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Embarking on an RV journey from the Valley of the Sun to the City of Angels offers an unforgettable cross-section of the American Southwest. This route effortlessly blends serene natural wonders with vibrant entertainment, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to experience multiple landscapes in a single trip.
| Trip Duration | 9 Days |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 918 mi |
| Start / End | Phoenix / Los Angeles |
| States Crossed | Arizona, Nevada, California |
| Best Season | Spring and Autumn |
| Who It Fits | Families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers |
Absolutely. This route is a masterclass in varied landscapes, transitioning from the saguaro-studded deserts of Arizona to the alpine forests of the high country, across the neon-lit Mojave Desert, and finally into the coastal basin of California. Traveling by RV allows you to embrace the philosophy of slow travel, waking up near the rim of the Grand Canyon and enjoying sunset dinners outside your motorhome. Wide, well-maintained highways and an abundance of spacious RV parks make this a highly accessible and stress-free drive, even for first-time renters.
While you could technically drive between these two cities in a single long day, doing so means missing out on some of the world's most spectacular scenery. We recommend dedicating a full 9 days to this journey. This pacing allows you to break the 918 mi drive into comfortable, manageable stages, providing ample time to hike, explore, and relax without feeling rushed.
Note: For a fully detailed, day-by-day itinerary with exact stopovers and routing, check the comprehensive plan available on RV PLANET.
This journey is packed with diverse attractions, ensuring there is something for every traveler in your group. Here are the key themes and highlights you can expect to encounter:
Nature takes center stage on this route. Prepare to be awed by the deep gorges and breathtaking viewpoints at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Mather Point, and the Desert View Watchtower. For a different kind of natural beauty, Slide Rock State Park offers stunning water-carved canyons, while the Grand Canyon Caverns provide an incredible underground exploration experience.
Animal lovers and flora enthusiasts will find plenty to admire. The Arboretum at Flagstaff showcases high-altitude plant life with stunning mountain backdrops. For unforgettable animal encounters, Bearizona Wildlife Park allows you to see North American animals in natural habitats, and the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat offers a surprising tropical oasis in the middle of the desert.
If you prefer an active vacation, this route delivers. Challenge your family at the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, or rent a cruiser from Bright Angel Bicycles to pedal along the rim trails. The towering concrete curve of the Hoover Dam (accessible via the Parking Garage and Visitors Center) offers a magnificent mix of history and engineering, while the towering, brightly painted boulders of Seven Magic Mountains provide a perfect, colorful photo op.
After a long day of exploring, you will want places to unwind. Enjoying a meal at a traditional restaurant or fine dining establishment is a great way to cap off the day. Look forward to relaxing stops like the South Rims Wine & Beer Garage or stepping back in time at the historic Pioneer Saloon.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the optimal times for this 918 mi journey. During these months, the desert temperatures in Phoenix, Nevada, and Los Angeles are mild and pleasant, while the higher elevations near Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon are crisp and clear. Summer can bring extreme heat to the lower deserts, requiring careful planning around your RV's air conditioning capabilities.
This route is generally accommodating to all RV sizes. Class C motorhomes are excellent for families, offering a great balance of living space and maneuverability for navigating state park roads. If you opt for a larger Class A motorhome, be mindful of parking availability at popular viewpoints and ensure you book pull-through campsites well in advance. For specific vehicle options and layout details, check the fleet information on RV PLANET.
Planning an interstate RV trip involves a few specific logistical considerations. Because you are starting in Phoenix and ending in Los Angeles, you will be booking a one-way rental. One-way trips often include a drop-off fee, which covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin or balancing fleet numbers. Additionally, carefully review the mileage packages. With a baseline distance of 918 mi, plus extra driving for sightseeing and campground detours, you will want to ensure your rental agreement includes sufficient mileage to avoid per-mile overages.
To secure the best vehicle and manage your expenses effectively, book your motorhome and major national park campsites at least three to six months in advance. For live pricing, one-way fee structures, and mileage package options, refer to the booking tools provided below.
From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the sunny shores of California, this 9-day journey is the ultimate Southwestern road trip. Gather your family, pack your sense of adventure, and start planning the details of your unforgettable motorhome vacation. View the complete itinerary and lock in your vehicle by visiting RV PLANET 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) | $350–$450 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $360–$640 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$400 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $360–$500 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Based on a 9-day trip covering 918 mi at 10 MPG, averaging $45–$80 per night for campgrounds, and a mix of home-cooked meals and dining out for a family of four. 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.
Leave the valley behind and climb into cooler elevations, enjoying a relaxed pace through scenic red rock corridors and alpine forests.
Dedicate these days to soaking in one of the world's greatest natural wonders, taking time for viewpoint hopping and leisurely rim-side biking.
Transition from high desert plateaus into the vibrant Mojave, tracing historic routes and pausing for unique roadside art and massive engineering marvels.
Navigate the final desert expanse before descending into the bustling coastal basin, capping off the journey with a smooth arrival in the city.
Total cost for this 9-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 918 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Phoenix → Los Angeles 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 → Los Angeles route.
Picking up in Phoenix but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: