the lake-dotted landscapes and gentle agricultural regions of Minnesota and Iowa.
Enjoy classic open-road cruising across Nebraska, marked by wide-open skies and historical frontier heritage.
Slow down to navigate the dramatic elevation changes and alpine environments of Colorado.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking red rock formations and world-class hiking areas of Utah.
Cross the arid, beautiful Mojave Desert before arriving at the bustling tourist attractions of Las Vegas.
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 2,129 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Minneapolis → Las Vegas 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.
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Minneapolis → Las Vegas route.
Picking up in Minneapolis but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: