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| Start / End | Salt Lake City, Utah (Round Trip) |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,137 mi |
| States Covered | Utah |
| Best For | Outdoor Adventurers, Hikers, Families |
Utah was seemingly designed for the RV lifestyle. Taking a round trip out of Salt Lake City allows you to seamlessly transition from the conveniences of a major urban hub straight into some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Because your RV serves as your mobile basecamp, you can wake up steps away from world-class trailheads and natural features, avoiding long drives from distant hotels. Furthermore, a round-trip route eliminates the logistical hurdle of one-way drop fees, allowing you to allocate your resources toward memorable experiences like horseback riding and river rafting.
This 1,137 mi journey strikes a beautiful balance between intense outdoor activity and relaxed scenic driving. You will experience the full spectrum of Utah's environments, from the northern rivers and valleys to the iconic red rock canyons of the south and east. We highly recommend embracing slow travel on this route—take your time soaking in the vistas rather than rushing from park to park.
Rather than a rigid daily schedule, think of this 8-day trip as a flowing narrative through four distinct regional stages. The full, detailed day-by-day plan is available exclusively inside RV PLAN, but here is a look at the overall pacing of your adventure.
Your journey begins with a gentle introduction to Utah's outdoor culture. Leaving Salt Lake City, the initial pace is relaxed, focusing on the Weber River area for aquatic adventures and a dose of local heritage. It is a fantastic way to shake down your RV and get comfortable behind the wheel before heading into more remote terrain.
As you transition southward, the landscape shifts dramatically. The driving distances increase slightly as you navigate toward the state's famous canyonlands. This stage is highly active, heavily focused on trails and dramatic elevation changes. You will want to plan for early mornings to secure RV parking at popular trailheads and visitor centers before the midday crowds arrive.
Moving eastward, the rhythm shifts to expansive desert vistas and unique geological formations. This leg involves moving between major national park visitor complexes and discovering some of Utah's most fascinating roadside historical sites and sandstone caves. The driving here is incredibly scenic, demanding frequent stops for photography.
The final stage brings you full circle back toward Salt Lake City. The pace slows down again, allowing for relaxed, family-friendly stops like massive aquariums to cap off the trip. It provides a smooth re-entry into city life before returning your RV.
This route is packed with diverse experiences. Here is a look at the themes and types of locations you will encounter along the way.
Utah is a hiker's paradise, and this route delivers access to some of the nation's most coveted trails. You will have the opportunity to explore the Kanarra Creek Trailhead, the lush Emerald Pools Trailhead, and the iconic Navajo Loop Trail. As you move through the state, stops at the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center and Arches National Park Visitor Center provide essential context, ranger guidance, and exhibits. Do not miss the Mossy Cave Trailhead or the world-famous Delicate Arch Trailhead for truly unforgettable natural features.
Despite being a desert state, water plays a crucial role in this itinerary. Early in the trip, Destination Sports offers thrilling canoe, kayak, and rafting excursions on the Weber River. Toward the end of your journey, the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium provides an incredible opportunity to observe marine life and aquatic ecosystems up close.
This route is dotted with fascinating cultural and historical sites. The Park City Museum offers interactive exhibits detailing local history. Further south, you can explore Moqui Cave, a sandstone erosion cave that once served as a speakeasy and now houses a rock collection and gift shop. You will also encounter Hole 'N' The Rock, a massive, breathtaking spectacle carved directly into the sandstone.
For a change of pace from hiking, the route includes access to Rising K Ranch. Perfectly situated between major national parks, it offers horseback riding that allows you to experience the rugged Utah terrain exactly as the early pioneers did.
This specific loop is optimized for 8 days. This duration allows you to cover the 1,137 mi at a reasonable pace while leaving ample time for hiking, museum visits, and guided excursions. If you prefer a slower pace, extending the trip to 10 or 12 days is highly recommended.
Absolutely. It is arguably one of the most efficient ways to experience the sheer variety of Utah's landscapes. By combining major national park visitor centers with quirky historical sites and active river adventures, it offers something for every type of traveler.
This itinerary is ideal for active families, hiking enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Because it involves significant trail time and outdoor activity, it is perfect for those who want to use their RV as a launchpad for daily adventures.
While Utah is beautiful year-round, navigating a large vehicle and hiking the exposed trails is most comfortable in the spring or fall. Summer brings intense heat to the southern parks, and winter can introduce snow and ice at higher elevations like Bryce Canyon. Always check rvplan.net for specific seasonal guidance and availability.
When booking your RV for this Salt Lake City round trip, there are a few key logistical details to keep in mind. Because you are picking up and dropping off in the same city, you will avoid the one-way fees that often accompany long-distance road trips. This keeps your base rental costs much more predictable.
However, you must pay close attention to your mileage package. The base distance of this route is 1,137 mi, but you should factor in an extra 10-15% for side trips, campground navigation, and local errands. Ensure your rental agreement includes sufficient mileage to cover at least 1,300 miles to avoid per-mile overage charges.
Regarding RV size, a Class B campervan or a mid-sized Class C motorhome is often the best choice for this route. These sizes offer greater maneuverability in crowded national park parking lots and narrower canyon roads compared to large Class A motorhomes. For exact pricing, vehicle availability, and specific campground details, utilize the live search tools provided below.
Ready to hit the road and explore the stunning landscapes of Utah? Book your Salt Lake City RV round trip on RV PLANET today and unlock the full, detailed itinerary for your ultimate 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 | Native Campervans-24 E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), El Monte-2026-E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $380–$450 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $350–$600 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$400 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $300–$500 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg for a Class C RV averaging $3.50/gal, standard nightly rates for a mix of state and private campgrounds, and standard family-of-four admission/activity fees over an 8-day trip. 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 adventure with relaxed river activities and a dive into regional history before turning the RV south.
Navigate the dramatic elevation changes and iconic hiking trails of Utah's famous southwestern red rock country.
Explore vast desert vistas, towering sandstone arches, and fascinating roadside caves in the eastern portion of the state.
Wrap up the grand loop with a scenic drive back toward Salt Lake City, capped off by family-friendly wildlife encounters.
Total cost for this 8-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,137 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Salt Lake City → 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 Salt Lake City 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 |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Family Sleeper (FS) El Monte-2026-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 31.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 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 Salt Lake City → Salt Lake City route.
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