Heartland to Horizon: A Family Road Trip Across America’s Canyons and Culture
When you think of America at its most dramatic—landscapes carved by time, small towns steeped in heritage, and roads that stretch into legend—it’s hard to beat the journey from Chicago to Los Angeles through the Canyonlands. For our family, it was more than a vacation—it was a 22-day deep dive into America’s soul, made possible by the freedom of traveling in a motorhome.
We kicked things off with a splash at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, before pointing our campervan westward. The magic of RV travel is waking up near lakes, grilling by the woods, and pulling over on a whim—like when we spotted the charming windmill at Pella Historical Village in Iowa or stumbled upon fresh pies at Clark Family Orchards in Colorado.
As part of our road trip planning, we made sure to weave in a healthy balance of culture and nature. Stops like the Buffalo Bill Museum, Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, and Christine’s Horseback Riding gave us plenty to talk about around the picnic table. For the kids, hands-on experiences like kayaking with Kearney Paddle Sports and marveling at candy-making at Hammond’s Candies brought new flavors—literally and figuratively.
We used a camper route planner to stay off the interstate when possible, trading speed for scenery. This decision paid off tenfold as we rolled into Colorado’s Glenwood Springs, where the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offered a mix of thrill and geology, and the old-timey vibe of Larimer Square reminded us that the American West still lives on in brick and neon.
But nothing prepared us for the Canyonlands stretch.
Driving into Utah, the terrain began to rise and shift. Stone monoliths pierced the sky. Trails like Mesa Arch and the rust-red vistas around Wolfe Ranch felt like pages torn from a prehistoric novel. And at Highway 163, we stood at the exact spot where Forrest Gump ended his run—just a two-lane ribbon surrounded by cinematic silence. Monument Valley Safari gave us a glimpse of sacred Navajo land, where rock formations have names and stories older than any map.
For meals, we leaned into the local. The smoky ribs at Stella’s Bar & Grill in Nebraska, craft beer flights at Pals Brewing Company, and the saguaro-silhouetted picnics in Arizona reminded us that the best meals often come with a view—and no dress code.
We stopped to float through red canyons with Lake Powell Boat Tours, stood at the edge of awe at the Grand Canyon North Rim, and took short but stunning hikes like Widforss Trail, where silence and immensity hang in the air like a sacred fog.
And just when we thought nature had peaked, we rolled into Las Vegas—a different kind of canyon. At The Mob Museum, the kids got a fun, interactive dive into true crime history, while Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition offered a moving, educational walk through time. The Las Vegas Strip dazzled by night—though we were grateful to retreat to our quiet RV park just outside the city afterward.
Crossing into California, we visited ghostly Calico, stepped into nostalgia at the Route 66 Museum, and finished our journey with two family favorites: Disneyland Park for thrill rides and magic, and the sunshine-flooded beaches of the Pacific to finally stretch our legs and breathe deep.
Tips for How to Plan a Motorhome Trip in USA from Chicago to Los Angeles
-
Start with a solid route planner: Tools like RV Planet, Roadtrippers, or your rental company’s platform will help you find scenic detours, campsites, and even grocery stops.
-
Mix up your accommodations: Blend RV parks with state and national parks to enjoy nature, save on costs, and add variety.
-
Balance education and adventure: Museums, canyons, and activities like rafting or ATV tours will keep both adults and kids engaged.
-
Know your motorhome limits: Not all roads are RV-friendly. When planning to drive through areas like Monument Valley or Yosemite, check height and length restrictions.
-
Pack for temperature swings: Desert days can be blazing and nights chilly. Bring layers, hats, and plenty of water.
From Chicago’s skyline to California’s coastline, this was a trip of contrasts: skyscrapers and slot canyons, jazz and silence, neon and natural light. But what tied it all together was the journey itself—the magic of moving, discovering, and living simply in our campervan. With a good plan, the right RV, and a little curiosity, the road opened up before us—one canyon, one coffee stop, and one unforgettable view at a time.
