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Roadtrip with RVshare Joshua Tree to Boise

A Joshua Tree to Boise road trip is a great option that allows you to see a portion of the Midwest. On this trip, you will head north to Las Vegas to see some shows and sites. When you are ready to continue with the trip, take US-93 North into Idaho until you reach Twin Falls. From there, you will head west on I-84 to reach Boise. During this trip, you can even make a slight detour near Las Vegas so that you can stop at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It's an amazing place to visit, and it is not that far off the route that it will make much of a difference in travel time. 

Joshua Tree to Boise Road Trip Itinerary

  • Trip Length: 12 hours and 25 minutes
  • Mileage: 809 miles
  • Fun Fact: Idaho has over 4.7 million acres of wilderness, which is more area than the three smallest states in the country combined.

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Nearby National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

Since this road trip itinerary from Joshua Tree to Boise begins at Joshua Tree National Park, that is the first place that you will spend some time exploring. Some of the main attractions in the park are the Joshua trees that the park is named after. They have a very Dr. Seuss look to them, and you will definitely want to get a picture of them during your visit. There are several hiking trails in the park, including several small trails that are less than a mile, as well as more strenuous trails that are nearly eight miles in one direction. Bird-watching is also a fun activity to do in the park.

Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park is a relatively new national park that has over 77,000 acres of land to explore. It is home to Wheeler Peak Glacier, which is the southernmost glacier in the northern hemisphere. There are also quite a few caves in the park that you can explore. There are tours into Lehman Caves that you can book with a park ranger. These tours last between 60 and 90 minutes, so make sure to set aside enough time to enjoy one of them. You can take a scenic drive through the park or spend some time hiking some of the trails. The Alpine Lakes Loop Trail has great views of Wheeler Peak. If you have the chance to visit the park at night, this is one of the best places in North America to see parts of the Milky Way without a telescope. The low light pollution and the park's high elevation allow you to see five planets when the sky is clear. 

Nearby State Parks

Valley of Fire State Park

The first state park on this road trip from Joshua Tree to Boise is Valley of Fire State Park. The park is located in southwest Nevada, and it covers roughly 46,000 acres. It is called Valley of Fire State Park because of the red Aztec sandstone formations found there. There are also petroglyphs that can be spotted throughout the park. You will find miles of trails that you can explore and see a lot of wildlife in the park during your visit. If you are lucky, you may even see one of the rare species that reside in the area, like the desert tortoise. 

Three Island Crossing State Park

Three Island Crossing State Park is an Idaho state park that is located on the Snake River. It was a crossing used for travel until 1869 when a ferry was constructed farther upstream. You can learn about the Oregon Trail History at this park as you take a self-guided tour. Fishing, bird-watching, hiking, and biking are activities that can be enjoyed in the park. There are also options to play disc golf, horseshoes, volleyball, and more.

Bruneau Dunes State Park

Bruneau Dunes State Park is a great place to explore the sand dunes in this area. You can hike through the dunes in the park, and if you have a sandboard, you can even slide down the dunes; kids and adults will have a blast enjoying this activity. You can also do some fishing at the lakes that are located below the dunes in the park. Because of the park's remote location, this is a great place to go stargazing as well.

Along the Way

Mojave Trails National Monument

The Mojave Trails National Monument is an area that spans more than 1.6 million acres. In the area, you can see rugged mountains, sand dunes, and lava flows. It is the longest stretch of undeveloped land that you can find along Route 66, and it's a great place to go hiking, biking, horseback riding, climbing, and hunting.

Cima Dome and Volcanic Field National Natural Landmark

Cima Dome and Volcanic Field National Natural Landmark is located in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. The volcanic field covers about 230 square miles and consists of up to 100 volcanic cones and lava flows. The youngest cone was formed over 15,000 years ago, so there is no activity that you need to worry about during your visit. 

Seven Magic Mountains

The Seven Magic Mountains is a piece of art comprising stacked boulders that stand more than 30 feet in the air. This exhibit opened to the public in 2016, and each boulder is brightly colored so that it attracts the eye of visitors. The towers vary in size, and you can see the mountains behind them, which makes a memorable picture. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Las Vegas, Nevada

The first city you will want to visit on this Joshua Tree to Boise RV road trip is Las Vegas. Adults can enjoy the casinos, take in some shows, and more in this city. Some of the city's top attractions include the Freemont Experience, gondola rides at the Venetian, the fountain show at the Bellagio, the High Roller at the Linq, and the shark reef aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

You are going to want to stay in Las Vegas for more than a night, so make sure you have an idea of the campgrounds near Las Vegas where you would like to stay. Most of the campgrounds in the area have pools that you can use to keep cool in the desert heat that you experience in this city. Look for a dump station in the area as well that is either free to use or only has a small fee.

Wells, Nevada

Wells is a relatively small city that is great for hiking enthusiasts because there are several trails nearby. Other points of interest in the city include the 12 Mile Hot Spring, which is about 40 feet long and will accommodate several people at once. There are also several places nearby where you can go fishing or sailing. 

If you need a Nevada campground, there are plenty in the area that you can consider. Most have pools that can help keep you cool in the summer, and there are several dump stations in Wells that you can use if you need to offload your wastewater. 

Twin Falls, Idaho

Twin Falls is home to some amazing waterfalls, but when you visit the city, there is much more that you can see and do. You can enjoy hiking the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail, explore Sawtooth National Forest, relax in Harmon Park, or attempt rock climbing at Centennial Waterfront Park. There are also disc golf courses and golf courses that you can use in the area. 

Twin Falls campgrounds are plentiful, so be ready to choose one that can accommodate your family’s needs. Oregon Trail Campground is ideal for those who love spending time outdoors, and Nat-Soo-Pah Hot Springs and RV Park is great for relaxation and refreshing your body before heading out on the road again. Many of the campgrounds in the area also have a dump station that guests can use for free. Booking one of these campgrounds means that you will not need to go out of your way to get rid of your wastewater.

Find Adventure from Joshua Tree to Boise

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Joshua Tree to Boise, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Joshua Tree or Boise.