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Roadtrip with RVshare Reno to Salt Lake City

If you want to take a road trip from Reno to Salt Lake City, the starting point is just 20 miles from Lake Tahoe. The "Biggest Little City in the World" is filled with world-class casinos and museums. As you travel east through the Nevada desert, you will be amazed by the changing landscape that end with the beautiful mountain vistas of Salt Lake City. It's a majestic city, and it offers plenty of things to see and do. With this Reno to Salt Lake City road trip itinerary, you will be dazzled by the best sights and attractions throughout these states. 

Reno to Salt Lake City Road Trip Itinerary

  • Trip Length: 8 hours
  • Mileage: 518 miles
  • Fun Fact: For a big part of this Reno to Salt Lake City road trip, you will travel on Interstate 80. This east-west transcontinental highway was designated in 1956, and it was one of the Interstate Highway System's original routes.

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Nearby National Parks

You will want to spend a couple of days at some of the national parks that are on this Reno to Salt Lake City road trip. There are four national parks in Nevada, and Utah is home to five spectacular parks.

Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park was established in 1986, and it covers over 77,000 acres of land. Many visitors head to this park to view the ancient bristlecone pines and caves. If you want to see the local wildlife, there are several species of mammals, birds and reptiles at this spot. Great Basin National Park also features over 800 varieties of plants. For those who love to explore, this park also contains the Wheeler Peak Glacier. Throughout the year, this park offers plenty of summer and winter activities. Since the location is remote, it is the perfect place for stargazing. The park even offers a ranger-led astronomy program. 

Zion National Park

Located in the southwestern region of Utah, a little more than four hours away from Salt Lake City, you will want to visit Zion National Park. Humans have inhabited this area for over 8,000 years. There are various natural landscapes, such as cliffs, crags and canyons. If you love to hike the trails, then you might be up for a more challenging experience. The Narrows is one of the most popular spots to visit in the park and requires hikers to wade through a river to see the spectacular sight. While this hike may seem strenuous, there are trails designed for a variety of fitness levels. Zion National Park is the first national park in the state and hiking, canyoneering, climbing, and biking are some of the most popular activities here. If you want to learn more about the local area, the park offers guided walks and nature talks.

Nearby State Parks

Along with the national parks, there are a few state parks that you will want to visit on your Reno to Salt Lake City RV road trip. These relaxing spots are the perfect way to take a break from the road. 

East Canyon State Park

For many years, Native Americans inhabited the area surrounding East Canyon State Park. This location was also used by travelers on the Oregon Trail as a place to rest before continuing on their journey. East Canyon State Park was established in 1962. Hiking, fishing and camping are some exciting recreational activities at this park. If you want to enjoy a few water-based sports, you can rent a WaveRunner or a boat at this park.

Great Salt Lake State Park

This state park is known for the famous Great Salt Lake. Its waters are four times saltier than ocean water. If you love water activities, you will want to head to Great Salt Lake State Park. You can grab a sailboat, canoe or motorboat to explore the waters. With the Saltair Resort near the water, you can listen to a musical performance as you relax on the shores. At the visitor center, there is more information about the park's activities. 

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake area, and it is located in Antelope Island State Park. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, plains and shorelines. There also are plenty of recreational activities, including biking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, boating and swimming. Antelope Island contains a large area of native grassland, and pronghorn sheep, bison, coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer all live on the island.

Along the Way

On your Reno to Salt Lake City road trip itinerary, you will want to include the local points of interest. During your road trip, make sure to stop by the following fascinating locations and attractions. 

National Automobile Museum

If you love automobiles, then a visit to the National Automobile Museum in Reno is a must on your road trip from Reno to Salt Lake City. The museum opened in 1989, and many of the vehicles are part of William Harrah's collection. There are approximately 1,400 vehicles on display, and it is considered one of the largest collections in the world. 

Circus Circus Reno

Reno is known for its hotels and casinos, and the Circus Circus complex is one of the most famous in the city. This casino is located in Reno's downtown area, and it is the second-largest resort in town. With a name like Circus Circus, you can expect some fun and games. Throughout the day, you will see free circus acts that are performed right overhead in the casino. You can also visit the midway and try your hand at over 33 carnival games. 

Temple Square

In the center of Salt Lake City, you will find Temple Square. This 10-acre complex features several Mormon buildings, including the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake Assembly Hall, the Seagull Monument, Salt Lake Temple and a visitor center. Temple Square was recognized as a National Historic Landmark District in 1964.

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum consists of an arboretum, a botanical garden and an amphitheater. The University of Utah operates these buildings, and they are open throughout the year. Along with the gardens, there are also several miles of hiking trails.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

On this Reno to Salt Lake City road trip, you will pass through several cities in Nevada and Utah. These locations have plenty of clean and comfortable campgrounds. There are also a few dump stations available for those who need to make that necessary trip. 

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is on the border of Nevada and California. It is also a short drive from Reno. With its great location, Lake Tahoe is one of the top vacation destinations in the country. You can enjoy plenty of activities in the summer and winter. If you want to camp out in your RV, there are several facilities that will meet your vacation needs. From resort-style parks to public campgrounds, there are a couple of spots to enjoy the beautiful scenery at this popular scenic location. 

Elko

As you cross the Nevada landscape, you will pass through the city of Elko. It is located in the northeast section of the state, and it is home to Great Basin College. While you are in town, you will not want to miss the National Basque Festival or National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. If you want a peaceful setting for the night, there are some RV campgrounds near the Humboldt River. 

Provo

If you want to stay just outside the big city of Salt Lake City, you should think about visiting Provo. This town is located on the banks of Utah Lake. Brigham Young University is a major feature of the city. While in Provo, you can visit several world-renowned museums. For those who love to ski, this is a top destination in the state. There are also several campgrounds near the city that can help you relax after a busy day. For those who need to visit a dump station, there are also a few places located throughout the city.

Find Adventure from Reno to Salt Lake City

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Reno to Salt Lake City, 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 Reno or  Salt Lake City.