Best of the Southwest Road Trip from Las Vegas

Before heading out on your adventure, take the time to soak in the best of Las Vegas. There are countless things to see and do here, as proven by the fact that the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported 40.4 million visitors in March 2023!

Here, you can see the world-famous Cirque du Soleil show or wander through the immersive art experience at Meow Meow’s Omega Mart. Or, for something a little more nature-focused, a 25-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip will take you to Red Rock Canyon, where you can head out on the Calico Tanks Trail for an unparalleled view of the city below.

When you’re ready, load up the RV and hit the road. If you think Vegas was exciting, it’s just the taster for what’s to come!

Leaving the bright lights in your rearview mirror, you’ll now spend around 4 hours on the road. Traveling from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon might seem like a long drive, but it’s totally worth it as you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park and see the 1.7-billion-year-old natural wonder that stretches across 277 miles of Arizona lying ahead of you.

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular things to do here, which descends into the canyon itself and gives you dramatic views at every turn. There are shorter, less challenging trails, too, including the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point (yes, that’s really its name) that can be completed in just over an hour.

Whatever you choose to do here, you’re going to need a good place to set up camp at one of the best Grand Canyon campgrounds and RV Parks. In particular, Mather Campground is a great spot if you want to stay inside Grand Canyon National Park. There aren’t any electrical hookups here, but there are some good amenities on offer, including flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water access.

Heading South now, two hours on the road will take you to Sedona, which is most famous for its amazing red rock landscapes and vortex sites that many people believe hold special energy! The Cathedral Rock Trail is a must-do here, and if you plan your arrival for late afternoon, you’ll find yourself being led to one of the most amazing sunset viewpoints on this journey.

You should also carve out some time to visit Devil’s Bridge, which is the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona and offers you the perfect opportunity to take some incredible photos. You’re also just 30 minutes from the Montezuma Castle National Monument, which was constructed by the Sinagua people around 1100 A.D. and remains one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the country.

For your camping options, Rancho Sedona RV Park is an excellent place to call home for a couple of nights. It’s just 5 minutes from Downtown Sedona, can accommodate rigs up to 45 feet in length, and has some excellent amenities, including full hookups, restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, and WiFi.

After another 2 hours south on the road from Sedona, you’ll notice that the landscape suddenly changes from red rock cliffs to a desert. Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona, where you’re about to find the perfect mix of outdoor activities and urban excitement.

If hiking is at the top of your to-do list, head straight to Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail, where, after climbing 2.6 miles to an elevation of 464 meters, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the city skyline. Or, for something a little more relaxed, The Desert Botanical Garden has easier hiking trails that wind through towering cacti and colorful wildflowers.

Feel like doing something a little more cultural? The Heard Museum is less than 10 minutes from Downtown Phoenix, and here, you’ll get the chance to learn more about Native American art and history. And, of course, no trip to Phoenix is complete without visiting Chase Field Stadium, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks!

One of the best camping options in Phoenix is Desert Shadows RV Resort, which sits just 30 minutes from the city. This really is more of a luxury resort than a standard campground, with full hookups on offer and amenities like swimming pools, saunas, and spas giving you the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring.

After exploring the best of Phoenix, another 4 hours on the road takes you to Joshua Tree National Park. Like the first leg of your journey, this might seem like a long drive, but the road itself is a real adventure, passing through the open desert along the way before finally reaching a world of twisted Joshua trees and massive rock formations.

This is the place to go if you love an outdoor adventure, and the Hidden Valley Trail is an absolute must, which takes you on a one-mile loop through a secluded rock-enclosed valley. Looking for something more adventurous? Tackle the Ryan Mountain Trail, a 3-mile climb that ends with panoramic views across the entire National Park. And, as night falls, make sure you head to the Cholla Cactus Garden, where you’ll find thousands of glowing cacti creating an eerie yet beautiful sight under some of the starriest skies in the US.

Naturally, when you’re in such an amazing place, you’ll want to spend as much time here as possible. And, for camping in Joshua Tree, it’s a good idea to book a camping spot at Jumbo Rocks Campground. There are 124 sites here, and while it may not have hookups or the same amenities as more luxurious RV resorts, it does make one of the most unforgettable family camping spots in California and has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including vault toilets and trash cans. Perfect for any camper looking for that back-to-nature experience!

Just a short distance from Joshua Tree National Park. Amboy Crater is the next stop on your Southwest road trip. This is one of the lesser-knowns stops, but one that’s definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in seeing the Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark, a nearly symmetrical volcanic cinder cone rising from the desert floor.

You can hike to the very top of Amboy Crater on a 1.5-mile trek across black lava fields, taking you to amazing views of the surrounding area from the rim. Also, if you’re an animal lover, you’ll be pleased to learn this is a great spot to spot wildlife, with lizards and jackrabbits often being seen darting between the lava rocks. And, after all that exploring, a 20-minute drive will take you straight to the famous Roy’s Motel & Cafe, where you can grab a bite to eat in a retro diner and snap a photo of the vintage neon sign.

When it comes to camping, it’s important to note that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has ensured there are no developed RV camping sites near Amboy Crater. However, since you’re only an hour from your next destination, there’s no real need to camp here, and instead, you can head to Mojave National Preserve and pull up for the night before carrying on with your adventures the following day.

You’re now heading North back to Las Vegas, but this doesn’t mean the road trip is coming to an end! Mojave National Preserve is your penultimate stop, where you’ll get the chance to explore more of a remote desert landscape. One of the best things to do here is explore the Kelso Dunes, which can be climbed or driven across in a rented ATV. Most people tend to go for the ATV experience as it’s easier, but while climbing to the top of these dunes is undoubtedly challenging, it’s well worth it for the views, especially at sunset.

Another must-see here is the Lava Tube, a hidden cave where sunlight beams in through holes in the rocks, creating a natural light show in the process! Or, for something even more adventurous, take a 45-minute drive to the Rings Loop Trail at Hole-in-the-Wall, where you’ll be led through narrow rock passages and find metal rings that will help you navigate the steeper sections.

When you’re ready to call it a night, the Hole-in-the-Wall Campground gives you a no-frills but safe space to set up camp. There are only 38 sites here, so it’s usually pretty quiet, and while there aren’t any hookups available, there are some good amenities. These include vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station. Also, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Centre which has free WiFi – ideal if you need to stay connected.

The final stretch of road back to Las Vegas takes about an hour, and after an unforgettable journey through some of the Southwest’s most spectacular sights, there’s no better way to end your adventure than with a final night in Sin City!

Before returning your RV, consider stopping at the Seven Magic Mountains, which is only 25 minutes out of town and is an art installation featuring tall, neon-colored rocks that will have you reaching for your camera over and over again. Or, if you want a final dose of nature before heading back into the neon chaos, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is just 20 minutes away and is home to a collection of beautiful petroglyphs.

Whatever type of RV you need, from solo adventures to a Hi5 campervan rental perfect for families or groups of 4 to 5, Travellers Autobarn makes it easier than ever to find affordable campervan rental out of Las Vegas. All our rentals come with free unlimited miles as standard, too, so you can explore the Southwest to its fullest without worrying about racking up extra costs. Reach out for a quick quote today, and let us help you get on the road to adventure!

Interested in seeing some other awesome destinations you can head to straight out of Las Vegas? Check out these other Las Vegas road trips:

• Las Vegas to Reno Road Trip
• Las Vegas to Rocky Mountains National Park Road Trip
• Las Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip – Best Drive Itinerary
• Las Vegas to Death Valley Road Trip – Best Drive Itinerary
• See all Las Vegas road trips

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