Road Trip with RVshare San Jose to Santa Fe

The route from San Jose to Santa Fe will take you through California, Arizona, and New Mexico and will also be very near the southern border of Nevada, which is just above Arizona. Some of the more spectacular natural aspects of the Western U.S. are present on the way, and you will be able to see forests, mountains, rivers, and many types of desert landscapes. There are several national parks along your path, and you have the opportunity to take advantage of their proximity and add them to your San Jose to Santa Fe road trip itinerary. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield is located north of Los Angeles on the Kern River. If you stop in the city, you can see many interesting sites, such as the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and the California Living Museum. There are also many trails inside the nearby Sequoia National Forest. If you need the services of a dump station before going too far down the road, there are several options available in the area. Bakersfield River Run RV Park is near the downtown area of Bakersfield and is within walking distance to many amenities and tourist spots. 

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is a great place to visit on your San Jose to Santa Fe road trip. Besides being near the South Rim entrance of the Grand Canyon, it is also located on historic Route 66. Flagstaff is the gateway to the tallest mountain in Arizona, Humphreys Peak, and has many fine examples of Native American pueblo cliff dwellings. There are convenient dump station locations for your use. Mormon Lake RV Park and Campground is a nice midpoint stop on your San Jose to Santa Fe RV road trip, and there is an on-site steakhouse and opportunities to fish for trout. 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, and it features contrasting elements of modern city life and historic elements from its 1706 founding as a Spanish colony. Some of the places you will want to visit include the San Felipe de Neri Church, several museums, and a variety of shops that sell local Native American crafts. You can also tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Albuquerque is located near the endpoint of your trip, and you may need to use one of the nearby dump stations in the area. Balloon View RV Park is underneath the Sandia Mountain range and offers beautiful scenery. It has a pool and other amenities for your stay and is close to the downtown area. 

National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

As you travel on your road trip from San Jose to Santa Fe, you will pass several national parks and forests. One of these must-see national parks is Joshua Tree National Park, a large 790,636-acre park that is approximately the size of Rhode Island. Joshua Tree was originally designated a national monument in 1936 and was declared a national park in 1994. The park is named for the Joshua tree, a unique variety of the yucca subspecies of the agave tree. Ancient peoples harvested it for the edible seeds and flowering buds and for materials to make footwear and baskets. The park has parts of both the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, and the San Bernardino Mountains border the southwestern areas of the park. The Sonoran is a hot and arid "low desert" with creosote bushes, cholla cactus, and ocotillo, and the Mojave is a more humid "high desert" with a greater amount of vegetation. There are numerous hiking, biking, and equestrian trails throughout the park.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is truly a unique national park. With an elevation of 282.2 feet below sea level inside Badwater Basin, it has the lowest altitude of all the national parks. Death Valley enjoys the distinction of being the largest, hottest, and driest national park in the contiguous U.S. Popular sites inside the park include the Telescope Peak Trail, the hundreds of rattlesnakes of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and the salt mounds in Devil's Gold Course. The landscapes are predominate of deserts, with tall mountains, deep valleys, and scattered oases.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., and it is named after the largest canyon in the country. The gorge is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide at its widest, and more than a mile deep on average. The Grand Canyon can be accessed via the South and North Rims, which are managed by the National Park Service, and by the Grand Canyon West Rim, which is owned and managed by the Hualapai Nation. Numerous trails lead down into the interior from the rims, and there are several campsites at various levels of the gorge. At the bottom, there is a dorm-style ranch. The Colorado River runs through the canyon, and the beautiful waters of Havasupai Falls (managed by the Havasupai Tribe) are well worth a visit. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a cantilever bridge with a walkway made of glass that extends out over Eagle Point in Grand Canyon West. The Skywalk is managed by the Hualapai and requires a separate fee for use. 

Nearby State Parks

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is in the Santa Cruz Mountains and contains 4,650 acres of forests and open meadows. Inside the park, an old-growth forest is home to several ancient redwoods, the oldest of which is 1,500 years old and stands 277 feet high and 16 feet wide. Visitors can hike on a 0.8-mile loop trail and read correlated information about the trees with a self-guided brochure from the visitor center. The Fall Creek Unit is a second-growth stand of redwoods that has 20 miles of hiking trails, a river canyon, and various remnants of an old lime-processing business. Other sites at the park include the Garden of Eden, a popular swimming hole on the San Lorenzo River, and the Freemont Tree, where you can stand inside the tree. 

Homolovi State Park

You can experience the painstaking research that is undertaken at this legitimate archeology dig at Homolovi State Park, a site that teaches and preserves the history of the Hopi people. Visitors can view the dig sites, tour the visitor center and the museum, hike along the trails, and stop at the pullouts that reach elevations of 4,900 feet. 

Bluewater Lake State Park

Bluewater Lake State Park is next to the Yuni Mountains and is known for its beautiful juniper and pinion trees that surround Bluewater Lake. Everyone enjoys the excellent fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout and catfish. Bird-watching is also a popular activity, and approximately 70 species of birds are either residents of the park or pass through on migratory routes. Hiking, biking, and riding horses is available on the numerous trails in the park.

Along the Way

Golden Gate Bridge

You will begin your travels in San Jose, which is very close to San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. There is no better way to start your San Jose to Santa Fe road trip than by visiting this iconic symbol of San Francisco. Built in 1937, the bridge was considered the longest and tallest suspension bridge of that time. Today, visitors can see this engineering marvel at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and hike along the trails, tour the visitor center, and walk on the bridge. There are walking tours every Thursday and Sunday that are offered by city guides, and you can also take a self-guided stroll on the bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is a fine example of Art Deco architecture that adds to the experience. 

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is a National Historic Landmark that is listed as one of America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. It is a concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River in the Black Canyon, and it lies across the state border between Arizona and Nevada. At the time of being built, it was the largest dam in the world. Hoover Dam provides sufficient water to irrigate 2 million acres and enough electrical energy to power 1.3 million homes. The dam is a beautifully executed design of power encased in Art Deco imagery, and you can take various types of tours of the dam and tailor your experience accordingly. The Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is a recent addition to the dam and is the world's tallest concrete arch bridge, rising 880 feet over the Hoover Dam. The bridge is 1,905 feet long and connects both Nevada and Arizona roadways. Visitors can walk across the bridge and view Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon below. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from San Jose to Santa Fe, 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 San Jose or Santa Fe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from San Jose to Santa Fe?

To plan an RV road trip from San Jose to Santa Fe, 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 San Jose to Santa Fe 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 San Jose to Santa Fe. 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!