Denver to LA: Across the western states

Start your United States motorhome tour off with a bang by visiting many of Colorado’s best attractions. Kicking off in the state’s capital of Denver, you’ll experience the bright lights of the city and its cultural and historical gems before heading south to the playground of Colorado Springs. You’ll likely need a few days in both cities to see as much as possible before continuing on to a few stunning natural attractions and ancient places. Should your visit fall during winter, it will pay to double check that each attraction is open before you visit, as snowfall throughout this time of year can close off elevated places. It could take up to a week to complete this first leg of your trip, and you can look forward to arriving the Mesa Verde National Park at the end of it! 
 
Denver is Colorado’s old Wild West capital, and there’s no better place to start your western states motorhome road trip. In 2016, the city was named the number one place to live in the country by the US News & World Report, and your time here will make is clear why it was given that honour. It only makes sense to begin your Denver experience in Larimer Square, the city’s thriving historic heart that includes bars, clubs, restaurants, and all kinds of shops under a magical canopy of fairy lights overhead. If you’re around during summer, the al fresco dining scene here is one-of-a-kind and should not be missed. From here, take your motorhome around the most iconic sights of the city. The Denver Art Museum is one of them, as this shard-like structure houses a large collection featuring an American Indian art exhibit and other works from around the world. Another of the city’s most memorable attractions is Coor’s Field, a downtown baseball park and home of the Colorado Rockies - see if you can grab tickets to a game during your stay, or simply take a tour if you’re interested in the history of the site. You can also take a tour of the Colorado State Capitol, which is an exquisite white granite building dating back to the 1890s. They only accept groups of 30 people at a time, and spaces fill up months in advance, so you’ll have to be organised if you want to take a look inside! 
 
When you leave Denver, head directly south on the I-25 to Colorado Springs.
 
Colorado Springs is found at the base of the Rocky Mountains and is as much playground for grown-ups as it is a city. You’ll need your motorhome here as many of the attractions are dotted throughout and around the city. For example, Seven Falls is just out of the centre of town in the South Cheyenne Creek. This attraction will have you walking up a total of 224 steps to see a series of seven spectacular waterfalls in what has become known as ‘The Grandest Mile of Scenery’ in the state. Another unmissable natural sight is the Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark that’s home to 300-foot high sandstone rock formations, a popular visitors’ centre explaining the geology of the area, and a cafe that lets you take it all in with a coffee in hand on the outdoor terrace. For something a little different, make your way to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the only one in America found on the slopes of a mountain at 6,800 feet above sea level. It’s ideal for the young ones as you can feed the giraffes and watch scheduled feedings, or even take a tour for a more in-depth look. Finally, no visit to Colorado Springs is complete without a stop at Pike’s Peak, which has the highest summit of all the mountains in the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It’s also known as ‘America’s Mountain’ and is the second most visited mountain in the world. The way to see it is on the Cog Railway, which is a scenic and historic line that takes just over 3 hours to cover the 8.9 miles of track to the top. Once there, you’ll have some time to enjoy the views and take a look around before heading back down again. Although, there is another way up the mountain, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The Manitou Incline is a famed uphill hike that covers less than a mile but is virtually a vertical trek, covering 2,000 feet in that short space. The trail was originally built to take materials up to Pike’s Peak to build a pipeline, and is now a fitness challenge for the daring. 
 
Continue driving south and you’ll reach Pueblo, a small but thriving town of roughly 100,000 residents and a slew of fabulous attractions. Start by getting a feel for the town on the Pueblo Riverwalk, a historic stroll through the city’s downtown area that follows the Arkansas River and passes by monuments, restaurants, a farmer’s market and more. Afterwards, visit ‘Colorado’s Crown Jewel’, the Rosemount Museum. This 37-room mansion was built back in 1893 and still has all its original artworks, panelling, furnishings and accessories. Today the home is used for special occasions such as weddings and can be viewed on a tour or during one of its events throughout the year such as antique sales and rose walks. The Nature and Raptor Centre is another fantastic stop, as this is where you can see more of the state’s natural scenery and wildlife. This is a rehabilitation centre that focuses on birds of prey and takes in roughly 200 injured birds every year. As many as half of those birds can be returned to the wild, but not before the public can visit to learn more about conservation of these wild and wonderful creatures. 
 
Your next stop is another example of Colorado’s epic natural beauty, and you’ll get to it by continuing south on the I-25 before turning west onto Route 160. 
 
Treasure Falls is a scenic cascade found 24 kilometres northeast of Pagosa Springs, and is a gorgeous little detour as your make your way to the Mesa Verde National Park. You’ll walk roughly half a mile from the car park to a point where you can stand with the waterfall’s spray on your face as you look up at this 105-foot drop for a view that will stick with you throughout the rest of your holiday. Legend has it that Treasure Mountain (where you’ll find the falls), was named after hidden buried gold, a rumour that spurred approximately 300 Frenchmen to try their luck around the area back in the 1700s. Signposts along this steep-but-short trail will teach you more about the fall’s history, and you should set aside roughly 30-45 minutes to hike the track, enjoy the waterfall and get back to your motorhome. 
 
Roughly 30 minutes after passing through Pagosa Springs, take another quick detour to your left to see the Chimney Rock National Monument. Covering more than 4,700 acres, this is one of the newer monuments in the US having only been proclaimed in 2012 by Barack Obama. By far the most exciting feature of the monument is the ancient ruins that remain after the ancestors of modern-day Pueblo Indians lived here 1,000 years ago. There were more than 200 buildings and houses built on the site, and today there are daily walking tours to visit them and learn more about the culture that thrived here so long ago. The natural pinnacle formations in the area gave the site its name, and importantly, these features frame a number of astronomical alignments such as the Crab Nebula, the northern lunar standstill, and equinoxes. That’s why, as well as walking tours during the day, the monument is a wonderful place to visit at night during an archaeoastronomy program to learn about how astronomy had such a huge impact on this special place. 
 
After your visit, head back to Route 160 and continue following it west until you reach the Mesa Verde National Park.

Ancient ruins, hiking adventures, an art-saturated city, and some of the most epic views of New Mexico’s landscape in the state? You’re in for a treat. This leg of your campervan itinerary will make you want to stay at each stop just a little longer as much as you want to hit the road and make your way to the next. You’ll start with three of the country’s most telling archeological sites where the Ancestral Pueblo people once lived many, many years ago, then roll into a city so packed with cultural and artistic attractions that it could take weeks to see them all. And before it’s all over, you’ll take a ride on a massive tramway that climbs 4,000 feet up a mountainside to provide incredible photo opportunities, outdoor adventures and memories all in one.
 
Where can you find almost 5,000 archeological sites, all in the same place? Mesa Verde (Spanish for Green Table) is a protected national park that’s home to some of the best preserved ancient dwellings in the US. The ancestral pueblo people lived here around AD 600 to 1300, and a visit to the Mesa Verde National Park will give you insight into the way life was during that era, with special sights such as 600 cliff dwellings and a ‘Cliff Palace’. Places such as the palace have been an educational goldmine for historians and archeologists, as they have been able to learn about the construction methods and materials used during this time. During a visit, you can clearly see areas where the people who lived here spent time in public and in private, prepared food for meals, stored food, and even built up areas for defence. There are a number of exhibits in the visitor’s centre on site where you can learn more about the park and its history, and you can also book tours out to the areas of the most significance for a guided experience. 
 
Not long after you cross the state border into New Mexico, you’ll have the chance to visit another of this region’s unbelievable cultural sites: the Aztec Ruins National Monument. Again, this area is dedicated to the preservation, celebration and education of the Pueblo people. This site is just one sign of a greater migration that occurred roughly 900 years ago, and is where you can see gems such as the ancient Pueblo Great House that contains more than 400 rooms. In some areas, you can still see the fingerprints of the workers embedded in the mortar, and the original timber in the roofing. While you’re there, you can take a self-guided half-mile trail through the ruins, which includes a stop at the great house that was the centre of this community. It will also introduce you to a reconstructed kiva (a ceremonial structure). As well as this, the museum on site adds more interesting displays with ancient artifacts, a garden, and a short video giving you a quick briefing on the site, the people, and the geology of the land. You can access this monument from 9am to 5pm most days of the year, as it’s only closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. 
 
Continue south along Route 550 heading towards Santa Fe and you’ll soon discover your next stop - the Bandelier National Monument. The Pueblo people lived here around 1150 CE to 1550 CE, and once again, the remains and evidence of their stay makes for one of the more fascinating and intriguing destinations in America. Archeologists have been able to determine that they domesticated turkeys for meat and feathers, and kept dogs to help with hunting. We also know that they planted crops and carved their homes out of volcanic tuff. There are 10 short hiking trails and plenty of longer ones throughout the area, covering a total of more than 70 miles. Each one will help you see more of this site that’s as scenic and beautiful as it is historically significant. Throughout summer, you can also visit at night to take advantage of the Night Sky Programs that highlight the stunning stargazing opportunities this remote location offers. With ‘moon walks’, guest speakers, kids activities and telescopes on offer, this is an experience not to be missed if you’re in the area. Note that during summer (mid-May to mid-October), the only way to get to the monument is by parking your motorhome at the White Rock and taking a shuttle, as the car park at the site itself gets too crowded with visitors.
 
From here, it’s not far to New Mexico’s capital Santa Fe, a fantastic city where you can take in a little culture, see the sights, and stock up on supplies! The first item on the agenda: Canyon Road. Found in the historic district of the city, this half-mile stretch of tarmac is a massive collection of art galleries, museums, old homes, outdoor sculpture gardens, restaurants, shops and more. A good way to start is by driving up and down it in your motorhome to check out which places you want to see most - after all, there are more than 100 galleries, so you’d need a lot of time to visit each one! For example, the Selby Fleetwood Gallery opened in 2004 in a 250-year-old building and features 17 different artists from around the region and the country that use a range of media such as photography, sculpture, painting and drawing. However, Canyon Road is just one of three main art areas, as both downtown and the Railway District have a collection of galleries of their own. One of these galleries is Liquid Light Glass, which is one of the many highly recommended artistic stops during your visit to Santa Fe. This glass-blowing studio and gallery is home to some indescribably beautiful pieces of blown glass, and you can even book ahead to take part in a glass art or blowing class to make something of your own. 
 
There’s more to Santa Fe than its art galleries, however. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a French-Romanesque style structure that was completed in 1886 and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Taking a look from the outside is a treat in itself, but you might be able to pop your head in to see the equally grand interior. The Loretto Chapel is another stunning structure that was once a Roman Catholic church but is now a picturesque wedding chapel and museum. One of the more interesting aspects of this chapel is the staircase - the design perplexes carpenters to this day, and the man who built it disappeared as soon as it was finished without anyone knowing who he was, and without being paid. See this stunning and intriguing spiral staircase for yourself and the chapel around it during your visit. The Santa Fe Plaza is another fantastic spot, as it’s been at the heart of the city for more than 400 years and today exists as a focal point with markets, shopping, and regular community events. 
 
After you leave Santa Fe, head southwest on the I-25 towards Albuquerque. Before hitting the city, take the left turnoff to the Sandia Peak Tramway.
 
Have you ever wondered where the longest tramway in the world can be found? Probably not, but it just so happens to be the Sandia Peak Tramway, and once you see it, you won’t forget it in a hurry. Covering 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometres), this tram will give you an unrivalled view of New Mexico’s scenic landscape, from deep canyons to lush green tree canopies as you cruise over the Cibola National Forest. You’ll overlook a massive 11,000 square miles of the Rio Grande Valley right on the edge of Albuquerque during a quick 15-minute trip from dock to dock. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll have plenty of activities to enjoy from the peak, too. Through winter, the Sandia Peak Ski Area is a great place for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders to test their skills, then roughly around the end of March, the outdoor activities switch to mountain bike rides and hiking. There are more than 26 miles of biking tracks and a collection of hikes for adventure lovers. Not matter what time of year you visit, you can put your feet up for a meal and a drink either at Sandiago’s Mexican Grill or the High Finance Restaurant. 
 
After Sandia Peak, continue south (stop off at Albuquerque if you need food and supplies) to make your way to the White Sands National Monument.

This leg will take you from a surreal natural landscape in the south of New Mexico, across the border in the south of the state and into Arizona, where you’ll pass through a couple of cities and head on to another major surreal landscape. This drive will take you through some of these states’ most astonishing landscapes, and you’ll have dozens of moments along the way where you’ll stop to simply stare out into spaces that look like they haven’t changed in hundreds of years. The cities of Tucson and Phoenix both boast plenty of desert-style charm, but in all places along this route, make sure you always carry more water than you’d expect to need. These spots can get extraordinarily hot, and any hiking or time spent outdoors will require plenty of hydration (and sunscreen!). 
 
The White Sands National Monument is one of those places you have to see for yourself to believe is truly real. Here, you’ll feel like you’ve left New Mexico, the US, and even Earth, as you stroll across perfectly white sand laid out across the landscape for as far as the eye can see. Unlike salt flats that are perfectly level, the White Sands National Monument is stunning in the dunes and hills of sands that will have you and your travel buddies running up and sliding down them like children. The park covers 275 square miles in total and is the largest gypsum dunefield in the world. Despite the tough conditions in and around the monument, there are still plenty of animals that thrive here, including 220 species of birds and mammals such as foxes, badgers, porcupines and rabbits. Because of this, there’s every chance you’ll come across tiny footprints in the sand that you can follow from plant to plant. Interestingly, many of these animals have adapted to their surroundings, turning various shades of white to match the sand. The Apache Pocket Mouse and Bleached Earless Lizard are just two examples of creature that have evolved into a white colour over thousands of years. Remember that if you’re visiting this monument during summer, the temperatures can soar up to around 38 degrees Celsius (or 100 degrees Fahrenheit), so bring plenty of water and avoid the searing heat of midday if possible. 
If you’re planning to stay a night or two near the White Sands National Monument, note that there are no RV sites within the park itself. One of the closest campgrounds is the Alamogordo site roughly 24 kilometres from the monument (and as a bonus, it has a pool to cool off in!). 
 
One of the best parts of a road trip is the completely random attractions you’ll come across along the way - the White Sands Missile Range to the south of the monument is one of those experiences. It’s known for being the world’s first atomic bomb explosion site back on July 16 1945. The exact spot was roughly 96 kilometres north of the White Sands National Monument, and was known as ‘Project Trinity’. Within seven minutes, the cloud from the bomb had reached 38,000 feet into the sky (roughly the height at which planes fly), and had scooped out a crater half a mile wide. Less than a month later, two more atomic bombs would be used as weapons with devastating effect over Japan. Today, the missile range is one of half a dozen around the US that the various armed forces of America use as grounds for missile testing - as many as 900 are tested here every year. The history alone is both important and fascinating, so you can learn more at the on-site museum, then visit the outdoor area to see a range of missiles and rockets that get tested at White Sands. You can visit for free any time of year apart from Sundays and public holidays for a truly unique experience in New Mexico. 
 
Your next stop at the Dripping Springs Natural Area just down the road from the missile range is considerably more peaceful. This region is a small natural getaway for hikers and adventure-lovers. There are roughly 4 miles of walking tracks throughout the area, most of which offer expansive views of the 9,000-foot high Organ Mountains (named as such after their resemblance to the instrument). Birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts will be right at home with the range of animals that are frequently sighted at the Dripping Springs Natural Area. The golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, desert mule deer and coyotes are just a few of the many that you might spot, so bring along your binoculars and keep a look out. Note that while there is a visitor’s centre here, there are no campgrounds for RVs or camping sites so you won’t be able to stay overnight. 
 
Tucson will be your first city visit on leg three of your itinerary, and it’s well worth stopping in for more than just supplies. Surrounded by a number of mountain ranges, Tucson offers all the attractions and amenities of a major town without feeling like you’re too far from the nature and scenery of Arizona. By now, you will have noticed the incredible desert scenery you’ve been driving through, and you can learn all about it in the interesting (and air conditioned) Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. One of the top 10 rated museums in the country, there are 98 acres here with an art gallery, aquarium, zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum. It works to conserve and protect the desert, so it’s filled with fantastic displays and interactive features. For an adventure that will let you sit in comfort behind the wheel of your RV, take a drive along the Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway. This mountainous road will only take an hour or two on a return trip, but in that time you’ll climb up the terrain and see scenery similar to that of the forests of Canada and the deserts of Mexico in one fantastic quick trip. The Saguaro National Park on the outskirts of the city is a stunning wilderness that will give you a taste of the Sonoran Desert. Saguaro is the name of a common cacti plant, and as Tucson is the home to the largest one in the country, it’s an ideal spot to see them. You can camp, hike, and go wildlife watching in the park, all before heading on to the state’s capital a little further north. 
 
Drive northwest on the I-50, and you’ll arrive in Arizona’s state capital in less than two hours (assuming you don’t stop for photo opportunities, which is entirely possible). 
 
Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in the US, and with roughly 1.5 million inhabitants, it’s already the sixth largest in the country. Ask any local however, and many of them will tell you the same thing when it comes to the best attraction in the city - the Desert Botanical Garden. It covers 140 acres near the centre of town, and includes the best collection of desert plants in the world. In fact there are more than 50,000 plants to be found here, which you can see on one of the five trails, and learn more about through lectures, workshops and events held at the garden. The garden is found within the Papago Park, which is an attraction of its own. There’s an archery range here, as well as a golf course and even the tomb of Governor George Wiley Paul Hunt, who served seven terms (non-consecutive) as Arizona’s governor. Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum is a unique and intriguing museum, even for those who don’t play an instrument. It catalogues instruments from around the world and showcases dozens of important musical pieces of memorabilia across more than 360 exhibits that represent every country in the world. And before you leave town, take a drive up to Camelback Mountain for a hike before sunset and to see the Phoenix skyline (be sure to bring plenty of water and skip the hike on extremely hot days!).
 
Finally, continue driving north on the I-17 until you reach Oak Creek Canyon.

As far as motorhome itineraries go, leg four of your Denver to LA road trip is tough to beat. You’ll start at the extraordinarily understated Oak Creek Canyon, which will warm you up for the indescribable Grand Canyon later in the route. You’ll take a detour to see the evidence of a 50,000-year-old crater that was created by a massive meteor falling to earth, and you’ll visit one of America’s greatest ever feats of engineering. If you’re travelling during summer, you can spend this trip looking forward to the refreshing and relaxing waters of Lake Mead shortly before driving on to Las Vegas. 
 
Oak Creek Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon’s smaller cousin, so it can often get left out from itineraries - but that’s a bit like passing on a trip to Stonehenge just because you’ve already seen Machu Picchu. It may be smaller, but Oak Creek Canyon will amaze and delight, and as a special treat for those travelling with a campervan, one of the best ways to see it is on the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive. You could technically do this drive in roughly 2.5 hours, but it’s better to allow for a full day - as you’re guaranteed to want to stop. The road follows Arizona State Route 89A, and will take you through switchback after switchback, each with new vistas and activities along the way. The Oak Creek Canyon Vista is the perfect introduction to your day’s travels, as it offers a view over much of the road and a chance to pick up a souvenir or two from the small shop on-site. There are countless picnic areas, hiking trails, red rock cliffs, swimming holes and overlooks along this route, so keep the camera ready and be sure to pull over safely before parking or getting out of the vehicle. 
 
Even though you’ll eventually want to head west after the canyon, take a turn to the east on the I-40 after Kachina Village for a quick and incredible detour for the memory books.
 
This small side-trip will take you out to Canyon Diablo, which is not so much a canyon but a massive crater left behind by a meteor impact estimated to have hit Earth 50,000 years ago. The crater is 600 feet deep, and is roughly three-quarters of a mile wide. Scientists have spent years trying to understand more about the meteor that fell here, and estimated of its mass vary from 5,000 to 5,000,000 tons. The force of the impact pulverised the rock on impact, and people have been collecting the fragments that spread for miles around since at least the mid-1800s. The largest piece ever found weighed 639 kg, and there are only a few others found that weighed more than 100 kg. As for the rest, much of it has been found and claimed, and meteorite hunters were still finding pieces until the site was closed for that purpose - although if you’re dying to get your hands on a piece, you can find examples online on Ebay! You can visit the site for a guided rim tour to get a closer look, and stop in at the visitor centre to learn much more about the history and geology of the event. There’s also an RV campsite at the crater, so you can stay the night for a little more time here.
 
Get back on the I-40 and this time, head west to one of the most memorable spots on your itinerary.
 
The Grand Canyon. There’s nothing else like it and it’s the kind of place you can’t simply drive past without stopping, even if that means taking a several-hour detour from your route. In this case, you won’t have to stray too far from the road, and you’ll have no trouble finding your way there with all the direction signs. It can be hard to picture the enormity of the canyon until you get there and see it for yourself. For example, imagine that you walked at a steady pace for six hours per day - it would take two weeks to get from one end to the other as the canyon floor stretches for 446 kilometres. It’s 29 kilometres wide in some parts (that’s more than half a marathon), and 1.6 kilometres deep (twice the height of the world’s tallest building). Just being there and seeing this canyon will be an experience you remember for the rest of your life, and there are plenty of different ways to do this. One is simply to walk - there are many walking tracks around, but many of these tracks can also be used for biking or even guided tours on the backs of mules. Don’t forget that the river running through the canyon is more than just a pretty picture too - a river tour will give you a chance to see this site from a completely different view by boat. Of course, you can go in the other direction and fly over the canyon in a helicopter, which is a popular option to get a better idea of the sheet scale of this massive gash in the earth. There are campgrounds on the north and south rim, you you can stay a while and enjoy more than one way of viewing the canyon. 
 
You’ll have to head back down the road you came from then turn around and drive northwest on Route 93 to get to Hoover Dam, an epic man-made attraction that was once the biggest of its kind in the world. It was created to provide hydroelectric power for the southwest, and today serves as both a powersource and a major Nevada tourist attraction. It took roughly 5 million barrels of cement and 45 million pounds of steel to build this dam - and no fewer than 21,000 workers to make it a reality. It generates enough electricity to power 1.3 million homes, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1985, exactly 50 years since the completion of its construction. When you pay a visit, you’ll be amongst the 7 million people who annually come to see what all these figures and number really mean, to drive over the dam and take a tour to hear more stories about the incredible feat of engineering it took to create the structure. Note that if you plan to drive over it, you can only do so in a vehicle weighing one ton or less.
 
While 7 million people visit the dam every year, as many as 10 million travel to Lake Mead, the body of water behind the dam. This lake is in fact the largest water reservoir in the country, so it certainly lives up to the standards set by the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and other ‘big’ attractions along your itinerary. After a long drive through some of the hottest parts of the US, this incredible mass of water will be a welcome change and a great chance to cool off with a variety of water sports. Hire kayaks and go for a paddle, rent a jet ski for an adrenalin-filled spin, or simply dive in for a refreshing swim. You can even relax on a boat cruise and get further out onto the lake on a gorgeous Mississippi-style paddle-wheeler for a lunch or dinner tour out on the water. While you’re there, take the Historic Railroad Trail walk along the southern shoreline for 6 kilometres to see fantastic views of the lake, Boulder Basin, and Fortification Hill. It will cost you $10 for access to the lake, but this pass is valid for up to five days, so it’s a good idea to plan to stay for a couple of days or more to make the most of your experience.
 
The Lake Mead recreation area is only 30 minutes from Las Vegas, so it won’t take long to reach your next stop and the final leg of your itinerary!

Leg five of your drive from Denver to LA is arguably the most diverse of the bunch. Starting in Las Vegas, you’ve got all the bright-lights-big-city action you could ask for - but you’ll follow that up with a relaxing break through Palm Springs and San Diego. From here, you’ll head to your final destination and one of immense adventure opportunities, from stalking your favourite stars to seeing real stars at a famous observatory. You may need a week or more for this leg alone, and it’s a good idea to consider booking some of the activities in advance (such as shows and performances) to ensure you don’t miss out on a seat (plus, it’s usually cheaper to book online ahead of time!). 
 
There’s no place in the world quite like it. Known for its endless shows, block after block of casinos, buzzing nightlife and non-stop action, Las Vegas is sure to add a huge serving of excitement into your road trip. The best place to start here is on ‘The Strip’, the main stretch of road that runs through the middle of the city and that many argue is not worth leaving during your time here. It covers a little over 4 miles, is packed with casinos (many of them themed), and is a huge part of the reason why this city calls itself the Entertainment Capital of the World. The Luxor, for example, cuts a striking silhouette as it’s shaped like an Egyptian pyramid, and also shines the strongest light beam in the world into the sky so you’ll always know where it is. It’s home to the biggest casino in the city and also offers a nightclub, accommodation, shopping, dining and shows. When you visit the Bellagio, you needn’t even go inside to be blown away, thanks to the massive man-made lake out front where fountains dance to light and music on a regular basis. While you’re in town, be sure to see at least one live performance. You can either book online or buy tickets from authorised vendors on The Strip, and you can pick from everything from live music to magic or comedy to acrobatics. One of the lesser known group of attractions in Vegas is the collection of museums here. The Neon Museum is an iconic destination that’s dedicated to preserving the old neon signs, while the Mob Museum offers displays on the city’s past with organised crime and how it helped mold Las Vegas into what it is today. 
 
When you leave Las Vegas, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Mojave National Preserve before continuing onward to Palm Springs. 
 
Palm Springs is one of California’s desert cities, and while it’s known for its laid-back lifestyle, golf courses and dining, there are two main attractions you’ll likely want to check out while you’re there. The first is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating tram car in the world. Taking a ride in this tram means ascending 2.5 miles along the cliffs of the Chino Canyon, all the way up to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. It’s a quick 10-minute trip that will bring you to a serene mountaintop vista where you can hike some of the 50 miles of tracks, grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants, and explore the natural history museum. The other major attraction here are the desert hot springs. There are a dozen different spots where you can enjoy the hot or cold mineral waters for a relaxing and refreshing soak in the natural springs, and many of the locations also offer spa services such as massage and manicures. This is a great way to unwind after a big road trip right before one final flurry of activity at the end! 
 
San Diego will take something of a detour down to the south of California’s coast, but you’ll understand why it’s worth it as soon as you arrive. One of the first place to go is straight to the historic centre of the Gaslamp Quarter. For 16 blocks, this ‘quarter’ offers more than 100 pubs, bars, restaurants, and shops - all of which are some of the best in the city. Each block is quite small (thanks to clever city planning that would bring in more revenue for corner retail spaces), so it’s easy to walk from one end to the other after you’ve parked your RV. Don’t be tempted to pick the first eatery that appeals to you either - there are so many fantastic places to go for dinner that it’s best to walk the street in its entirety, then make your decision. It also wouldn’t be a trip to this city without a visit to the San Diego Zoo. Recently having celebrated its 100th year, the zoo is widely acclaimed as one of the best in the world. There are more than 3,700 animals here in total, many of which will likely be ones you’ve never seen or heard of before. As well as those random new species, you’ll enjoy sightings of favourites such as polar and grizzly bears, gorillas, giraffes, flamingos and the gorgeous Giant Panda. Your motorhome will come in handy in this city, as public transport is virtually unheard of, and it will be especially useful for a trip a little out of the centre to visit the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Despite how close it is to the city, this reserve is almost other-worldly in its scenery. The reserve has purposefully been left as an untouched area of land that will give you insight into what southern California looked like before development, with its trails, beaches, bare rocks and overpowering wilderness. Give yourself at least half a day to explore and soak it all in before heading back to the bustle of the city. 
 
La Jolla (pronounced ‘la hoya’) is a small beach town just down the road from San Diego, and you can easily while away a day here. Start by wandering the main strip of shops and restaurants at La Jolla Village for souvenirs and snacks, then head down to the waterfront and follow the crowds to see the countless sea lions that have taken over the beachfront. You can see them all across the coastline, but the best spot is usually the ‘children’s pool’ down the end. Afterwards, make your way to La Jolla Shores and book a guided sea kayak tour. During this outing, you’ll get to spend time on the water at one of California’s most popular beaches, learn about the marine reserve here, and even see a few more seals and sea lions up close. Note that the roads throughout La Jolla are quite small and can get busy, so you may be best to park a few blocks away from the central areas and walk in. 
 
Finally - Los Angeles. Finishing your epic motorhome itinerary here is certainly one way to end your trip on a high, as there is a smorgasbord of activities to tick off in this high-energy city. What to do here will largely depend on what you’re into. Those who can’t get enough of Hollywood blockbusters will be right at home, as you can spend a day or two at Universal Studios Hollywood, a theme park dedicated to the magic of cinema where you can even take a tour for a few behind-the-scenes secrets and adventures. You can also visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard to find your favourite actors’ and actress’ names on the pavement, or stop in at Madam Tussaud’s to pose for a photo with their incredibly lifelike replicas. And of course, you’ll have no trouble finding a map to stars’ homes, so you can take your RV for a spin amongst the Hollywood Hills to see where a few of them live in luxury. However, there’s also more to LA than the A-Listers! Take a walk in Griffith Park to see the Hollywood Sign, the observatory, and incredible views out over the city. Visit the famous Getty Centre and see which free art exhibits are available during your stay, and try to catch a live performance by the world-renowned LA philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There’s really no end to the attractions in Los Angeles, so be sure to make the most of your motorhome one last time and see as many as possible!
 
Think back over the last few weeks - what was your favourite part? Was it the ancient history found throughout New Mexico? The bright lights of Las Vegas and Los Angeles? Or perhaps simply the endless views right in front of you as you drove more than 4,000 kilometres across the western states of America? That is of course, assuming you can pinpoint a favourite. There are so many wonderful attractions along this route that the entire trip will feel like one gem for the memory bank after another, and it’s the kind that will leave you talking about it for years to come. So bring your camera, your sense of adventure, and your sunscreen, and prepare for a trip of a lifetime on the drive from Denver to Los Angeles.