Minneapolis to Los Angeles

Route Snapshot

Why This Route Works for RV Travel

Embarking on a cross-country journey from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast is a quintessential American road trip. This 19-day, 2,446 mi itinerary transitions beautifully from the lush, rolling plains of the heartland into the towering peaks of the Rockies, down through the stunning red rock canyons of the Southwest, and finally into the sun-drenched valleys of Southern California. RV travel is the ideal way to experience this massive shift in geography, allowing you to embrace a slow-travel mindset while carrying your home on wheels.

Because this route spans major interstate corridors (including I-80, I-70, and I-15), the RV infrastructure is exceptional. You will find a reliable mix of full-hookup resorts near urban centers and scenic, nature-focused campgrounds near national and state parks. Whether you are navigating the high altitudes of Colorado or the desert stretches of Nevada, having an RV provides the flexibility to rest, cook, and recharge right at the doorstep of your next adventure.

Route Rhythm: Minneapolis to Los Angeles

To truly appreciate the diversity of this journey, we recommend breaking the 19 days into four distinct regional stages. This allows for a relaxed pace, minimizing drive fatigue and maximizing exploration.

Stage 1: The Midwest Plains (Minnesota to Nebraska)

Your trip begins with a gentle rhythm through the heartland. This stage is characterized by cultural stops, botanical gardens, and pioneer history. The driving is relatively flat and easy, making it a perfect time to get comfortable with your RV. You will weave through urban centers offering art galleries and aquariums, before transitioning into the agricultural landscapes of Iowa and Nebraska, where living history farms and pioneer trails offer a glimpse into the past.

Stage 2: The High Rockies (Colorado)

As the plains give way to the mountains, the pacing slows down to accommodate elevation changes and winding scenic byways. This stage is all about alpine air and mile-high discoveries. Expect to engage with aviation history, explore mountain adventure parks, and perhaps take a horseback ride through forested trails. The driving requires a bit more focus, but the spectacular mountain vistas right outside your windshield make it incredibly rewarding.

Stage 3: Canyon Country (Utah)

Dropping down from the Rockies, you enter the surreal, Mars-like landscapes of Utah. This is where the itinerary shifts heavily toward outdoor recreation. Plan for multi-night stays in this region to allow for hiking, cycling, and off-road ATV tours through the canyons. The contrast of red rocks against blue skies offers some of the most dramatic campground settings of the entire trip. You can even find local vineyards and farm markets to stock your RV pantry with regional goods.

Stage 4: The Desert & The Coast (Nevada to California)

The final leg brings a thrilling contrast of neon lights, historic desert outposts, and coastal breezes. After navigating the vibrant energy of the Las Vegas strip and delving into local mob history, the route stretches across the Mojave Desert. You will pass through historic ghost towns before descending into the Los Angeles basin, where studio tours, shopping outlets, and Pacific beaches cap off your epic transcontinental journey.

Key Themes and Attractions

This route is packed with diverse experiences. While the full, detailed day-by-day plan is available exclusively on RV PLANET, here are the core themes you will encounter along the way:

• Family Fun & Interactive Wildlife: The early legs of the trip are highly engaging for families, featuring stops like SeaQuest Roseville, Island Oasis Water Park, and various animal shows and zoos. Later, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park adds a thrill-seeking element to the mountain stage.
• Pioneer & Industrial History: History buffs will appreciate the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters, Living History Farms, and the Cody Park Railroad Museum. The journey also features unique historical sites like the Calico ghost town in California and The Mob Museum in Nevada.
• Arts, Science, & Culture: From the Minneapolis Institute of Art to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, there are ample opportunities to soak in regional culture. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a peaceful, scenic retreat during your driving days.
• Outdoor Adventure & Natural Features: The western half of the route is an outdoor playground. Highlights include kayaking with Kearney Paddle Sports, traversing the Carmel Canyon Trail, visiting the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center, renting bikes at Zion Cycles, and booking thrilling ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours.
• Entertainment & Leisure: As you approach the coast, the trip takes on a glamorous tone with the Las Vegas Strip, the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour, and shopping at the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles. Don't forget to relax with a tasting at the Spanish Valley Vineyard & Winery in Utah!

Trip-Prep Q&A

How many days do I need for a Minneapolis to Los Angeles RV trip?

We highly recommend dedicating 19 days to this route. Covering 2,446 mi requires significant drive time. A 19-day timeline allows you to average a manageable daily mileage while still taking rest days in key areas like the Colorado Rockies and Utah's canyon country.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. It is one of the most geographically diverse routes you can take in the United States. You will experience plains, alpine mountains, high deserts, and coastal climates all in a single journey, making it a masterclass in American landscapes.

Who is this route for?

This itinerary is incredibly versatile. The mix of water parks, interactive museums, and manageable hikes makes it perfect for families. Meanwhile, the scenic drives, vineyards, and historical sites offer a deeply rewarding experience for couples and retirees seeking a comprehensive cross-country tour.

What is the best season to travel?

Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the sweet spots. Summer is excellent for the Midwest and Rockies, but the desert stretches in Nevada and California can be extremely hot, requiring reliable RV air conditioning. Winter travel is not recommended due to heavy snow and potential pass closures in the Rocky Mountains.

Booking Your RV and Managing Costs

Planning a multi-week, cross-country adventure requires thoughtful logistics. Because this trip begins in Minnesota and ends in California, it is a classic one-way rental. Most RV suppliers charge a one-way drop fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle, so be sure to factor this into your overall travel fund.

When selecting your vehicle, consider the size of your group. A Class C motorhome is a fantastic choice for families, offering cab-over beds and plenty of living space for a 19-day journey. For couples, a nimble Class B campervan might be preferable, especially when navigating mountain roads or parking in urban centers like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Additionally, pay close attention to mileage packages. With a base distance of 2,446 mi—plus detours to national parks and side attractions—you will want to secure a generous or unlimited mileage package to avoid per-mile overage charges at the end of your trip.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

A cross-country trip from the Midwest to the Pacific is a milestone travel experience that creates lifelong memories. For the complete day-by-day itinerary, precise campground recommendations, and to secure the perfect vehicle for your journey, head over to RV PLANET and start planning your ultimate road trip today!

Interactive route map

Official RV PLAN route map

Route rhythm at a glance

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.

Days 1-5 — The Midwest Plains

~600–750 mi across this leg

Enjoy gentle drives through heartland cities, exploring pioneer history, botanical gardens, and family-friendly water parks.

Days 6-9 — The High Rockies

~450–550 mi across this leg

Climb into mountain elevations for aviation history, cave adventures, and spectacular alpine scenery.

Days 10-15 — Canyon Country

~500–600 mi across this leg

Embrace a slower pace through dramatic red rock landscapes, prioritizing off-road tours, cycling, and canyon hikes.

Days 16-19 — The Desert & The Coast

~400–500 mi across this leg

Cruise through neon-lit desert cities and historic ghost towns before arriving at the sun-drenched Pacific coast.

Verified RV logistics for this route

• Average daily drive: roughly 129 mi/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
• Fuel stops: expect at least 7 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
• Dump stations: plan 6 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
• Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
• Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 19-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,446 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Minneapolis → Los Angeles pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Check availability and book this route

Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Minneapolis → Los Angeles route.

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