Phoenix round trip - Wild West Shootouts Volcanoes and Route 66

Route Snapshot: Phoenix to Phoenix RV Loop

Why This Wild West & Volcanoes Route Works for RV Travel

Sparking your engine in the Valley of the Sun and setting a sweeping, 11-day course through the saguaro-studded deserts of Arizona and the enchanting high-altitude mesas of New Mexico is a North American road trip unlike any other. Charting a massive circular path through the heart of the Southwest, this expedition weaves together the legendary gunfights of the Wild West, the bubbling geothermal waters of the Rio Grande, and the ancient volcanic craters of the Colorado Plateau.

Piloting a motorhome along this incredible route makes it the perfect canvas for an unforgettable campervan getaway. The vastness of the region makes having your accommodations on wheels incredibly convenient, allowing you to wake up to vibrant desert sunrises and fall asleep under some of the darkest, star-filled skies in the country. By embracing "The Green Road" and practicing responsible travel, your camper holiday ensures that these fragile desert ecosystems and deep indigenous histories remain unspoiled for future generations. Slow travel is highly recommended here—taking your time allows you to truly appreciate the dramatic shifts in elevation, flora, and culture.

Route Rhythm in 4 Stages: Pacing Your 11-Day Southwest Expedition

Covering 1,407 mi over 11 days requires a steady but manageable pace. Rather than rushing from stop to stop, we recommend breaking your journey into regional stages to fully absorb the distinct character of each area. For the specific day-by-day plan, campgrounds, and driving directions, check the detailed itinerary available on RV PLANET.

Stage 1: The Sonoran Desert & Southern Arizona

Your journey begins by heading out of Phoenix into the classic landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. This initial stage eases you into RV life with scenic drives past towering saguaros and opportunities to explore early frontier history. The driving is generally straightforward, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the road.

Stage 2: Crossing into the Land of Enchantment

As you leave the lower deserts of Arizona, the route climbs toward the high-altitude mesas of New Mexico. The landscape shifts dramatically from arid plains to rugged, colorful topography. This leg is characterized by moderate driving days, giving you ample time to explore local industries, traditional visits, and the unique geothermal features of the Rio Grande region.

Stage 3: High Elevations & Volcanic Landscapes

Turning north and west, this stage brings you face-to-face with the ancient volcanic craters of the Colorado Plateau. You will navigate higher elevations where the air is cooler and the pine forests replace the desert scrub. This is an excellent time to slow down, embark on hikes, and explore the natural features and caves that define this rugged terrain.

Stage 4: Route 66 & The Return to the Valley of the Sun

The final leg of your expedition channels the nostalgia of the great American road trip as you trace portions of historic Route 66. Traveling back toward Arizona, you will descend from the high country back into the warmth of the Phoenix area, capping off your 1,407 mi adventure with a mix of iconic Americana and sweeping desert vistas.

What to See Along the Route: Key Themes and Experiences

This diverse route offers a rich tapestry of attractions. While the exact stops are detailed inside the RV PLANET itinerary, here are the types of experiences you can expect to weave into your trip:

• Natural Features & Geological Wonders: Explore ancient caves, hike through breathtaking natural features, and witness the remnants of ancient volcanic activity that shaped the Colorado Plateau.
• Wild West History & Heritage: Immerse yourself in the past with visits to historical sites, museums, and traditional cultural centers that tell the story of the indigenous peoples and the legendary gunfights of the frontier.
• Outdoor Adventure: Whether you are looking for a serene canoe or kayak trip on the river, a challenging hiking area, a scenic bike rental, or even an extreme activity to get your adrenaline pumping, this route delivers.
• Unique Attractions: From taking a scenic cable railway up a mountainside to visiting a local zoo or engaging in a guided day tour, there is no shortage of diverse tourist attractions to break up the drive.

Trip-Prep Questions: Is This Phoenix RV Route Worth It?

How many days do I need?

An 11-day timeframe is highly recommended for this 1,407 mi loop. It allows for an average of a few hours of driving each day, leaving plenty of time to set up camp, explore hiking areas, and engage in day tours without feeling rushed. Slow travel is the key to enjoying the Southwest.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. The contrast between the low-lying Sonoran Desert and the high-altitude volcanic plateaus provides a visual feast that changes daily. The blend of rich Native American history, Wild West lore, and striking geological formations makes this one of the most culturally and visually rewarding road trips in North America.

Who is this route for?

This itinerary is perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who appreciate a mix of history, geology, and outdoor recreation. Because it involves varied driving conditions—from flat desert highways to winding mountain roads—it is best suited for travelers who are comfortable managing an RV across changing elevations.

When is the best season to travel?

It is absolutely essential to emphasize the dynamic and extreme climates found across this region. The Southwest is a land of dramatic contrasts. While the desert lowlands around Phoenix and Tucson are beautifully mild in the winter, traversing the Mojave and Sonoran deserts during the peak of summer brings blistering, dangerous heat that can easily overtax a heavy vehicle. Conversely, the high elevations of Flagstaff and northern New Mexico routinely experience heavy snow and freezing temperatures during the winter months. Spring and Fall are generally the most reliable seasons for this specific loop, offering temperate weather across both the high and low elevations.

Booking Your Motorhome & Framing Your Expenses

When planning your Phoenix round-trip, selecting the right motorhome is your first major step. A mid-sized Class C or a nimble campervan is often ideal for navigating the varying terrain, from wide desert highways to tighter historical town centers. Because this is a round-trip journey starting and ending in Phoenix, you will not have to worry about one-way drop-off fees, which helps keep your overall rental rate straightforward.

However, you do need to account for mileage. The base distance of this route is 1,407 mi, but you should always factor in an extra 10-15% for scenic detours, campground runs, and exploring local attractions. When booking, check if your rental includes unlimited mileage or a set daily allowance, and calculate any overage fees accordingly. Beyond the vehicle rental, your primary expenses will include campground fees (a mix of state parks and private RV resorts is recommended), fuel, groceries, and entrance fees for museums and natural sites. For live pricing, specific vehicle availability, and to secure your motorhome, utilize the tools provided by RV PLANET.

Ready to Ride the Green Road?

Embarking on this 11-day journey through the heart of the American Southwest is an experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the region's natural beauty and complex history. By traveling at your own pace in a motorhome, you have the freedom to chase desert sunsets and wake up beside ancient volcanic landscapes. To lock in your vehicle, review specific campground recommendations, and access the full day-by-day itinerary, visit RV PLANET and start planning your ultimate desert expedition 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 1-3 — The Sonoran Desert & Southern Arizona

~300–400 mi across this leg

Ease into RV life by navigating the classic, saguaro-studded landscapes of the lower desert while exploring early frontier history.

Days 4-6 — Crossing into the Land of Enchantment

~350–450 mi across this leg

Climb toward the high-altitude mesas of New Mexico, experiencing a dramatic shift from arid plains to colorful, rugged topography and geothermal features.

Days 7-9 — High Elevations & Volcanic Landscapes

~300–400 mi across this leg

Navigate the cooler, pine-forested elevations of the Colorado Plateau, taking time for outdoor adventures among ancient volcanic craters and caves.

Days 10-11 — Route 66 & The Return to the Valley of the Sun

~200–300 mi across this leg

Channel the nostalgia of the great American road trip along historic highways as you descend back into the warmth of the Phoenix area.

Verified RV logistics for this route

• Average daily drive: roughly 128 mi/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
• Fuel stops: expect at least 4 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
• Dump stations: plan 3 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 11-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,407 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Phoenix → Phoenix pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Motorhomes available in Phoenix for this route

These are real vehicles in our Phoenix pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.

Check availability and book this route

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

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