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Embarking on an 8-day motorhome road trip from Salt Lake City offers an exhilarating adventure that promises an array of natural wonders and family-friendly activities. Spanning a total of 1,043 mi, this roundtrip journey dips through the breathtaking landscapes of Utah and touches the edges of Arizona. Whether you are seeking ancient history, active outdoor playgrounds, or pristine dark skies, this route provides a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
| Start / End | Salt Lake City, Utah (Roundtrip) |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,043 mi |
| States Explored | Utah, Arizona |
| Best For | Families, Active Travelers, Stargazers |
With 1,043 mi to cover over 8 days, this route naturally encourages the art of slow travel. Instead of rushing from one state line to the next, you have the freedom to linger at scenic viewpoints along US Route 89, savor picnic lunches under towering red rocks, and settle comfortably into your campground each evening. The roundtrip format from Salt Lake City is incredibly convenient for RV rentals, eliminating complex logistics and allowing you to focus entirely on the striking American Southwest unfolding beyond your windshield.
Your journey begins by pointing the motorhome south from Salt Lake City. The initial miles transition from urban landscapes to wide-open spaces. This stage is all about easing into the RV lifestyle while diving into the region's deep indigenous history before reaching the more rugged canyons.
As you navigate deeper into the state, the terrain shifts into an active outdoor playground. This segment is characterized by thrilling family activities and the iconic, sweeping vistas of US Route 89. The driving is incredibly scenic, offering plenty of natural pull-offs for photography and fresh air.
The heart of the trip brings you into high-altitude canyon country. Here, the pace slows down significantly as you park the RV and switch to trail boots and horseback. Days are spent exploring unique geological formations, while the nights are reserved for guided stargazing under some of the clearest skies in North America.
The final stage loops toward the Arizona border regions before beginning the steady, majestic drive back north. This leg allows you to reflect on the journey, enjoying the comforts of your motorhome as you trace your way back to Salt Lake City to conclude the 1,043 mi adventure.
This itinerary is packed with diverse experiences. While the exact day-by-day logistics are available exclusively on RV PLANET, here are the primary themes and highlights you will encounter:
We recommend a full 8 days to comfortably complete this 1,043 mi loop. This duration ensures you have ample time for day tours, horseback riding, and stargazing without feeling rushed on the road.
Absolutely. The American Southwest is tailor-made for motorhome travel. The combination of ancient history, family-friendly outdoor parks, and the otherworldly beauty of Bryce Canyon makes this one of the most rewarding routes in the country.
This itinerary is highly recommended for families and active travelers. With ample opportunities for zip-lining, hiking, and interactive telescope tours, it keeps all age groups engaged.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities. Summer is popular for families but can be quite warm, so ensure your RV rental includes a reliable air conditioning unit. Always check seasonal campground availability on rvplan.net.
When it comes to securing your motorhome, planning ahead is essential. Because this is a roundtrip starting and ending in Salt Lake City, you will avoid one-way drop fees, making this a highly cost-effective choice for a family vacation. You will need to select a mileage package that comfortably covers the 1,043 mi distance, plus a small buffer for detours and scenic pull-offs.
Consider renting a Class C or mid-sized Class A motorhome, which offers the perfect blend of living space for families and maneuverability on scenic roads like US Route 89. For specific details on campground hookups, national park permits, and live rental availability, consult the comprehensive guides on RV PLANET.
Ready to make this 8-day Southwestern adventure a reality? Head over to RV PLANET to browse live pricing, compare local motorhome fleets, and access your full, detailed route plan.
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) | Check live prices for your dates |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $350–$450 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $350–$550 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $200–$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 standard Class C motorhome, an average mixed campground rate of $60/night, and peak-season travel pricing. 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 heading south from Salt Lake City toward central Utah's ancient historical sites.
Embrace outdoor activities and striking landscapes along the iconic US Route 89 corridor.
Settle in for majestic hoodoo views, horseback riding, and guided night sky tours.
Loop through the southern edges and begin the scenic drive back to Salt Lake City.
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 1,043 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.
Picking up in Salt Lake City but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: