
Days 1-2 — Arizona's Desert to High Country
~150–200 mi across this legAscending from the warm valley into forested highlands sets a relaxed pace for family wildlife encounters and outdoor obstacle courses.
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| Total Distance | 1,061 mi |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Start / End | Phoenix, AZ to Denver, CO |
| States Crossed | Arizona, Colorado, Utah |
| Best For | Families, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Adventure Seekers |
| Pace | Moderate, allowing for slow travel and deep exploration |
Taking a motorhome route from Phoenix to Denver is the ultimate way to experience the shifting landscapes of the American West. Traveling 1,061 mi across Arizona, Utah, and Colorado allows you to carry your home with you as you transition from desert valleys to high-altitude pine forests and iconic red rock canyons. An RV provides the flexibility to wake up near world-renowned natural features, prepare your own meals after a long day of extreme activities, and maintain a comfortable rhythm for the whole family. Slow travel is highly recommended here; having your own kitchen and bed means you can linger longer at scenic overlooks and truly absorb the multi-activity fun this region offers without the constant need to pack and unpack.
While the detailed day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLAN, understanding the general flow of this 10-day journey will help you prepare for the road ahead. The pace is designed to balance driving days with immersive outdoor exploration.
This route is packed with diverse attractions. While you can find the exact sequencing on rvplan.net, here is a preview of the experiences awaiting you:
Nature lovers will be thrilled by the sheer concentration of breathtaking landscapes. You will have the chance to explore the Grand Canyon Visitor Center before heading north to Utah's famous Arches National Park Visitor Center. Prepare to lace up your boots for unforgettable hikes at Slide Rock State Park, the Windows Trailhead, and the Devil’s Garden Trailhead. And of course, no trip through this region is complete without witnessing the iconic Delicate Arch.
If you are traveling with children or thrill-seekers, this route delivers multi-fun activities. Families will love the Bearizona Wildlife Park for incredible animal shows and wildlife watching, as well as the calm, traditional visit to the Clark Family Orchards. For those craving an adrenaline rush, the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course provides a fantastic physical challenge, while the Moab Adventure Center is the perfect hub for canoe, kayak, and rafting excursions.
Your RV trip also includes fantastic local flavors and guided experiences. Rent a bike at Bright Angel Bicycles & Mather Point Café for a breezy ride along the canyon rim, or book a Day Tour with Monument Valley Safari to learn about the rich history of the land. When hunger strikes after a day of exploration, a stop at Milt’s Stop & Eat offers a classic, satisfying dining experience.
This specific route is optimized for 10 days. This duration perfectly balances the 1,061 mi drive with ample time to stop for hiking, guided tours, and family activities. Attempting this in fewer days would mean rushing past incredible historical sites and natural features. We always recommend a slower pace to fully enjoy the RV lifestyle.
Absolutely. It is one of the most visually diverse routes in North America. You are stringing together Arizona's high country, the majesty of the Grand Canyon, the otherworldly landscapes of Moab, and the Colorado Rockies into a single, cohesive adventure.
This itinerary is highly versatile. Because it blends extreme activities like rafting and adventure courses with accessible family activities like zoos and orchards, it caters equally well to families with children, couples seeking a scenic getaway, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for their next big hike.
While you can check rvplan.net for specific seasonal campground availability, generally, Spring and Fall are the ideal seasons for this route. The weather in the desert regions is mild, making hiking and biking much more comfortable, while the mountain passes in Colorado are typically clear of heavy snow.
When planning your motorhome rental, it is important to factor in the various components of your journey. Since this route begins in Phoenix and ends in Denver, you will be looking at a one-way rental, which typically incurs a one-way drop fee from the fleet provider. Your primary expenses will include the base nightly rental rate, fuel for the 1,061 mi journey, campground fees (a mix of state parks and private RV resorts), and activity costs like national park entry passes or guided safaris. Having an RV allows you to save significantly on dining by utilizing your onboard kitchen for groceries. For exact, real-time pricing, vehicle availability, and a breakdown of one-way fees, please refer to the live pricing tools below.
The transition from the sun-drenched valleys of Phoenix to the mile-high city of Denver is an unforgettable motorhome experience. To view the complete day-by-day itinerary, secure your campground recommendations, and lock in your vehicle, head over to RV PLAN and start building your dream adventure 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 | Blacksford USA - 26 E (Phoenix (PHX area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Phoenix (PHX area)), Native Campervans-24 E (Phoenix (PHX area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Phoenix (PHX area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $400–$550 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $450–$800 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $500–$750 |
| 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 standard fuel prices during peak travel seasons. 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.

Ascending from the warm valley into forested highlands sets a relaxed pace for family wildlife encounters and outdoor obstacle courses.

A dedicated pause to soak in immense natural wonders, slowing down the driving to allow for extensive biking and rim-side walking.

Crossing state lines into a hub of extreme activities, this stage balances scenic desert driving with immersive river excursions and hiking.

Leaving the desert behind, the final stretch features a steady, mountainous drive into Colorado's vibrant capital.
Total cost for this 10-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,061 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Phoenix → 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 Phoenix 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 |
| Nexus Triumph 29T Blacksford USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 8 | 29.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Thor Quantum LC28 Blacksford USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Phoenix → Denver route.
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