A Phoenix to Reno road trip is a great idea if you want to see some lovely country in Arizona and Nevada. California is close enough to your route for you to explore as well—especially in regard to national parks. You’ll be able to take in your fair share of awesome state parks and tourist destinations as well on this road trip from Phoenix to Reno.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is only about two and a half hours from Kingman, Arizona, so how could you resist adding this iconic national park to your road trip itinerary from Phoenix to Reno? More than 1 million acres of this world-famous gorge carved over time by the Colorado River are on proud display at this park. Visitors enjoy exploring by hiking, backpacking, biking, and horseback riding. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even raft down the Colorado River.
Zion National Park
Once you’re finished exploring Sin City, you can travel three hours northeast to Zion National Park. The stunning stretch of Zion Canyon is home to great features like the Narrows, the Court of the Patriarchs, and Weeping Rock. There are plenty of beautiful trails to choose from, so you’ll be able to have a fun adventure whether you hike on the short nature trail to Weeping Rock or the strenuous path along the East Rim. No visit to Zion is complete without a wading walk through the Narrows, which is a gorge with 1,000-foot walls formed by the Virgin River.
Death Valley National Park
Only 10 minutes west of Beatty, Nevada, you’ll find the extreme environment contained in Death Valley National Park. The park’s name is an accurate description of the barren desolation you’ll find here. If you want to visit the place where the hottest temperature on Earth was recorded, then Death Valley is a must-see on your Phoenix to Reno RV road trip. In spite of—or, perhaps, because of—the harsh conditions in this park, numerous adventurers flock here each year to visit features like Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Badwater Basin, and Desolation Canyon.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is arguably the greatest national park in a string of national parks that runs the length of California. You can reach a back entrance into Yosemite with only two hours of travel west of Coaldale, Nevada. Legendary features like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley are ripe for exploration. Waterfalls, wilderness, ancient sequoia groves, and more make this a popular national park for obvious reasons.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Just because you’ve technically reached the end of your road trip from Phoenix to Reno doesn’t mean that you can’t still drive two and a half hours northwest to Lassen Volcanic National Park. If you want to experience the wonder of active volcanoes and other geothermal and hydrothermal features, then Lassen is the place to go. Geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, thermal springs, and more await you here.
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake State Park is about an hour and 15 minutes from Congress, Arizona. Alamo Lake is the main attraction, so it’s a great place to go fishing, boating, and swimming. Wildlife viewing is also popular here; if you keep your eyes open, you might catch sight of a bald eagle or two. If you just want to relax, you can rent a ramada pavilion and have a cookout.
Lake Havasu State Park
If you travel an hour southwest of Kingman, Arizona, you’ll be able to visit beautiful Lake Havasu State Park. Lake Havasu itself is a popular place for the usual water sports; there are also some lovely trails that go around the lake and through the desert. Lake Havasu City and the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge are nearby, so you can explore those places after you’ve seen the sights here.
Jerome State Historic Park
Those willing to travel two hours east of Congress, Arizona, will be able to explore the fascinating world of Jerome State Historic Park. If you’ve ever wanted to tour the home of a mining mogul and learn more about mining history in the Old West, then Jerome State Historic Park is a necessary addition to your Phoenix to Reno RV road trip.
Valley of Fire State Park
Less than an hour northeast of Las Vegas is stunning Valley of Fire State Park. This region’s red sandstone rocks are showcased to their best advantage here; you’ll also be able to see a variety of desert flora and fauna. Multiple hiking trails take you through this stunning landscape and past petroglyphs from ancient cultures.
Donner Memorial State Park
If you wish to make your road trip from Phoenix to Reno a little longer, all you have to do is travel a little over 30 minutes past Reno to Donner Memorial State Park in California. In addition to learning more about the famous Donner Party, you can also take in exhibits about local Native American history and natural history. Hiking, swimming, boating, and more are popular here.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
A couple of minutes from Litchfield Park, Arizona, and right off your route is Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park. As the park’s name implies, there are plenty of fun things to do thanks to the many species, rides, and attractions found here. In addition to seeing more than 600 species of animals, you’ll be able to ride features like the African Safari Train and Skyride.
Desert Caballeros Western Museum
The Desert Caballeros Western Museum is only several minutes off your route in Wickenburg, Arizona. Numerous art and history exhibits here tell fascinating stories about life in the Old West. Guided and self-guided tours of the museum are offered; you can also buy art and souvenirs in the museum's two shops.
Las Vegas Strip
This 4-mile stretch in Sin City 10 minutes south of downtown Vegas needs little introduction. Numerous casinos, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and more line this official National Scenic Byway. Great places like Circus Circus, Treasure Island, Paris, the Bellagio, and Excalibur await you in glitzy, shiny Las Vegas.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
About an hour and 45 minutes west of Goldfield, Nevada, is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. The pines here are 4,000 years old, so they make those old sequoias at Yosemite look young in comparison. These uniquely twisted trees grow in an inhospitable moonscape environment, so exploring the area is fascinating.
Lake Tahoe
No road trip itinerary from Phoenix to Reno is complete without a visit to lovely Lake Tahoe. The quickest way to get there is directly from Reno as you only have to drive 45 minutes to reach this popular destination. It’s America’s largest alpine lake as well as a mecca for winter sports.
Litchfield Park, AZ
Litchfield Park is a suburb in the Phoenix area, so there are plenty of great places to visit like Wildlife World Zoo and Wigwam Golf Resort. Nearby dump stations and campgrounds make RVing easy here.
Surprise, AZ
Surprise is also close to Phoenix, so it’s no surprise that you can find fun attractions like Surprise Stadium, which hosts spring training for the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers baseball teams. Plenty of dump stations and campgrounds are in the area.
Wickenburg, AZ
Wickenburg is home to interesting destinations like the Hassayampa River Preserve and Vulture Peak Trail. You won’t have to work hard to find good dump stations and campgrounds close by.
Kingman, AZ
In Kingman, you can visit the Historic Route 66 Museum and the Desert Diamond Distillery. You’ll easily be able to find dump stations and campgrounds within driving distance.
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is known for the Strip, but you can also explore fascinating venues like the Neon Museum and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Because so many travelers visit Vegas every year, there are plenty of great dump stations and campgrounds in the area.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Phoenix to Reno, 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 Phoenix or Reno.
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