Las Vegas to San Diego Road Trip: 10 Day Itinerary
Enjoy this varied and leisurely trip with desert adventures, quirky small towns, and big city fun.
Have you been itching for a unique road trip? This 10-day itinerary takes you 330 miles through diverse Southwest landscapes, from dry desert beauty to the light breezes of the Pacific Coast.
Spring and fall are the best times to go, with mild weather and blooming desert flowers.
Before You Depart
Before heading out on your RV road trip, make sure you’re well-prepared. Stock up on supplies—Blacksford can even handle grocery shopping for you to save time.
When driving in the desert, follow RV driving best practices: take breaks every 2-3 hours to rest and recharge, and resist the urge to rush. RV travel is all about enjoying the journey at a relaxed pace.
In a Blacksford Las Vegas RV rental, you’ll have the flexibility to explore at your own speed, find hidden gems, and enjoy your trip in a comfortable vehicle.
Day 1: Las Vegas, NV to Red Rock Canyon
Distance: 20 miles, 30 minutes
Start with a drive and a hike through Red Rock Canyon, just a stone’s throw west of Las Vegas. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area sprawls over an impressive 195,819 acres. You’ll find plenty of spots for picnics and photo ops, plus trails and paths for hiking, road biking, mountain biking, and more. See our full list of Fun Things to do In Red Rock Canyon.
Red Rock Canyon itself is always open but the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive—the only way to access trails—is open from 6am to dusk. Timed reservations for the Scenic Drive are required during the day from October 1–May 31, and can only be made online. Make your reservations here.
Summer temps can soar over 100°F (37°C), so use extreme caution if visiting then. Check the weather forecast and arrive early on hot days, use sun protection, and bring plenty of water for everyone in your group.
Things to Do in Red Rock Canyon
Hike the 2.2-mile Calico Tanks Trail or the 2.4-mile Keystone Thrust Trail for gorgeous desert views.
For a more leisurely route, take the 13-mile Scenic Drive.
Stop by the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center to learn about the fascinating world of Mojave Desert flora and fauna. Open daily from 8am-4:30pm.
Camping in Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon Campground is RV-friendly and the only option in the park. It’s closed during the hot summer months, and reservations are required (book early).
Day 2-3: Red Rock Canyon to Mojave National Preserve
Distance: 110 miles, 2 hours
Go deeper into the desert across the California state line with a stop at Mojave National Preserve. Why tour a big dry desert? Because it’s more diverse than you think, and quite beautiful: Think dramatic sand dunes, rugged mountains, Joshua tree forests, and volcanic cinder cones.
Mojave National Preserve is a whopping 1.6 million acres of pristine desert wilderness and is one of the largest national parks in the contiguous US. It currently has no entrance fee or timed reservations, so wander at will!
The preserve is open year-round. Established Mojave trails like Lava Tube and Rings Loop are always open (conditions permitting) and caution should be taken during hot days, especially during the summer months.
Things to Do in Mojave National Preserve
Hike the Kelso Dunes, one of the largest dune systems in the US. Trek to the top to hear a rare phenomenon—the “singing sand.”
Visit the historic Kelso Depot, a restored 1920s railroad depot turned visitor center and museum.
Explore the Lava Tube Cave with its striking natural light show that happens during when the sun hits directly through the cave ceiling.
Campgrounds in the Preserve
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is first-come, first-served and offers basic RV amenities and stunning desert views. It has a rating of 4.5/5.
A second option is Mid Hills Campground, which gets a 4/5 rating.
Want a comfortable ride for your road trip?
Day 4-5: Mojave National Preserve to Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: 90 miles, 2 hours
Next, head to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park, known for its otherworldly landscapes and starry skies. True to its name, the entire park is peppered with Joshua trees which are unique to this part of the world.
Joshua Tree’s vehicle entrance fee is $30, valid for seven days. Check the park’s website for details on other accepted entry passes.
You’ll find two distinct desert ecosystems in (the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.) Joshua Tree is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, so stargazing is a must. Spend two days here exploring this beautiful place.
Things to Do in Joshua Tree
Hike the easy 1-mile Hidden Valley Trail for panoramic views and plenty of Joshua trees.
Rock climb at Indian Cove or try your hand at bouldering up Skull Rock.
Stop at Keys View at the end of the day for epic sunset views of the Coachella Valley.
Take a 25-minute detour to Pioneertown, CA for a quirky old-west experience and dine at Pappy & Harriet's.
Nearby Campgrounds
Black Rock Campground is located on the northern edge of Joshua Tree National Park and gets a 4/5 rating.
Or head to Jumbo Rocks Campground inside the park, which gets a 4.5/5 rating. Both offer RV spots.
Day 6: Joshua Tree to Palm Springs, CA
Distance: 50 miles, 1 hour
Get back on the road for a short drive to Palm Springs. Known for its mid-century modern architecture, golf courses, hot springs, boutique shopping, and delicious restaurants, Palm Springs is a chic desert oasis.
Plus, its RV-friendly campgrounds and proximity to scenic hikes like Indian Canyons make it a perfect stop to relax and recharge.
Things to Do in Palm Springs
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views of Mount San Jacinto and the Cochella Valley.
Play a round of golf at one of the area’s many courses.
Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum for modern art and cultural exhibits.
Book a massage at the Azure Palm Day Spa, just north of town.
Walk around the vibrant downtown area and stop at one of the many cafés or restaurants. South of town, The Shops at El Paseo has some great shopping, with both high end and mid-range options.
On your way out of town, order a date shake at the famous Shield’s Date Garden.
Nearby Campgrounds
Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA for RV amenities, including a pool and hot springs. It has a 4/5 rating.
Check out the nearby Encore Palm Springs Oasis, which gets a 4/5 rating.
Day 7: Palm Springs to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Distance: 88 miles, 1.5 hours
Head south from Palm Springs to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park. Known for its spectacular wildflower blooms, the park has rugged desert terrain, slot canyons, and sweeping views. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and other desert wildlife.
Explore miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to more challenging routes, and search for ancient Native American petroglyphs and unique formations like Fonts Point, a stunning overlook of the Borrego Badlands.
Things to Do in & Around the Park
Hike the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail inside the park to a hidden oasis of palm trees.
Stay up for stars! Anza-Borrego is an official dark-sky community, perfect for stargazing.
In nearby Borrego Springs visit the Galleta Meadows sculpture garden, where impressive metal sculptures are scattered across the land.
While you’re there, stop at Carlee’s for delicious food and great service.
Nearby Campgrounds
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground gets a 4.5/5 rating and is located within the park and offers RV hookups and proximity to trails.
Leapin Lizard RV Ranch is another good option nearby with a 4.5/5 rating.
Day 8: Anza-Borrego to Julian, CA
Distance: 45 miles, 1 hour
Your next stop is the delightful mountain town of Julian, with a population of just 1,500. This historic mining town and apple orchard mecca is a particularly good place to visit in the fall—you won’t get a better apple pie anywhere, especially when apple harvest is in full swing.
No matter what time of year you come, you can expect small-town friendliness and a surprising array of activities for everyone.
Things to Do in Julian
Pan for gold at the Julian Mining Company.
Hike the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains
Get a slice of the famous Julian apple pie at Julian Pie Company.
Visit the Julian Pioneer Museum to learn about the town’s mining history.
Nearby Campgrounds
Pinezanita RV Park is located just outside of town with scenic mountain views and a 4/5 rating.
The KQ Ranch Resort also has a 4/5 rating.
Day 9: Julian to San Diego, CA
Distance: 80 miles, 2 hours
Head west to San Diego, taking in the scenic mountain and coastal views along the way. Consider a stop at Lake Cuyamaca for fishing, picnicking, or a quick hike. If you have time, visit the Mission Trails Regional Park, a great spot for a short walk or some wildlife spotting just before entering the city.
With its coastal charm and laid-back atmosphere, San Diego is the perfect place to wrap up your road trip. Despite being a large city, it’s surprisingly RV-friendly, with easy-to-navigate streets and nearby campgrounds.
Things to Do in San Diego
Visit Balboa Park, home to world-class museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
Walk in the historic Gaslamp Quarter for restaurants and nightlife.
Relax on the beach at Coronado Island or La Jolla Cove.
Visit Old Town San Diego for a taste of California’s Spanish heritage.
Tour the USS Midway Museum, housed on an actual Naval ship, with an extensive aircraft collection.
Nearby Campgrounds
Campland on the Bay, a family-friendly RV resort with beachfront access, full amenities, and a 4/5 rating.
Another option is the 4.5/5 rated San Diego Metro KOA.
Day 10: San Diego, CA to Las Vegas
Distance: 337 miles, 5.5 hours
Getting back to Las Vegas is easy and can be driven in under six hours, giving you a final chance to take in the beauty of the Southwest.
Plan Your Vegas to San Diego Road Trip
This itinerary is perfect for anyone looking to combine natural wonders in the desert with cultural landmarks and fun city stops. From hiking in national parks to exploring historic sites, and sampling local food, every day brings something unique.
Planning your own adventure? Rent an RV and enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace, with all the comforts of home on the road. Whether it’s your first RV trip or one of many, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.