Your Trip At a Glance
- Trip Length: 8 hours
- Mileage: 525 miles
-
Fun fact: Tracy Aviary, which is located in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, is the largest and oldest aviary in the country.
A Salt Lake City to Denver road trip is an exciting journey that will offer the opportunity to see several parks and outdoor places along the way. The trip starts and ends in two major cities in the western part of the country, but traveling from one to the other in an RV will give you plenty of opportunities to see the great outdoors while traveling in comfort. There are also several national forests along the way. If you are looking to pursue the most scenic route, you'll want to go south down I-15 and then travel east on I-70 for the majority of the trip.
Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route
Provo, UT
Provo is a suburb of Salt Lake City that you'll go through when you start out on this road trip. It's home to Brigham Young University, as well as several museums and ski resorts. Provo campgrounds are relatively easy to find, and Lakeside RV Campground is ideal for those who plan to fish and boat during their stay. It‘s a family-owned campground that has over 120 sites for RVers to use. There's a pool for guests to enjoy when it’s hot outside, and pets are permitted at this location if you take your fur babies camping with you.
Grand Junction, CO
Grand Junction is the largest city in the western part of the state of Colorado. Because of the rivers and the trails that can be found near this city, Grand Junction is a place where RVers are known to gather and spend their time. One of the reasons that many congregate in this town is for Colorado’s annual music festival here. After enjoying Grand Junction, you may need one of Grand Junction's dump stations to empty your gray and black water before you continue on your road trip.
Glenwood Springs, CO
Glenwood Springs is a town in Colorado that's known for a number of activities. You can explore the Glenwood Canyon, go fishing, hike some trails or enjoy rafting or kayaking down the river. If you find Glenwood Springs campgrounds to stay in for a few days in the winter, you can get in some snow activities or warm up by taking a dip in one of the many hot springs in the area. There are aerial adventures like zip-lining, paragliding, and skydiving available for those that are looking for something a little more thrilling. There's also an adventure park with cave tours, thrill rides, and other attractions to see.
Silver Plume, CO
Silver Plume is a former mining town in the state of Colorado. The town is actually positioned in a narrow canyon that's approximately 9,000 feet in width. It's part of the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic District. There are hiking trails that are worth exploring, as well as monuments that can be seen at the entrance of the mine. If small towns like this one interest you during your travels, then you may want to find campgrounds in Silver Plume where you can stay for a day or two to take in the area.
Top RV Rentals Near Salt Lake City, Utah
National Parks
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is filled with cliffs, canyons, and rock formations that you'll want to see up close during your Salt Lake City to Denver RV road trip. You can find over 2,700 fruit trees in the park that you can pick from if you choose. Biking, hiking, and horseback riding are also common activities guests enjoy while in the park.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah. It’s made up of breathtaking canyons, mesas, and endless crevasses. While biking and hiking are favorite activities for the park, stargazing is another popular activity after the sun sets.
Arches National Park
Another must-see national park you'll encounter on this road trip itinerary from Salt Lake City to Denver is Arches National Park. Within this park, there are more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches that make for very picturesque views. Hiking and horseback riding are some of the recreational activities that guests enjoy.
Nearby State Parks
Deer Creek State Park
Deer Creek State Park is a park located in Utah on the Deer Creek Reservoir. At this location, you can swim, fish, boat, and windsurf on the water. There are also hiking trails, zip lines, and other land activities that you can pursue during your stay at the park.
Yuba State Park
Yuba State Park is another oasis that you can enjoy in the desert. It opened in 1971 as a state park, and there are two zip lines that you can use to see the surrounding area from above. You can also swim, fish, and hike in the park if you would like to spend some time outdoors during your travels.
Green River State Park
If you enjoy rafting on a river, then Green River State Park is another must for your trip. In total, you can raft across 120 miles of river, or you can take in the water from the shore. There are plenty of options to fish or watch for birds in the park. If golfing is a favorite pastime of yours, you can even take advantage of the course on the park's grounds.
Rifle Falls State Park
Once you cross the state line into Colorado, start looking for Rifle Falls State Park. It's a lush, green area with cascading waterfalls and limestone caves that you can explore for hours. Visitors can hunt, hike, fish, and bike in this area, and there are also winter activities to pursue in the snow.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a park that features 36 miles of hiking trails and 22 miles of bike trails that you can explore. Horseback riding, fishing, and rock climbing are also great activities that you can participate in here. You can also get an up-close look at wildlife like moose, pine squirrels, elk, black bears, and mountain lions in the park.
Along the Way
Colorado National Monument
The Colorado National Monument is a sheer canyon that cuts into the rock formations near Grand Junction. The monument is comprised of a full 20,500 acres that's full of canyons, trails and other natural sites. This is a great area to take a bike ride if you brought one along on your travels.
Hanging Lake Park
Hanging Lake Park is a location with a rare geological formation that's located in Glenwood Canyon. To get to the falls, you'll have to climb a steep but rewarding 1.2-mile trail that's a bit unforgiving for those who lack experience. The site was named a national natural landmark in the year 2011. You do have to make a reservation ahead of time to hike Hanging Lake.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
During your road trip from Salt Lake City to Denver, you'll want to try skiing as you make your way through Colorado. Here, there are five peaks, 187 trails, and four terrain parks that you can enjoy. This location has something to offer skiers of every skill level.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Music fans from all over the world are likely to be familiar with the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This is a naturally formed venue where concerts are often held because of the natural acoustics that the rocks provide. Hiking, biking and activities like yoga are other well-known ways to enjoy this location during the daytime as well.
Mother Cabrini Shrine
This shrine just outside Denver was made because of Mother Cabrini’s love of the mountains in this part of the country. You can light a candle at the shrine, say a prayer, and even attend a Sunday mass. There are also daily masses that are held during the early morning hours each day.
Start in Salt Lake City, End in Denver, No Return Drive
Book a one‑way RV rental from Salt Lake City to Denver. Explore the open road, avoid the return drive. Comfortable, well‑equipped motorhomes and camper vans ready now
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Salt Lake City to Denver, 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 Salt Lake City or Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan an RV road trip from Salt Lake City to Denver?
To plan an RV road trip from Salt Lake City to Denver, 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 Salt Lake City to Denver 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 Salt Lake City to Denver. 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!