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RV Road Trip with RV Parks from Surprise AZ to West Yellowstone MT

Day 1 · Tue, Jul 28
Kingman, AZ

Start in Surprise to Kingman

  1. Journey: Surprise, AZ to Kingman, AZ via US-60 and US-93 — leave from Surprise at about 6:30 AM; plan on ~3.5-4.5 hours with RV-friendly fuel/food stops and easier parking in Kingman.
  2. Route 66 Museum — Downtown Kingman — a quick, classic stop to set the road-trip tone with easy parking and a compact walkable visit; morning, ~1 hour.
  3. Locomotive Park — Downtown Kingman — see historic steam equipment and stretch your legs after the drive; midday, ~30-45 minutes.
  4. Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner — Downtown Kingman — a fitting old-school lunch stop with burgers, shakes, and RV-road-trip nostalgia; lunch, ~$15-25 per person, ~1 hour.
  5. White Cliffs Wagon Trail — east side of Kingman — an easy scenic desert walk with big-sky views and minimal effort after driving; late afternoon, ~1-1.5 hours.
  6. Metcalfe Park — central Kingman — a relaxed end-of-day green space for a short unwind before checking into the RV park; evening, ~30 minutes.

Morning

Leave Surprise around 6:30 AM and head north on US-60 to US-93 toward Kingman — it’s about 3.5 to 4.5 hours in an RV/travel trailer depending on traffic, stops, and how many times you want to pull over to check mirrors and tires. The drive is straightforward, but once you’re on US-93 the scenery opens up fast, so plan your fuel stop before you get too far out; big, easy-access options are in the Wickenburg area and again near Congress. In Kingman, RV parking is much easier downtown than in the bigger desert cities, but still aim to arrive with some daylight so you can park once and walk the first few stops without stressing about hookups or turnarounds.

Start with the Route 66 Museum in Downtown Kingman, a compact little stop that gets you into the road-trip mood immediately. It’s the kind of place you can do in about an hour without feeling rushed, usually with a modest admission fee, and there’s simple parking nearby if you’re towing. From there, it’s an easy stroll to Locomotive Park, where the old steam engines give you a quick leg stretch and a solid first-day “we’re really doing this trip” moment.

Lunch and Afternoon

For lunch, settle into Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner downtown. It’s one of those classic highway places that does exactly what you want on day one: burgers, shakes, fries, and plenty of Route 66 personality, usually in the $15–25 per person range depending on how hungry everyone is. It’s a good midday reset before you get back in the RV, and it’s close enough to the other downtown stops that you won’t waste energy moving the rig around town.

Afterward, drive over to the White Cliffs Wagon Trail on the east side of Kingman for an easy scenic walk. This is a low-effort, high-reward desert stop — big sky, pale cliffs, and enough open space to feel like you’ve already left the city behind. Late afternoon is the best time here because the light softens and the temperature drops a bit; give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours so you can wander without watching the clock. If you want one last quiet stop before the evening, finish at Metcalfe Park in central Kingman for a relaxed half-hour under the trees, then head to your RV park and keep the rest of the night easy.

Day 2 · Wed, Jul 29
Las Vegas, NV

Drive through northern Arizona to Las Vegas

Getting there from Kingman, AZ
Drive via US-93 N / I-11 N to Las Vegas (2.5-3.5 hrs, ~US$20-40 fuel + possible toll-free). Best to leave around 7:00 AM to arrive before late morning and still have the day.
If not driving, there’s no good direct train; Greyhound/FlixBus can work but is slower and less frequent (~4-6 hrs, ~US$25-60) — book on FlixBus or Busbud.
  1. Journey: Kingman, AZ to Las Vegas, NV via US-93 and I-11/US-95 — depart around 7:00 AM; expect ~4.5-5.5 hours with mountain/desert highway driving and straightforward RV access into the Vegas area.
  2. Seven Magic Mountains — south of Las Vegas near Jean — an iconic roadside art stop that’s easy to fit in on the approach north; late morning, ~30-45 minutes.
  3. The LINQ Promenade — The Strip — good for a walk, shade, snacks, and people-watching without committing to a full casino day; afternoon, ~1-1.5 hours.
  4. Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck — Paris Las Vegas area — one of the best quick skyline views on the Strip, especially around golden hour; late afternoon, ~1 hour.
  5. In-N-Out Burger — east/central Las Vegas area — reliable, fast, and RV-day friendly for an inexpensive dinner stop; dinner, ~$10-18 per person, ~45 minutes.
  6. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens — central Strip — a low-effort evening stroll with changing floral displays and strong indoor comfort; evening, ~45 minutes.

Morning

Leave Kingman by about 7:00 AM and head north on US-93 into Las Vegas; with an RV and trailer, this is a very manageable run, usually around 4.5 to 5.5 hours once you factor in slower climbs, fuel stops, and the usual desert-road pauses. Aim to roll into the south edge of town before lunch so you’re not trying to navigate Strip traffic in the heat of the afternoon. If you’re towing, it’s worth keeping an eye on your mirrors and braking early on the highway approaches, then using one of the big casino lots or an RV-friendly off-Strip lot before you start sightseeing.

Your first stop is Seven Magic Mountains just south of the city near Jean. Go early enough that you miss the harshest sun if you can, because there’s very little shade and the colors pop best in bright light anyway. It’s free, there’s a small parking area, and 30–45 minutes is plenty for photos and a short wander among the neon boulders. From there, continue into the city and make your way to The LINQ Promenade on Las Vegas Boulevard for a softer landing into Vegas—good for a cold drink, a snack, and a little people-watching without committing to a full casino stretch. You can park once and walk the promenade easily; most visitors spend about an hour here, and the shade from the tower and storefronts makes it a nice reset before the evening.

Late Afternoon to Evening

From The LINQ, a short walk or quick rideshare gets you to the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas. This is one of the easiest “big view” stops on the Strip, and golden hour is the sweet spot if you want the skyline and fountains to look their best. Budget about an hour total, including the elevator ride and a little time at the top; tickets often land in the low-$20s to $30s range depending on time and demand, and they can sell faster on busy summer evenings. After that, keep dinner simple and road-trip friendly with In-N-Out Burger; it’s reliably fast, affordable, and a good no-fuss choice after a long drive day, with most meals running about $10–18 per person. If you’re in the central/east side of town already, it’s an easy stop before the final stroll.

Finish the night with a relaxed walk through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which is one of the best low-effort evening stops in Las Vegas. It’s indoors, free, and usually open late enough that you can enjoy it after dinner; the displays change seasonally, and in summer the cool interior feels especially good after time outside. You don’t need to rush it—45 minutes is enough to see the current installation, take photos, and let the day wind down. If you still have energy afterward, just head back to your hotel or RV park and save your legs for the mountain driving ahead.

Day 3 · Thu, Jul 30
Cedar City, UT

Continue north on US-93 to Cedar City

Getting there from Las Vegas, NV
Drive via I-15 N (2.5-3.5 hrs, ~US$18-35 fuel). Depart around 7:00 AM; it’s the most practical and gives you time to reach Cedar Breaks area later that day.
No practical direct rail/air option for this short city pair; intercity bus is limited and usually slower than driving.
  1. Journey: Las Vegas, NV to Cedar City, UT via US-93, I-15, and UT-14/UT-130 as needed — leave around 7:00 AM; expect ~4.5-5.5 hours depending on traffic, with good RV fuel and rest-stop options along I-15.
  2. Cedar Breaks National Monument — west of Cedar City — a major scenic payoff with amphitheater views and cooler mountain air; mid-afternoon, ~1.5-2 hours.
  3. Brian Head Scenic Byway — Brian Head area — a short high-country drive or pull-off stop for alpine views without a long hike; late afternoon, ~45 minutes-1 hour.
  4. Centro Woodfired Pizzeria — downtown Cedar City — a solid local dinner spot with easy casual dining after a driving day; dinner, ~$18-30 per person, ~1 hour.
  5. Southern Utah Museum of Art — Southern Utah University area — a calm indoor stop if you want a short cultural break before settling in; evening, ~45 minutes.
  6. Cedar City RV Resort area evening walk — near town — a simple post-dinner stretch to reset for the next long drive; evening, ~20-30 minutes.

Morning

Roll out of Las Vegas around 7:00 AM and let the highway do the work as you make your way north toward Cedar City; with a travel trailer, this is a very reasonable half-day drive if you keep your stops efficient and top off fuel before the climb into southern Utah. By the time you reach town, check in, grab a coffee, and take a quick breather before heading west—this is one of those days where the afternoon scenery is the whole point, so don’t rush the morning.

Afternoon at Cedar Breaks National Monument

Spend your main sightseeing time at Cedar Breaks National Monument, which is one of the best scenic payoffs in this part of Utah and feels much bigger than its footprint. The overlooks along Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive give you those huge amphitheater views, cooler mountain air, and a chance to stretch after the drive without committing to a long hike. Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours here; entrance is typically around $20 per vehicle or use a valid federal pass, and summer conditions can still be chilly at elevation even when Cedar City is hot, so bring a light layer and watch the weather—afternoon storms can move through fast.

On the way back toward town, take a short, easy drive up toward the Brian Head Scenic Byway area for a high-country detour and a few pull-offs with alpine views. You don’t need to overdo it here; 45 minutes to an hour is plenty to get the feel of the plateau, look across the forested ridges, and enjoy the quieter side of the mountains before dropping back down into Cedar City. The road is RV-friendly in the main sections, but keep your speed modest and use pullouts generously if you’re towing.

Evening

For dinner, head to Centro Woodfired Pizzeria downtown for a relaxed, dependable meal—good pizza, salads, and an easy place to unwind after a day of driving and viewpoints. Expect roughly $18–30 per person, and it’s a nice idea to go a little earlier than peak dinner rush if you’d rather not wait. After that, swing by the Southern Utah Museum of Art near Southern Utah University if you want one quiet indoor stop; it’s a compact, calm reset and usually an easy 45-minute browse. Finish with a simple evening walk around the Cedar City RV Resort area or nearby town streets—just 20 to 30 minutes is enough to loosen up, check the trailer setup, and get ready for tomorrow’s longer push north.

Day 4 · Fri, Jul 31
Idaho Falls, ID

I-15 to the Idaho border region

Getting there from Cedar City, UT
Drive via I-15 N through southern/central Idaho (6.5-8 hrs, ~US$45-80 fuel). An early 6:30 AM departure is best to keep the day workable and arrive in Idaho Falls by late afternoon/early evening.
No efficient direct flight or train; bus options are uncommon and much slower, so driving is clearly best.
  1. Journey: Cedar City, UT to Idaho Falls, ID via I-15 — depart around 6:30 AM; plan ~7-8 hours with RV-friendly interstate travel and breaks in central/eastern Idaho.
  2. Shoshone Falls Park — Twin Falls — a worthwhile detour for one of the region’s best waterfalls and an easy picnic-style stop; early afternoon, ~1-1.5 hours.
  3. Snake River Canyon Rim Trail — Twin Falls — pair it with the falls for overlooks and fresh-air walking without much extra driving; afternoon, ~45 minutes-1 hour.
  4. The SnakeBite Restaurant — downtown Idaho Falls — a dependable dinner option with hearty portions after a long interstate day; dinner, ~$18-30 per person, ~1 hour.
  5. Idaho Falls River Walk — downtown Idaho Falls — a scenic, low-effort evening stroll along the river and waterfall area; evening, ~45 minutes-1 hour.
  6. Collector Corner Museum — Idaho Falls — a fun short stop if you want a quirky local museum before calling it a night; evening, ~30-45 minutes.

Morning

Leave Cedar City by about 6:30 AM and settle in for the long but very doable I-15 North run into Idaho Falls. In an RV with a travel trailer, the biggest win is keeping your stops efficient: plan on a couple of fuel/stretch breaks and use the larger truck stops along the interstate so you’re not wrestling tight turns. If you can, arrive in Twin Falls by early afternoon rather than pushing straight through — it keeps the day feeling like a road trip instead of just a haul.

Lunch and Afternoon

Start with Shoshone Falls Park in Twin Falls, which is one of those “worth the detour” places in this part of Idaho. Parking is straightforward, the entrance fee is usually modest, and the best light is often earlier in the day when the canyon colors pop. Give yourself about an hour to wander the viewpoints and have a simple picnic if you brought food; in summer, the falls can be lower than peak runoff, but the canyon setting still makes it a great stop. From there, it’s an easy hop to the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail for a short walk and a few clean overlook angles — keep an eye out for the pedestrian viewpoints near the edge, wear good shoes, and don’t overdo it in the heat. A 45-minute to 1-hour stroll is plenty before you get back on the road.

Evening

Roll into Idaho Falls with enough daylight to settle the RV, then head downtown for dinner at The SnakeBite Restaurant on West Broadway. It’s a reliable, hearty stop for burgers, sandwiches, and pub-style plates; figure roughly $18–30 per person, and it’s the kind of place where you can show up a little tired, eat well, and be out in about an hour. After dinner, take the easy Idaho Falls River Walk along the water — the loop near the falls is the nicest part, especially at sunset when the riverfront is lively but not chaotic. If you still want one more short stop before bed, Collector Corner Museum is a fun quirky add-on and usually easy to fit into 30–45 minutes; check hours first since they can be limited and seasonal.

Day 5 · Sat, Aug 1
West Yellowstone, MT

Final approach on Highway 20 to West Yellowstone

Getting there from Idaho Falls, ID
Drive via US-20 W (3.5-4.5 hrs, ~US$20-35 fuel). Leave around 7:00 AM so you can make the Mesa Falls detour and still arrive for lunch in West Yellowstone.
No practical train or flight for this short regional hop; rental car/your own vehicle is the right choice.
  1. Journey: Idaho Falls, ID to West Yellowstone, MT via US-20 — depart around 7:00 AM; expect ~3.5-4.5 hours with mountain-town pacing and fewer large-town services on the way.
  2. Mesa Falls Scenic Byway — Island Park/Ashton area — one of the best scenic detours on US-20, with dramatic falls and easy RV-accessible viewpoints; late morning, ~1.5-2 hours.
  3. Big Springs — Island Park — a quick, beautiful stop for clear water, wildlife viewing, and a short leg stretch; midday, ~30-45 minutes.
  4. Running Bear Pancake House — West Yellowstone — a classic arrival meal with strong breakfast/lunch comfort food and easy RV-day timing; lunch, ~$15-25 per person, ~1 hour.
  5. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center — West Yellowstone — a marquee first-day-in-town activity that’s close to lodging and rewarding for all ages; afternoon, ~1.5-2 hours.
  6. Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre — West Yellowstone — a relaxed evening option to get oriented to the park before tomorrow’s full exploration; evening, ~1 hour.

Morning

Leave Idaho Falls around 7:00 AM and settle into the easy, scenic pace of US-20 W toward West Yellowstone. In an RV with a travel trailer, this is a very manageable half-day drive if you keep your fuel and stretch stops efficient, but once you get past the bigger services there are fewer frequent options, so it’s smart to top off early and keep an eye on your water and snacks. By late morning you’ll be in the Island Park/Ashton corridor, where the road opens up into that classic mountain-meadow Idaho feel. Make the detour for Mesa Falls Scenic Byway first, since it’s one of the best payoff stops on the whole route: the viewpoints are easy to access, parking is RV-friendly if you take it slowly, and you can usually count on about 1.5 to 2 hours here between the Upper Mesa Falls overlook and a quick wander at Lower Mesa Falls. Expect a modest parking or day-use fee in some areas, and bring a light layer even in summer — it can feel cool near the river gorge.

Lunch

After the falls, continue to Big Springs in Island Park for a short, restful stop. It’s one of those places that doesn’t look big on a map but always feels memorable in person: crystal-clear water, easy pull-offs, and usually some wildlife or birds worth slowing down for. Give it 30 to 45 minutes to stretch your legs and enjoy the setting without rushing; it’s the kind of place where you just stand for a few minutes and let the road-trip brain reset. Then roll into West Yellowstone for lunch at Running Bear Pancake House — a reliable local favorite for hearty comfort food, with portions that suit a travel day and prices generally in the $15–25 per person range. If you arrive around noon or shortly after, you’ll beat the later lunch wave and still have the afternoon free.

Afternoon and Evening

Once you’re fed and checked in, head to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, which is one of the smartest first stops in town because it gives you a good intro to Yellowstone wildlife before you head into the park itself. Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours here; it’s close to the main lodging area, easy to pair with a short walk around town, and usually one of the more worthwhile paid attractions in West Yellowstone. From there, keep the evening light and finish with the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre — a relaxed way to wind down and get oriented for tomorrow, especially if you want a little context on the park’s geology, wildlife, and history. Showtimes vary by season, so it’s worth checking the schedule earlier in the day; ticket prices are usually in the modest attraction range, and the whole thing is a low-effort, good-weather-or-bad backup that fits perfectly after a long drive.

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