Take the family on one of the best RV road trips in the USA
My family and I have been RVing for more than 12 years – first as renters and now as owners. Hands down, the road trip that my friends ask me about most often is the one through Utah and northern Arizona that includes some of the USA’s most stunning national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Grand Canyon. It’s one of my favorite routes. I often end up writing out a very detailed, 2-week itinerary for those friends, based on my family’s travels through this part of the country. Now I’m writing it down for you, too!
If you’re new to RVing, I suggest you first read our 10 Lessons for first-time RVers. That article discusses how to select the best RV rental for your family.
The itinerary below is designed to begin your trip in Salt Lake City. However, know that you also could fly into Las Vegas and start your trip there.
KidTripster Tip: Because this area of the country is so popular, it’s imperative that you make reservations for all your campgrounds in advance. Reservations open six months to a year in advance, depending on the location.
So buckle up, we’re going on quite the ride!
Editor’s note: Consider renting an RV or camper with our friends at Outdoorsy. It’s the Airbnb of RVs, matching RV owners with would-be renters. Use this link to book, and KidTripster will get some coffee money from Outdoorsy at no additional cost to you. And you’ll get a $50 discount!
DAY ONE
What to do?
Assuming that you’re arriving in Salt Lake City, your first stop will be to pick up your rig. If you’ve booked with a rental company, ask if the dealer provides free pick-up service from the airport. If you’re renting from a private party, arrange your pick-up location in advance.
KidTripster Tip: Make sure you’re clear on any mileage restrictions that your rental may have. Typically, you’ll be allotted 100 free miles per day; you’ll then be charged a fee for additional miles. The itinerary laid out below is designed to keep you under 700 miles per the week.
Make sure you leave plenty of time for the rental company or private owner to walk you through all your RV’s systems before you drive away. And yes, you’ll learn how to dump the holding tanks without having a scene like the one in movie RV with Robin Williams. (This movie is mandatory pre-trip viewing for the whole family!) Ask questions and take notes.
KidTripster Tip: Make sure that you get an emergency number from the rental company or private owner, just in case you have any questions on the road. The first time that we rented, we used that number within 24 hours of pulling out of the parking lot!
Where to stay?
After you’ve stopped at the local big box store to load up on food and supplies, head to Salt Lake City KOA. Not far from downtown, this RV park is a good spot for novices. There are easy-to-navigate, pull-thru sites and full hookups, so you can practice connecting the water, sewer, electric, and cable TV lines on your own. While you’re figuring it out, the kids can take a dip in the pool.
KidTripster Tip: Having trouble? RVers are friendly folks. Look for one who appears to have some experience and simply ask them to give you a hand.
Unpack, get organized, and take a deep breath.
DAY TWO
What to do?
In the morning, board the free shuttle from the KOA to Temple Square, home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for a free 45-minute tour. You don’t have to be Mormon to get something out of this tour (though if you’re not Mormon, you’ll only be able to view the Temple itself from the outside). Our favorite part was the demonstration of the acoustics inside the Tabernacle where the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs. This tour is best suited for school-aged children and up.
After the tour, head to nearby City Creek Center with its splash pads, shopping, and dining. Discovery Gateway, a hand-on children’s museum, is a good place to burn off some energy.
KidTripster Tip: You may be tempted to drive to Antelope Island State Park on the Great Salt Lake for a float in the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere. Skip it. Especially in the summer, the lake is swarming with water bugs, making the whole experience quite unpleasant. If you do go, there’s an outdoor shower at the beach, so you can rinse the chalky salt off your body.
Where to stay?
Again tonight, you’ll be bunking down at the Salt Lake City KOA.
