The ultimate US road trip

The ultimate US road trip
By admin


The route between Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah promises some of the best driving and scenery the US has to offer. And renting a campervan with either CamperTravel USA or Apollo Motorhomes (who have a Denver branch) is the perfect way to see it all. Here’s what awaits those who are game to take a six-day road trip like no other.

Day 1: Rocky Mountains National Park

Distance from Denver: 124km, 1 hour 45 minutes

Studded with spectacular peaks that overlook alpine forests, wildflowers and wildlife, the Rocky Mountains National Park is a must-see. Aside from looking up at the jagged peaks, this is a great opportunity to have a picnic in shaded areas throughout the park. Watch the sunset from your Campervan at Manor RV Park or head back to Denver’s city centre to stay at Cherry Creek State Park. 

Day 2: Glenwood Springs

Distance from Rocky Mountains National Park: 252km, 3 hours

Glenwood Springs was recently named America’s Most Fun Small Town, and is renowned for its hot springs and waterfalls that line the base of the Glenwood Canyon. 

Hanging Lake is a beautiful place to start your adventure and boasts crystal clear waters and waterfalls all year round. Or have a soak in the world’s largest hot springs – Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. Get a head start on tomorrow’s drive by camping at Grand Junction’s Mobile City, a 90 minute drive from Glenwood Springs. 

Day 3: Arches National Park

Distance from Grand Junction: 175km, 2 hours

After waking up in the Colorado Valley, it’s time to cross the border to eastern Utah and into Arches National Park. Mind-boggling giant red rocks balance on each other, while 2000 natural sandstone arches and rock pinnacles cover the red land for as far as you can see. 

Continue to Monument Valley where the barren red landscape of Utah and towering rock formations will have you quoting lines from old westerns all the way to camp. Gouldings Lodge is near Monument Valley Tribal Park and is a great place to continue sight seeing while kicking back in your campervan. 

Day 4: The Grand Canyon

Distance from Monument Valley: 289km, 
3 hours 20 minutes

The remarkable Grand Canyon needs little introduction. And with the 446km long canyon reaching widths of over 29km in places, there is a lot of valley to see in just one day. The South Rim offers a truly majestic view of the Canyon and is a great place to take some happy snaps. Consider taking a hike here or learning about the canyon's history. In the evening take a well-earned rest at the Trailer Village, located within the national park. It also specialises in campervan facilities. 

Day 5: Zion National Park

Distance from the Grand Canyon: 400km, 4 hours 30 minutes

Zion is one of the oldest national parks in the US and attracts travellers thanks to its memorable hikes and soaring peaks – The Narrows, Subway and Angels Landing being just a few of them. Visitors are spoilt for choice with bike riding, bird watching, horseback riding and backcountry hiking all on offer. 

There are three campgrounds at Zion to choose from for your overnight accommodation. The nearby town of Springdale is also an option for an overnight stay. 

Day 6: Salt Lake City

Distance from Zion National Park: 497km, 5 hours 30 minutes

You’ll need an early start to tackle this drive if you want to experience the city’s musicals, museums, churches and art shows. The Great Salt Lake and Salt Flats is a short 20 minute drive from the metropolis and is a lovely place to cool off after a day on the road. The lake is known for its high salt concentration, which allows people to float easier than in other bodies of water. 

End your trip here with CamperTravel USA or, if you’ve picked up an Apollo vehicle, head back to Denver to drop off the motorhome. The two day return leg can take you via the Colorado mountains with a stay in Maybell, or via the Southern Wyoming Highway, with an overnight stop in Rawlins.

 

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