Planning the perfect western USA road trip can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of research. This proven 21-day itinerary covers 8 states and America’s most iconic national parks, helping you maximize your adventure while minimizing costs.
Table Of Content
Why This Road Trip Route Works Best
This route covers 4,500 miles through Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. You’ll save 40-60% compared to flying between destinations and staying in hotels. RV camping costs just $30-50 per night split among friends, versus $200+ for hotel rooms.
Your key benefits:
- Visit 7 major national parks in logical order.
- Free camping in national forests saves $1,000+.
- Proven daily schedule prevents rushed experiences.
- Weather-optimized timing for each location
Smart RV Rental Strategy
Book through RVShare.com instead of traditional rental companies. You’ll pay $100-150 per day for luxury RVs versus $300+ from corporate chains. Phoenix offers 3x more rental options than Las Vegas, giving you better selection and lower prices.
Money-saving tip: Split costs among 6-8 people. A $150,000 RV becomes affordable at $20-25 per person daily.
Days 1-3: Arizona Foundation (Grand Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)
Start in Phoenix and drive 3.5 hours to Grand Canyon South Rim. Camp free in Kaibab National Forest—this alone saves $200+ versus park lodging.
Essential activities:
- Sunrise at Desert View Point (6 AM)
- South Kaibab Trail hike (3-4 hours)
- Horseshoe Bend photography (1 hour)
- Lake Powell swimming stop
Pro tip: 99% of visitors never hike into the Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab Trail offers completely different perspectives you can’t get from rim viewpoints.
Days 4-6: Utah’s Big Three (Zion & Bryce)
.png)
Zion National Park priorities:
- Angel’s Landing (chain-assisted cliff climbing)
- The Narrows river hike (rent waterproof boots in town)
- Canyon Overlook sunset viewing
Wake at 4:30 AM for Narrows hiking. Early timing means fewer crowds and magical golden-hour lighting through the slot canyon.
Bryce Canyon highlights:
- Sunrise Point viewing (5 AM)
- Inspiration Point sunset
- Navajo Loop Trail into the hoodoos
Days 7-10: Wyoming Wilderness (Jackson Hole & Grand Teton)
Jackson Hole provides a western town atmosphere with modern amenities. Book backcountry permits 6+ months ahead for Death Canyon overnight camping.
Grand Teton must-dos:
- Jenny Lake Trail (moderate difficulty)
- Death Canyon backcountry camping (advanced hikers)
- Wildlife viewing (moose common; maintain 25+ yard distance)
Bridger-Teton National Forest offers free riverside camping with private sites.
Day 11: Yellowstone Essentials
Focus on Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic. Spring for first-time visitors. Arrively in the morning to avoid tour bus crowds. The park sits on the world’s largest active volcanic system.
Days 12-14: Montana’s Crown Jewel (Glacier National Park)
.png)
Top experiences:
- Avalanche Lake hike through mystical cedar forests
- Lake McDonald sunrise kayaking (rental available)
- Category 2-3 white water rafting ($65 per person)
Stay at West Glacier KOA for amenities or find free forest camping for budget savings.
Days 15-16: Oregon Coast Magic
Drive 10 hours from Glacier to Portland. Essential stops:
- Cannon Beach bonfire camping
- Devil’s Punch Bowl (visit before 3 PM tide changes)
- Salt Creek Falls (Oregon’s second tallest waterfall)
Day 17: Crater Lake National Park
America’s deepest lake at 2,000 feet sits in an ancient volcanic crater. The impossibly blue water requires just a half-day exploration. Free camping is available in the surrounding Winema National Forest.
Days 18-19: California’s Crown (Yosemite)
Book campsites 12 months ahead or stay in Stanislaus National Forest (45-minute drive to the park).
Essential Yosemite experiences:
- Mist Trail to Vernal Falls (6-8 hours round trip)
- Taft Point sunset viewing
- Half Dome photography from the valley floor
The Mist Trail ranks among America’s top 10 day hikes with multiple waterfalls and granite cliff scenery.
Days 20-21: Desert Finale (Joshua Tree)
Joshua Tree’s unique twisted trees and desert landscapes provide a perfect trip finale before returning to Phoenix.
Budget Breakdown (8-person group)
- RV rental: $125/day ÷ 8 = $16 per person daily
- Gas: $1,200 ÷ 8 = $150 per person total
- Food: $30 per person daily (cooking in RV)
- Park passes: $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass
- Total per person: $750-900 for 21 days
Compare this to $300+ daily for hotels plus $2,000+ in flights between destinations.
Essential Packing List
- Hiking boots and waterproof alternatives
- Layers for temperature extremes (desert mornings are 40°F, afternoons 90°F+)
- 2+ gallons of water per person daily in desert regions
- First aid kit and emergency supplies
- Camping chairs and portable cooking equipment
FAQ Of Western USA Road Trip
How much does a 21-day Western USA road trip cost?
A 21-day Western USA road trip costs $750-900 per person when sharing an RV with 8 people. This includes RV rental ($16/day per person), gas ($150 total), food ($30/day), and park passes ($80). Hotel-based trips cost 3x more at $2,500+ per person.
What’s the best route for a Western USA road trip?
The optimal Western USA road trip route covers Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. Start in Phoenix, visit Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier, Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree in this order for best weather and logistics.
How long should a Western USA road trip be?
A comprehensive Western USA road trip needs 21-30 days to cover major national parks without rushing. This allows 2-3 days per destination for hiking, photography, and rest. Shorter 10-14 day trips work but require skipping several parks or limiting activities.
