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Unfurl the map and prepare for a true American odyssey. This route is a 15-day narrative that transitions from the breathtaking peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the vibrant, architectural heartbeat of the Great Lakes.
| Start / End | Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL (One-Way) |
| Total Distance | 2,000 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 15 Days |
| States Crossed | Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Autumn |
| Ideal Traveler | Families, history buffs, and slow-travel enthusiasts |
This cross-country journey is the quintessential RV experience because it offers an unmatched diversity of landscapes without overwhelming the driver. Over the course of 2,000 mi, you will watch the scenery dramatically shift from the high-altitude, snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Front to the surreal red-rock formations of southern Utah, up into the towering Colorado Rockies, and finally across the rolling agricultural heartland of the Midwest.
Because you are traversing major historical corridors, the infrastructure for motorhomes is spectacular. You will find a robust network of state parks, luxury RV resorts, and wide-open highways that make navigating a larger Class A or Class C motorhome a breeze. It is a route designed for slow travel, allowing you to establish a comfortable rhythm where the journey truly becomes the destination.
Rather than rushing from point A to point B, this route is best enjoyed by breaking the drive into distinct regional stages. Here is how the pacing flows across your 15-day rental window. (For the complete, day-by-day stopover guide, log into your RV PLANET account).
Your journey begins against the backdrop of the towering mountains in Salt Lake City, blending outdoor adventures with urban charm. From there, the route dips south toward the red-rock magic of Bryce Canyon. The driving pace here is deliberate and scenic, allowing plenty of time to hike among ancient hoodoos and soak in nature's masterpiece.
Leaving the desert behind, the elevation climbs as you enter Colorado. This stage balances thrilling mountain navigation with deep cultural and geological exploration. You will have time to explore high-altitude amusement parks, cavern systems, and the sophisticated, artful streets of Denver before descending the eastern slope of the Rockies.
As the mountains fade in the rearview mirror, the horizon opens up across Nebraska and Iowa. The driving days become longer but significantly easier on straight, historic pioneer routes. This is the time to embrace the spirit of the Wild West, visiting frontier ranches and settling into peaceful, wide-open campgrounds under expansive skies.
The final stretch winds through the lush, green landscapes of Illinois. The pace quickens slightly as the quiet plains give way to bustling suburbs and eventually the magnificent skyline of Chicago. You will transition from campfire nights to the vibrant energy of one of America's greatest cities.
This itinerary is packed with layered experiences that appeal to every generation in your motorhome. Here is a taste of what to expect along the way:
To comfortably cover the 2,000 mi distance while allowing time to explore national parks, museums, and frontier towns, 15 days is the ideal duration. This averages out to roughly 130 miles of driving per day, ensuring you spend more time experiencing the destinations than staring through the windshield.
Absolutely. It is a masterclass in American geography. Transitioning from the arid beauty of Utah to the alpine majesty of Colorado and the fertile plains of the Midwest provides a visual contrast that few other routes can match.
This path is perfect for families seeking a mix of education and entertainment, as well as slow-traveling couples who appreciate a blend of natural isolation and vibrant city culture.
Late spring through early autumn is optimal. Summer provides full access to high-elevation mountain passes in Colorado and all amusement parks, while early autumn offers spectacular fall foliage across the Midwest. Winter travel is not recommended due to heavy snow in the Rockies and freezing temperatures in the Great Lakes region.
Because this is a one-way journey from Salt Lake City to Chicago, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee in your rental agreement. These fees cover the logistical cost of returning the vehicle to its origin or moving it to its next destination. When comparing vehicles on RV PLANET, ensure you check whether this fee is included in the initial quote or added at checkout.
Additionally, a 2,000 mi trip requires careful attention to mileage packages. Most standard RV rentals include a baseline number of miles per day, but you will likely need to purchase an extended mileage package or an unlimited mileage add-on to avoid per-mile overage charges at the end of your trip.
Campground costs will vary depending on your style. Mixing affordable state parks in Utah and Nebraska with premium, full-hookup RV resorts near Denver and Chicago will help balance your accommodation budget. For specific, live pricing on vehicles that fit this exact route, check the availability widget below.
Ready to turn this 15-day narrative into your own reality? View the full Salt Lake City to Chicago route details on RV PLANET and secure your ideal motorhome 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 | 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) | $650–$850 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $750–$1,200 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$800 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$900 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on 10 MPG fuel efficiency, $3.50/gallon gas, and a mix of public and private campgrounds over 14 nights 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.
Transitioning from the towering peaks of the Wasatch Front down into the iconic, whimsical red-rock landscapes of southern Utah, setting a deliberate and majestic pace.
Navigating the dramatic elevations of the Rockies with dedicated time for subterranean cave explorations and cultural city immersion before crossing the Continental Divide.
A relaxed, straightforward cruise across the vast, open skies of the Midwest, tracing historic pioneer trails and diving into Wild West frontier history.
Winding through lush agricultural heartlands and quaint river communities before the pace quickens as you arrive in a vibrant, world-class metropolis.
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 2,000 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Salt Lake City → Chicago 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 → Chicago 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: