Roadtrip with RVshare Las Vegas to Albuquerque

Everyone knows how exciting Las Vegas, Nevada can be as there's plenty to see and do in Sin City and its surroundings. If you want to take the fun to the next level, consider an RV road trip from Las Vegas to Albuquerque. It provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert, some fascinating historical landmarks, and plenty of interesting sites along the journey.

Nearby National Parks

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is a lesser-known gem in Arizona, but it's a stop you'll want to make during a road trip from Las Vegas to Albuquerque. You can stop and stretch your legs on the newly opened backcountry trails. This park also features Puerco Pueblo, where you can explore a 100-room pueblo from over 600 years ago and see the petroglyphs left by ancient people. Other trails show off the Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, and giant logs of petrified wood. 

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a little off the main route, but when you're this close, it becomes a must-see addition to your Las Vegas to Albuquerque road trip itinerary. Experience the view from multiple points, including Mather Point, Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio, and the Yavapai Observation Station. You'll enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the canyon and the Colorado River, best experienced at sunrise or sunset. If you like hiking, be sure to check out the trails like the Canyon Rim Trail and the Greenway Trail system. You can also catch a shuttle at the visitors center. The Grand Canyon offers first-class lodging and camping along the South Rim. 

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located outside Bloomfield, New Mexico. This is a park that puts the engineering and organizational skills of the Ancient Puebloan people on full display. It offers guided tours where you'll learn some of the most prominent stories of the area; you can also choose to enjoy the beauty on your own by exploring the hiking and biking trails. Be sure to check out the museum collection, which offers archeological research that tells stories of the prehistoric occupants to the mid-1900s. It's divided into separate sections for objects and archives.

Nearby State Parks

Riordan Mansion State Historical Park

Riordan Mansion State Historical Park in Flagstaff features a mansion that was built in 1904 by the Riordan brothers. These two lumber barons contributed greatly to the early development of Northern Arizona. The house was quite a sight for its time, with indoor plumbing, central heating, and electric lights. This is a 5-acre area that will carry you back into history as you explore the grounds. Be sure to bring warm clothes, though, as it is located at a high elevation and could get a little chilly.

Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park in Arizona started as an apple orchard in Oak Creek Canyon. During the season, you can still enjoy apples from the orchards and see the historic cabins. Your visit would not be complete without a trip down the 80-foot rockslide into the refreshing pool of water below, which is a delightful place to swim or wade. If you're not looking to get wet, enjoy the hiking trails around the orchards. 

Bluewater State Park

Bluewater State Park is in Prewitt, New Mexico. There is a beautiful, serene lake where you can enjoy hiking and camping. There are spots for horseback riding and observing birds, and if you enjoy fishing, this is a leading area for catching tiger muskies. Plan on taking a nice break with camping areas to park your RV for the night as well as a playground and visitor center to help you find your way around.

Along the Way

Lowell Observatory

The Lowell Observatory, located in Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the United States. It was established in 1894 and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965. This is a fascinating stop along your journey, where you can take an expedition through the stars. They have an open-deck observatory, a 24-inch refractor, and a 24-inch telescope to help you see what's out there. You'll also learn about the search and discovery of Pluto which happened here. 

Bearizona Wildlife Park

If you're ready to take a breather from the drive and get a little wild, consider visiting Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Arizona. This is a wonderful way to spend a few hours learning about a wide variety of animals. You can drive through a 3-mile route at your own pace so you can observe the wildlife. After that, enjoy the walk-through area and see smaller animals, babies, and a petting zoo. Then, you can go into a special cave where a viewing window allows you to see into the bears' den.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is a concrete facility blocking the Colorado River at the Black Canyon that also spans the border of Nevada and Arizona. It's a magnificent site with a fascinating history, and you can take a guided tour to learn about the construction of the dam. It has a collection of museum items, photographs, and news clippings. You can also walk over to the middle of the dam and stand with one foot in Nevada and one in Arizona while taking note of the time zone difference between the two.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Kingman, Arizona

Kingman, Arizona, is a nice town along Route 66, a route that's steeped in history. Be sure to check out the Route 66 Museum and learn some of the stories. You can also enjoy the historic background of the Bonneli House by taking a guided tour. The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area covers over 11,000 acres with trails you can explore. Kingman is also home to the Giganticus Headicus sculpture, found at the visitor center. If you need a dump station by this point in your journey, you can use the one at the Flying J Travel Center on Andy Devine Avenue. They offer this service for only $10, and the fuel pumps are easily accessible for recreational vehicles. If you plan to spend the night in Kingman, check out the beautiful Zuni Village RV Park. It features plenty of shade along with an outdoor swimming pool, tables for picnicking, and free Wi-Fi. 

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff, Arizona, is a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and ponderosa pine trees. It's also the home of Arizona’s tallest mountain. The summer weather temperatures only climb up to the 80s, so you'll enjoy the feeling of crisp mountain air and sapphire skies. The summer season offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking trails, and viewing wildlife. The colder winter months open the opportunity for skiing. You can also enjoy the arts, culture, and local cuisine in the area. If you need a dump station near Flagstaff, you can use this service free at Speedway. They also have potable water you can use for refills. If you plan to camp in beautiful Flagstaff, consider the Woody Mountain RV Park & Campground. They feature full hookups, showers, cell reception, and Wi-Fi. 

Gallup, New Mexico

Gallup, New Mexico, is a beautiful area filled with red sandstone cliffs. Be sure to visit the Red Rock Museum to learn about the Anasazi heritage with their impressive displays of silver and pottery. There's also the Gallup Cultural Center, which features a range of cultural exhibits and crafts. The Navajo Code Talkers Museum is packed with epic stories about the history of these proud warriors. If you want to use an RV dump station while in town, one is readily available at the Red Rock State Park that requires a $4 fee, or you can take care of it for free at the Babe Ruth Park Rest Area. The perfect place to camp if you decide to spend the night would be at the USA RV Park. It's situated right on the highway, and it offers full hookups, pull-through sites, and a swimming pool.

Find Adventure from Las Vegas to Albuquerque

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Albuquerque, 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 Las Vegas or Albuquerque. For the trip back, see this article on Albuquerque to Las Vegas.