RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Duration | 15 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,787 mi |
| Start / End | Portland, OR / Denver, CO |
| States Crossed | Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado |
| Pace & Style | Family-friendly, historical exploration, slow travel |
Embarking on a 15-day motorhome journey from the vibrant Pacific Northwest to the towering peaks of the Colorado Rockies is the ultimate American road trip. Covering 1,787 mi, this route offers the perfect pacing for slow travel, allowing you to comfortably average just over 100 miles per day. An RV provides the flexibility to seamlessly transition from lush coastal environments to rugged mountain ranges while keeping your family's home-on-wheels right with you. Whether you are stepping back in time at pioneer settlements or navigating winding mountain passes, the comfort of an RV makes this multi-state odyssey accessible, comfortable, and endlessly engaging.
To truly appreciate this massive cross-country transition, we recommend breaking the 1,787 mi drive into distinct regional stages rather than rushing from point to point. For the full, detailed day-by-day stops, be sure to check the interactive plan on RV PLANET.
Your journey begins in the lush surroundings of Portland. Before hitting the open highway, this stage eases you into RV life with engaging local attractions like the Oregon Zoo. As you transition out of the city, the focus shifts to the deep pioneer heritage of Oregon City, allowing you to trace the final steps of the historic westward expansion before you turn your own rig east.
Leaving the coastal moisture behind, the route sweeps up into Washington and the Inland Northwest. Here, the landscape opens up around vibrant river cities like Spokane. This leg offers a mix of urban parks, panoramic river falls, and cultural stops, serving as a scenic bridge into the rugged panhandle of Idaho.
As you cross into Idaho and Montana, the elevation climbs and the history goes underground. This stage is defined by deep exploration—literally. You will navigate through historic silver mining towns and marvel at spectacular limestone caverns. The driving here is incredibly scenic, winding through the vast, open valleys of Big Sky Country.
The final stretch of your adventure brings you through the geothermal wonders of Wyoming and the iconic landscapes of Yellowstone. After taking in the wildlife and natural features of the nation's first national park, the route gradually descends through the sweeping vistas of the Rocky Mountains, culminating in the bustling metropolis of Denver, Colorado.
This itinerary is packed with diverse experiences. Here are the primary themes you will encounter:
We strongly recommend dedicating the full 15 days to this trip. Covering 1,787 mi requires ample driving time, and a 15-day window ensures you can enjoy extended stops at major attractions like Yellowstone and the Lewis and Clark Caverns without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. This route is a masterclass in geographical diversity. You will witness the transition from the Pacific Northwest's greenery to the arid Inland Northwest, up into the rugged Northern Rockies, and finally down into the High Plains of Colorado. It is a highly educational and visually stunning trip for families.
With its mix of zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, and light hiking areas, this itinerary is exceptionally family-friendly. It also appeals deeply to history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates a blend of guided day tours and independent outdoor exploration.
Late spring through early fall is ideal. Because this route passes through high-elevation areas in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, summer offers the most reliable road conditions and ensures that seasonal attractions, mountain passes, and all campground facilities are fully open. For specific campground operating dates, consult the planning tools on rvplan.net.
Planning a one-way trip from Portland to Denver requires a bit of logistical foresight. When booking your motorhome, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee, which compensates the fleet operator for relocating the vehicle. Additionally, pay close attention to your mileage package. Since the base route is 1,787 mi, ensure your rental agreement includes enough miles to cover the main drive plus a generous buffer for detours, campground runs, and exploring national parks.
Your overall expenses will be split between fuel, nightly campground fees (a mix of private RV resorts and state parks offers the best balance of amenities and nature), and attraction tickets. To get the most accurate, real-time pricing for your preferred RV category and travel dates, use the live availability tools provided below.
The frontier is calling. From the lush trails of Oregon to the mile-high streets of Denver, this 15-day odyssey is waiting to be explored. Head over to RV PLANET to finalize your itinerary, view the detailed day-by-day route, and secure the perfect motorhome for your family's unforgettable adventure.
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 (Portland), Cruise America- 26-E (Portland) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $550–$750 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $600–$950 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $500–$800 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg, average US summer fuel prices, a mix of state park and private campground rates, and travel 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.
Discover the lush Pacific Northwest landscapes and the historic starting point of the frontier trail before turning your motorhome eastward.
Transition from Washington's vibrant river cities into the historically rich, rugged silver mining terrain of the Idaho panhandle.
Navigate sweeping mountain valleys and explore spectacular underground limestone formations as you approach the Rockies.
Conclude your journey by traveling through iconic geothermal basins and descending the dramatic elevations of the Colorado Rockies into Denver.
Total cost for this 15-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,787 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Portland → 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 Portland 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 |
| 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 |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family 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 Portland → Denver route.
Picking up in Portland but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: