7-day road trip from Las Vegas: Joshua Tree and Death Valley

 
 

From outdoor adventures to scenic campgrounds, this road trip from Las Vegas will take you to some of the best-hidden gems the desert has to offer

Near the lively cities of Las Vegas and Los Angeles is one of the most breathtaking areas in North America—the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks. The Mojave and Colorado Deserts offer a unique glimpse into the diverse ecosystems that shape this land. 

From touring the second-highest dam in the country to exploring the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, there’s more than one reason to start planning the ultimate road trip from Las Vegas.

Pick up your RV campervan in Las Vegas, and get ready for a 664-mile wild west adventure.

Planning your road trip from Las Vegas

The best time of year to venture into desert country is October through April. During the peak tourist season, book campgrounds in advance as accommodations can fill up quickly. From spring through early fall, the area experiences uncomfortably high temperatures.

Any time of year, it’s important to carry:

  • Water

  • Sunscreen

  • Sun protective clothing

Tip: If you’re visiting during the warmer months, try to visit attractions in the morning or evening so you’re active during the coolest times of the day.

As your trip approaches, check road conditions and weather forecasts frequently. The weather can change quickly in the high desert and roads and attractions are susceptible to safety closures. 

Las Vegas road trip itinerary

 

Day 1: Explore Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead, and Hoover Dam

Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest state park. Its amazing red sandstone formations and petroglyphs draw visitors year-round. Valley of Fire is about an hour northeast of Las Vegas (and it provides a tranquil escape from Vegas' touristy Strip).

South of Valley of Fire is Lake Mead National Recreation Area—Nevada's cleanest lake. With a combination of desert scenery and crystal blue waters, Lake Mead offers a relaxing contrast to the Las Vegas heat. Lakeshore Road runs along the shoreline of the lake and offers stunning views. Spring visitors may see wildflowers, summer can be enjoyable as temperatures remain manageable, and winter introduces a chill. As you drive from Valley of Fire south along the western edge of Lake Mead, there are several places to access the water.  

Complete the trifecta with a stop at Hoover Dam. It is situated due south of Valley of Fire State Park and all three spots can be visited in a day. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will find Hoover Dam particularly fascinating. There are various observation vantage points along with an organized tour through this National Civil Engineering Landmark. 

Explore the nearby Boulder City Historic District and stop in at its popular Route 66 museum or grab some refreshments at Hackberry General Store.

RV Camping near Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Las Vegas RV Resort: Located on the east side of town and convenient to Valley of Fire State Park, this is a full-service, adults-only RV park with an outdoor pool, gym, and several other amenities to make your stay comfortable. 

  • Valley of Fire State Park: The state park has two campgrounds, which are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, restrooms and showers, and dump stations.

Day 2: Travel from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park

Begin your road trip from Las Vegas on Interstate 15 heading southwest, then take a series of two-lane roads passing through the Mojave National Preserve before hooking onto CA-62 toward Joshua Tree, California. 

 
 

At the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, you can:

  • Visit the park visitor center,

  • Browse the gift shop,

  • Tour the Crochet Museum, and

  • Eat at the Joshua Tree Saloon

Twentynine Palms, California, located on the northern edge of the park, is a great place to stock up on groceries.

Tip: Check out the nearby Twentynine Palms Trail, which is located inside Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a great place to kick off your adventure. 

RV Camping in Joshua Tree, California

  • Joshua Tree RV & Campground: This private campground features 75 full- and partial-hookup sites and can accommodate RVs of any size. There is Wi-Fi and cell phone reception, as well as toilets and showers. 

  • Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground: Fish by the lake when you stay at this family-owned, private campground. It offers RV hookups, water, showers, toilets, and a dump station. Dry camping (boondocking) is also available.

Day 3: Spend the Day in Joshua Tree National Park

 
 

Joshua Tree National Park is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of natural attractions to explore. From hiking through the desert landscape to rock climbing and rappelling on the Mouse's Tank Trail,

Joshua Tree is an adventure mecca! Check out these popular sites:

  • Skull Rock

  • The Hall of Horrors Trail

  • The Cholla Cactus Garden

Joshua Tree is comprised of two different deserts—the Mojave and the Colorado. The land is sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. It’s home to a fascinating variety of plants and wildlife. Least of which is the intriguing Joshua Tree, a variety of the yucca plant. 

RV Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

  • Indian Cove Campground: Conveniently located near Highway 62 on the north side of Wonderland of Rocks, this campground has vault toilets and dry camping for RVs up to 35 feet. Water is available at the small ranger site two miles north.

  • Black Rock Campground: Located at the northwest corner of the park, each site has a picnic table and fire ring with water and restrooms nearby. There’s also a dump station. It accepts RVs up to 30 feet, and sites are back-in only. 

Day 4: Road Trip from Joshua Tree to Death Valley

Check the road conditions before continuing your road trip from Joshua Tree toward Death Valley National Park, which starts north on CA-247. On this route, you’ll have spectacular views of Death Valley as you descend into the park.

 
 

Take time to stop at various points along the way and enjoy the grandest scenery imaginable.

Camping in Death Valley National Park 

  • Panamint Springs Resort: On the western edge of Death Valley National Park, this campground is full-service with showers, toilets, a general store, a gas station, and a bar/restaurant. There are several back-in RV sites, as well as rustic cabins and glamping tents.

  • Furnace Creek Campground: In the middle of the national park, this campground is convenient to several top Death Valley attractions. Reservations are accepted from October 15–April 15, and are first-come, first-served the rest of the year. There are only 18 RV sites with full hookups and a dump station. 

Day 5: Adventure in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is in the heart of the Mojave Desert and is home to breathtaking sand dunes, mountains, and otherworldly salt flats. 

 
 

But Death Valley has another wonder to marvel at—starry nights. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, it’s worth spending at least one evening gazing at the night sky in Death Valley!

Other fun activities to try during your Death Valley visit:

  • Hike to Darwin Falls

  • Explore Rhyolite ghost town ruins

  • Take a scenic drive around Artist's Palette

  • Check out Badwater Basin salt flats (the lowest point in North America) 

  • Watch the sunrise at Zabriskie Point  

Day 6: Drive from Death Valley to Red Rock Canyon

Now, make your way from Death Valley toward Las Vegas to check out Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is on the outer western limits of Vegas near the suburb of Summerlin.

 
 

While you’re on US-95, stop by the Area 51 Alien Center. Shop for official Area 51 merchandise and visit the museum for an inside look into this legendary classified United States Air Force facility. Listen to stories from various personnel over the decades to learn what it’s like to be part of such a secretive operation. 

RV Camping in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

  • Red Rock Canyon Campground: This campground is just inside the stunning conservation area (about two miles east of the visitor center on West Charleston Blvd (State Route 159). It’s closed from Memorial Day to September 1st. Outside of those months, reservations are available at recreation.gov. 

Day 7: Recreate in Red Rock Canyon

This nationally recognized conservation area boasts a unique Mojave Desert environment with stunning vistas of red rock formations formed over millennia. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. Plan for 2–4 hours in the park. 

 
 

Wrap up your scenic 7-day road trip by heading west back into Las Vegas and dropping off your Blacksford RV at our Vegas location, which is conveniently located south of the Harry Reid International Airport. 

Reserve your RV in Las Vegas

Ready to start planning your 7-day road trip from Las Vegas, Nevada? Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks are the perfect destinations to get outside, connect with nature, and experience scenery that’s unique to the high desert.

 
 

Discover these national parks and road trip in comfort. When you travel in a brand new, luxury Blacksford RV, you’ll experience all the thrills of the great outdoors and unwind in your RV with climate control, a private bathroom, and a comfortable bed. 

Questions? Contact us to learn more about our high-end RV rentals.

RESERVE YOUR LAS VEGAS RV NOW!

 

Amy Falcione

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