Road Trip with RVshare Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest

You'll pass through the states of California, Arizona, and New Mexico when you embark on a road trip from Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest. The Western U.S. is dominated by mountains and deserts, and preserves like Yosemite, Death Valley, and Grand Canyon national parks present ample opportunities to explore while you travel. There's also plenty of history to discover in the cities you'll traverse, allowing for the opportunity to learn a little more about this fascinating region of the country as you make your way toward your destination.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Quartzite, Arizona

Quartzsite is best known as a prime RV destination and is especially popular in the winter. The RVers who frequent the city are a mix of people who are taking a break from seasonal work and people who are traveling the countryside for fun. There are nine major gem shows that take place each year, and the highlight of the year is the two-month-long gem show and swap meet that takes place every January and February. Quartzsite is the home of the Arizona Peace Trail, a series of off-road loop trails that extends for 750 miles. The La Paz County Park offers riverfront and river-view RV sites, and you can easily utilize dump stations in the local area.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is often named the Valley of the Sun. The city is home to a great number of historical, recreational, and cultural centers and venues, and everyone can find something to do in Papago Park. The Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo are both inside this huge recreational park, which includes 7 acres of fishing ponds, golf courses, sports facilities, hills, trails, and rock formations. The Covered Wagon RV Park is close to shopping centers, and it offers plenty of amenities. Phoenix is at a midpoint on your road trip itinerary from Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest, and it may be time to find a dump station before you reach your destination.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico. It was founded as a Spanish settlement, and its Old Town district features narrow streets, historic adobe buildings, and plenty of eateries that serve sopaipilla pastries and enchiladas. Some interesting attractions include the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Albuquerque Museum. There are many options for using a dump station if you need one. Balloon View RV Park has a pool and other amenities and is close to both downtown Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains.

National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is named for the Joshua tree, which is found in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and California, as well as those in northwestern Mexico. The Joshua tree is not actually a tree; it's a yucca plant of the agave species. Joshua Tree National Park is a large park that contains 790,636 acres of mostly desert, and visitors come to hike among the trees, view the rock walls, and camp under the stars. Popular sites in the park include Hidden Valley, with its plenteous Joshua trees and rock formations, and the scenic point of Keys View, which provides spectacular views of the San Andreas fault line, the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and Coachella Valley. 

Grand Canyon National Park

There is no other natural wonder quite like the Grand Canyon. The largest canyon in the U.S., the Grand Canyon is 277 feet long and 18 miles wide at its greatest width, and it's known for its colorful hues, rock formations, and vegetation throughout the gorge. The Colorado River, which flows through the canyon, changes colors from blue to emerald green to brown for each season. The Grand Canyon National Park contains both the South Rim and the North Rim portions of the canyon. The West Rim is managed by the Hualapai Nation, and the Havasupai Canyon area of the Grand Canyon is managed by the Havasupai Nation. The South Rim is the more visited area of the canyon. There, you'll find plentiful lodging and amenities. You can walk along the rim trail and utilize the hop-on, hop-off shuttles that run beside the rim, and there are numerous trails that descend into the interior of the canyon. The North Rim is higher in elevation and less crowded, but it also has numerous trails. There are three campgrounds in the Grand Canyon: Indian Garden Campground, which is on the Bright Angel Trail; Cottonwood Campground, which is on the North Kaibab Trail; and Bright Angel Campground, which is at the bottom of the canyon. The Phantom Ranch, which has a dormitory, restaurant, and store, is also at the bottom of the canyon. 

Nearby State Parks

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto State Park is located in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. The summit of Mount San Jacinto rises 10,804 feet in elevation and is the highest peak in the San Jacinto range and the second highest in Southern California. The park is only a few hours from Los Angeles and San Diego, and it offers a beautiful respite among meadows, subalpine forests, and peaks of granite. You can easily access the summit via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a fully rotating tram that ascends over two miles to Mountain Station at the top. From here, you can enjoy amenities like restaurants, a museum, observation decks, documentary theaters, and an extensive system of hiking trails. The Pacific Coast Trail, which stretches from the Canadian and Oregon border to the California and Mexican border, runs through the park. 

Homolovi State Park

When you visit Homolovi State Park on your Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest road trip, you'll be able to go back in time to a significant era in the Hopi people's history. The park is a combination of an archeological dig and a natural preserve. There are more than 300 archaeological sites within the park, including four that are considered major 14th-century pueblos. There are several walking and hiking trails that lead to the dig sites, a visitor center, a museum, several scenic pullouts, and a campground. 

Bluewater Lake State Park

Bluewater Lake State Park is a prime destination for anglers who cast their lines for tiger muskie, cutthroat and rainbow trout, and catfish in Bluewater Lake. There are around 70 species of resident and migratory birds within the park, and bird-watching is a popular activity. Visitors can hike, bike, and ride horses and enjoy viewing the beautiful landscapes afforded by the pinion and juniper trees against the backdrop of the Yuni Mountains. 

Along the Way

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park has the distinction of being the park with the most "-est" to its name: the largest, driest, hottest, and lowest of the national parks in the contiguous U.S. Death Valley National Park has an altitude of -228.2 feet below sea level, as measured inside Badwater Basin, and routinely has temperatures above 113 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The landscape inside the park is varied and includes valleys, canyons, sand dunes, salt flats, wildflowers, and saltwater oases that are home to the pupfish fish. Visitors can hike along the Telescope Peak Trail, view the hundreds of rattlesnakes at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and walk around the salt mounds of Devil's Gold Course.

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Papago Park in Phoenix, AZ, and is a great place to take a break from your Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest RV road trip. The garden has a large repository of approximately 50,000 plants that are representative of more than 4,000 species, including numerous agave and cacti. The desert plants originate both locally and internationally, and the center features collections from the U.S., South America, Australia, and other countries. Not only can visitors enjoy the beauty of the gardens, but they can also learn about the plants while taking one of the five themed walks. You can view displays and partake of lectures and workshops on nature art, cooking, desert landscaping, wellness, and more.

Sandia Peak Tramway

The Sandia Peak Tramway is an aerial tramway that is the longest in the U.S. and the third-longest in the world. It stretches from northeast Albuquerque to Sandia Peak on the Sandia Mountains. It climbs the highest side of the western slopes of the Sandia Mountains up to an elevation of 10,368 feet above sea level in 15 minutes. Passengers are treated to an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of Albuquerque and the greater Rio Grande Valley.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest, 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 Riverside or Santa Fe National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest?

To plan an RV road trip from Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Riverside to Santa Fe National Forest. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!