Planning a road trip from San Francisco to Denver? This campervan or RV road trip itinerary takes you through six different states and unlike some of our other itineraries which are one-way, this itinerary is round-trip and features the most unforgettable stops along the way.
Your trek will start and end in the beautiful San Francisco, California, the perfect place to pick up and drop off one of our luxury campervan rentals. You’ll be traveling a total of 2,891 miles and we recommend you take at least 2 to 3 weeks to experience everything this itinerary has to offer. And not to worry- our campervans come with unlimited free miles so you can take this leisurely voyage stress-free.
So book one of our outstanding campervans from our San Francisco location and get ready to hit the road!
Sequoia & Kings National Parks
Stop 1
These side by side parks are famous for their giant sequoias, soaring mountains, deep canyons, and roaring rivers. You’ll experience warm foothills, cool alpine peaks and even snow sometimes in the mid-elevations. In addition, there are numerous possibilities based on your interests. You could plan to backpack through nature trails, hike mountains, rock-climb, or even ski in the winter.
Hoover Dam, Nevada
Stop 2
The Hoover Dam is a modern engineering marvel. Built-in the 1930’s, during the Great Depression, the dam helps to power California, Arizona, and Nevada. To this day, it remains the tallest concrete dam and the second tallest dam overall in the U.S. It is open every day of the year except Christmas and Thanksgiving, and offers educational tours for visitors. This is definitely a bucket-list item for any traveler!
Grand Canyon National Park
Stop 3
The Grand Canyon is by far one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. It features wide views of the canyon and Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking ways to experience the history of Earth’s geology and it is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Arches National Park
Stop 4
Spanning over 76,000 acres and featuring more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, pinnacles, fins, and boulders is Arches National Park. In addition to the contrasting colors, textures, and landscapes, you can also enjoy hiking trails or take in one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see! Be sure to stop by their visitor center which features exhibits and interactive, educational kiosks, an auditorium, and a gift shop.
Denver, Colorado
Stop 5
Denver is the capital of Colorado, and for good reason! It is truly the gem of the state and is a year-round destination for travelers. With the Rocky Mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the Colorado River all within a half-day drive- it’s not hard to see why! It’s a great destination to make the halfway point of your journey.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Stop 6
If you’re looking for variety, you’ll find it in Salt Lake City. This capital city is bordered by the buoyant waters of the Great Salt Lake and the snowy peaks of the Wasatch Range. World-class ski resorts, hiking, boating, and golfing are available for all the outdoor enthusiasts. While concert venues, foodie stops, museums, malls and the arts are beckoning anyone looking to take a nature-break.
Reno, Nevada
Stop 7
Located in the northwestern portion of Nevada, is “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno. While Reno is known for its casino industry, you can also spend your time there exploring! Visit Galena Creek Park which offers nature trails at the juncture of two ecosystems, high desert, and alpine.
Lake Tahoe, CA
Stop 8
Lake Tahoe straddles the state line between California and Nevada on your way out to Denver. Lake Tahoe is a huge body of fresh water, perfect for skiing, tubing, and fishing! Not big on watersports? Go exploring and visit Vikingsholm for an awesome look at a modern-day castle, nestled in the hills surrounding Lake Tahoe.
Find other popular road trips across San Francisco
- Check Out San Francisco to Portland Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Redwoods National Park Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Crater Lake Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to San Francisco Route 66 Road Trip
- See all San Francisco road trips
Get the best rates on campervan rentals across San Francisco
Getting out on the road is more affordable than you might think. With a budget campervan rental in San Francisco, you can enjoy the beauty of the coast, the mountains, and everything in between without overspending. Reserve your van now!
FAQs about San Francisco to Denver round trip
The drive from San Francisco to Denver is 2891 miles (4652 km) and would take 40 to 48 hours with little to no stops. With such a long drive and so many unique stops along the way, we recommend making a 14—to 21-day road trip out of this opportunity.
Start with Sequoia and Kings Canyon to walk among giant trees. Then head to Hoover Dam to check out some impressive engineering. From there, the Grand Canyon is a must, especially around sunset.
Arches National Park is up next with its famous rock formations and hiking trails. Once you hit Denver, take a break and explore the nearby mountains. On the return, you can stop by Salt Lake City for a mix of city and nature, then roll into Reno for a quick change of pace. Before returning to the coast, don’t miss Lake Tahoe for its clear waters and lakeside trails.
You can pick up your campervan rental at our San Francisco branch and drop it off at the end of your road trip.
Along this long journey, there are tons of stunning freedom camping areas that you can use as a base to go hiking, explore nearby towns, or just rest up for a night.
We recommend taking a look at our guides to freedom camping areas in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada to choose which sites you would like to stay at.
The best time to drive from San Francisco to Denver is May to October. This gives you the best shot at dry roads and clear skies across the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains. Summer offers the most consistent weather, while early fall brings colourful views and fewer crowds in the parks and mountain towns.
Yes, particularly if you are making the trip before or after the peak season. Booking in advance can help you find a better rate and give you more time to plan your schedule without rushing through the details.
There are no tolls on the San Francisco to Denver round trip, so you can make the full cross-state journey and back without worrying about toll roads at any point.
Our Campervans
Seats 2-5
Tent Optional
Chairs Optional
Ice Box Optional
Ext. Table Opt.
Gas Cooker Opt.
