Route Overview

The Southwest’s iconic national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Sedona, form one of the most spectacular RV road trip loops in America. This 7-day journey covers approximately 1,100 miles of stunning desert landscapes, red rock formations, and dramatic canyon vistas. Start and end your adventure with a El Monte RV rental from Las Vegas and experience the Southwest’s most breathtaking scenery at your own pace.

This classic loop follows a clockwise route from Las Vegas through Arizona’s high desert into Utah’s canyon country before returning south. The total driving distance is approximately 1,100 miles over 7 days, with daily drives ranging from 2 to 5 hours.

Key Highlights:

• Sedona’s red rock formations and vortex sites
• Grand Canyon’s South Rim viewpoints
• Zion National Park’s towering sandstone cliffs
• Bryce Canyon’s unique hoodoo formations

Recommended Route: Las Vegas → Sedona → Flagstaff → Grand Canyon South Rim → Kanab → Zion National Park (via South Entrance) → Bryce Canyon → back to Las Vegas via I-15

Climate & Conditions Overview

Elevations range from 2,000 feet in Las Vegas to over 9,000 feet at Bryce Canyon, creating significant temperature variations.

Best Season: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable temperatures across all stops. Summer requires early morning starts due to extreme heat at lower elevations.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas to Sedona (280 miles, 4.5 hours)

Start your adventure by picking up your El Monte RV from the Las Vegas area. After orientation and loading your supplies, hit the road southeast on US-93 and I-40 toward Sedona. Rentals must be returned to the same location unless otherwise arranged.

Activities: Explore Red Rock State Park, visit Chapel of the Holy Cross, and drive through Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A.

Camping: Rancho Sedona RV Park or Lo Lo Mai Springs. Both offer full hookups and convenient trail access.

RV Tips: Park your RV at your campground and use a tow vehicle for exploring narrow downtown streets. Generator use is unlimited and included.

Day 2: Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim (112 miles, 2.5 hours)

Drive north through Flagstaff on US-89 and Highway 64 to reach the South Rim.

Activities: Walk the Rim Trail between Mather Point and Yavapai Point, watch sunset at Hopi Point, and visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Camping: Trailer Village RV Park (inside the park, book 6-12 months ahead) or Grand Canyon Camper Village in Tusayan.

Day 3: Grand Canyon South Rim (Rest Day)

Spend a full day exploring without driving.

Activities: Hike partway down Bright Angel Trail, drive Desert View Drive to see Watchtower, and attend a ranger program.

RV Tips: Start hikes early to avoid afternoon heat. Your RV’s generator powers the air conditioning during midday rest periods.

Day 4: Grand Canyon to Zion National Park via Kanab (255 miles, 4.5-5 hours)

Updated 2026 Route (due to tunnel restrictions):

• Grand Canyon → US-89A → Kanab (2.5 hours)
• Kanab → Hurricane, UT via US-89 and UT-9 (1.5 hours)
• Hurricane → Zion South Entrance (30 minutes)

Activities: Stop at Navajo Bridge for Colorado River views, and lunch in Kanab before a late-afternoon arrival at Zion National Park.

Camping: Zion River Resort or Watchman Campground (book via Recreation.gov).

RV Tips: Starting March 1, 2026, the Zion Canyon Shuttle runs daily, and private vehicles are prohibited on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. RVs over 19 feet cannot access Watchman Campground Loop A.

Day 5: Zion National Park (Rest Day)

Activities: Hike Angels Landing (permit required), walk The Narrows, or enjoy easier options like Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk.

2026 Angels Landing Permits: Apply for the seasonal lottery (spring applications close in February) or use the “Day-Before” lottery (opens daily at 12:01 AM MT, closes 3:00 PM MT). Cost is a $6 application fee plus $3 per person. Apply via Recreation.gov.

Day 6: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park (86 miles, 1.75 hours)

Drive on US-89 and Highway 12 to Utah’s highest elevation park.

Activities: Drive the 18-mile scenic road, stopping at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Bryce Point. Hike the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail through the hoodoos.

Camping: Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground or Bryce Canyon Pines.

RV Tips: Bryce sits at over 8,000 feet. Nights are cold even in summer. Pack traction cleats for spring and fall; trails can have black ice in the mornings, even in April.

Day 7: Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas (270 miles, 4 hours)

Return via I-15 north to Las Vegas. Drop off your RV at the El Monte Las Vegas location.

RV Tips: Break the drive with lunch in St. George. Download offline maps before leaving Kanab, as cell service is limited between Kanab and Bryce. Fuel up before I-15, as services are limited.

2026 Budget Breakdown

2026 Fuel Forecast: National averages expected around $2.97/gallon, though Arizona, Nevada, and Utah typically run $3.10 to $3.40.

RV Class Comparison for This Trip

All El Monte RV rentals include unlimited generator use. Monthly rentals include up to 1,500 miles, and this loop uses approximately 1,100 miles.

Essential 2026 Packing List

Clothing Layers

• Warm jackets for Bryce mornings (30–40°F)
• Shorts for hot desert hikes (90–105°F)
• Rain gear for afternoon thunderstorms

Safety & Technology

• Traction cleats for spring/fall (black ice on trails)
• Digital offline maps (no cell service between Kanab and Bryce)
• Portable power bank (cold drains batteries)
• Quality hiking boots and sun protection

FAQ

Are there many factors to consider when planning the cost of a Southwest RV trip?

Yes, several factors can influence your total Southwest RV road trip budget, including fuel, campground fees, permits and food costs.

Fuel costs vary by RV class and typically range from $350 to $550 for this loop. Class B motorhomes offer the best fuel economy at 15–20 MPG, while Class A motorhomes average 6–10 MPG. Class C motorhomes fall in between at 10–14 MPG.

Campground fees depend on your preference for amenities. National park campgrounds cost $20–$50 per night but offer limited hookups. Private RV parks with full amenities range from $40–$85 per night.

Permits and park entrance fees add modest costs. Angels Landing permits cost $6 application fee plus $3 per person. National park entrance fees are $35 per vehicle, or you can purchase an annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which covers all parks.

Food costs decrease significantly when you cook in your RV rather than dining at restaurants. Most travelers save 50–70% on meals by preparing food in their motorhome kitchen.

Travel extras like camping chairs, GPS navigation, or kitchen kits enhance comfort and are available through El Monte Travel Extras.

Is mileage included with El Monte RV Rentals?

Yes, mileage is included with an El Monte Rental. El Monte's long-term rentals include up to 1,500 miles per month. This Southwest loop covers approximately 1,100 miles, leaving 400 miles for side trips, local exploration, or detours to additional attractions. For shorter rental periods, mileage packages vary, so review your rental agreement for specific details.

Is Summer Too Hot for a Southwest RV Loop?

Yes, summer presents significant heat challenges within the southwest RV loop, however it's manageable with planning. Las Vegas and Sedona regularly exceed 100°F in July and August, while Zion can reach 105°F. Only Bryce Canyon offers relief due to its high elevation.

Summer travel strategies include:

• Starting hikes at dawn (6–7 AM) before temperatures peak
• Returning to your air-conditioned RV during midday heat (11 AM–4 PM)
• Staying well-hydrated with at least 1 gallon of water per person per day
• Taking advantage of unlimited generator use to run AC throughout the day

Better travel windows: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer temperatures in the 70s to 80s, comfortable evenings, smaller crowds, and easier campground availability.

Are Permits or Reservations Required for This Southwest Trip?

Yes, permits and reservations are required for most destinations along the southwest route. Advance planning is essential for popular sites.

Campground reservations:

• Trailer Village (Grand Canyon): Book 6–12 months ahead via Visit Grand Canyon
• Watchman Campground (Zion): Book up to 6 months ahead via Recreation.gov
• Private RV parks: Book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season

Hiking permits for 2026:

• Angels Landing requires a permit obtained through either a seasonal lottery (apply by February for spring dates) or day-before lottery (12:01 AM–3:00 PM MT daily). Application costs $6 plus $3 per person via Recreation.gov
• The Narrows (day hikes): No permit required
• Grand Canyon day hikes: No permit required

Pro tip: Book campgrounds and permits when you reserve your RV rental. Popular sites sell out quickly for spring and fall travel.

Is there an RV Class that is Best for National Park Touring?

Yes, there is an RV Class that is generally considered bed for National Park Touring; the class C motorhome. Class C motorhomes offer the best balance for national park travel. At 24–30 feet, they're manageable on park roads, include overhead sleeping space, achieve better fuel economy than Class A (10–14 MPG vs. 6–10 MPG), and park more easily at trailheads.

Class B vans excel for couples prioritizing fuel economy (15–20 MPG) and easy navigation of narrow streets in towns like Sedona. However, they provide limited interior space.

Class A motorhomes maximize space for large families but present challenges on tight park roads and significantly higher fuel costs.

All classes include unlimited generator use and essential amenities. Choose your RV class based on group size, fuel budget, and parking priorities.

Keep in mind that entrance fees at U.S. national parks vary by location. Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents visiting select high-visitation parks are subject to an additional $100 per person fee (age 16+) beyond standard entrance costs. Travelers planning multiple park visits within a year may want to consider the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, available for $80 (U.S. residents) or $250 (non-residents). This pass covers both standard entrance fees and the additional $100 non-resident fee at applicable parks. Visit nps.gov to verify current pricing and requirements before your visit.

Ready to explore the Southwest’s most iconic national parks? Start planning your adventure with an El Monte RV rental and discover why this classic loop remains one of America’s most beloved road trips.