Starting from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and
winding your way through majestic national parks and charming mountain towns,
this road trip has it all. Whether you’re a seasoned RV traveler or new
to the experience, this guide will help you make the most of your trip with
Cruise America.
1. Planning Your Route
The distance from San Francisco to Las Vegas is
approximately 570 miles, and while you could drive it in a day, the best way to
enjoy the trip is by spreading it out over several days. Here’s a suggested
route that allows you to take in the highlights along the way:
San
Francisco to Yosemite National Park (170 miles)
Yosemite
to Mammoth Lakes (50 miles)
Mammoth
Lakes to Death Valley National Park (200 miles)
Death
Valley to Las Vegas (150 miles)
This route provides a mix of natural beauty,
outdoor adventure, and some relaxation.
2. Starting in San Francisco
San Francisco, known for its iconic landmarks,
diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant culture, is the perfect starting point for
your road trip. Before you hit the road, take some time to explore the city’s
famous sights:
Golden
Gate Bridge: Walk or bike across this world-famous bridge for panoramic
views of the bay and the city skyline.
Alcatraz
Island: Take a ferry to this historic island, which was once home to a
notorious federal prison. The audio tour offers fascinating insights into
its past.
Fisherman’s
Wharf: A lively area known for its seafood, street performers, and
attractions like the sea lions at Pier 39.
Chinatown:
Visit the bustling markets and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in the
largest Chinatown outside of Asia.
After soaking up the sights and sounds of San
Francisco, you’ll be ready to start your journey eastward.
3. Yosemite National Park
Leaving the bustling city behind, head
towards Yosemite National Park, one of the crown jewels
of America’s national parks. Known for its towering granite cliffs, stunning
waterfalls, and ancient sequoias, Yosemite offers a wealth of natural beauty
and outdoor activities.
Top Spots in Yosemite:
Yosemite
Valley: The heart of the park, home to iconic landmarks like El Capitan,
Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. This is also the starting point for many of
Yosemite’s best hikes.
Glacier
Point: This viewpoint offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in the
park, overlooking Yosemite Valley and the surrounding peaks.
Mariposa
Grove: A magnificent forest of giant sequoias, some of which are over
2,000 years old.
Camping in Yosemite is an experience not to be
missed. North Pines and Upper Pines campgrounds in Yosemite Valley are great
options, but be sure to make reservations in advance, as they fill up quickly.
4. Mammoth Lakes
After exploring Yosemite, continue your journey to
Mammoth Lakes, a picturesque mountain town located in the Eastern Sierra.
Mammoth Lakes is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a variety of
activities to suit all interests.
Activities in Mammoth Lakes:
Hiking:
Discover the natural beauty of the region on trails around Convict Lake or
explore the unique basalt columns at Devils Postpile National Monument.
Hot
Springs: Unwind in one of the area’s natural hot springs, such as Wild
Willy’s Hot Springs, where you can soak in warm waters surrounded by
stunning scenery.
Skiing
(in winter): If you’re traveling in winter, don’t miss the opportunity to
hit the slopes at Mammoth Mountain, one of California’s top ski resorts.
For RV travelers, the Mammoth Mountain RV Park
offers full hookups and is conveniently located near the town, making it an
ideal stop for a night or two.
5. Death Valley National Park From the cool mountain air of Mammoth Lakes,
descend into the heat of Death Valley National Park, a land of extremes
and stark beauty. Known as the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley is a
landscape of rugged mountains, vast salt flats, and rolling sand dunes.
Must-See Attractions in Death Valley:
Badwater
Basin: The lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level,
Badwater Basin’s vast salt flats create an otherworldly landscape.
Zabriskie
Point: A popular spot for sunrise or sunset, offering panoramic views of
the golden-hued badlands.
Dante’s
View: This viewpoint provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the valley and
is easily accessible by car.
Consider spending the night at one of the park’s
campgrounds, such as Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells, to experience the park’s
incredible night skies and quiet solitude.
6. Las Vegas: The Entertainment
Capital of the World
Your road trip concludes in Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant
nightlife, world-class entertainment, and endless attractions. Las Vegas offers
a unique contrast to the natural landscapes you’ve explored along the way.
Things to Do in Las Vegas:
The
Las Vegas Strip: Walk along the famous Strip, where you can see elaborate
casino resorts, catch a show, or enjoy fine dining.
Bellagio
Fountains: Watch the mesmerizing water show at the Bellagio, where
fountains dance to music and lights.
Red
Rock Canyon: If you still have a taste for the outdoors, take a short
drive to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where you can hike
among striking red rock formations.
If you’re traveling in an RV, there are several
campgrounds and RV parks in and around Las Vegas, offering everything from
basic amenities to luxurious facilities.
Tips for RV Travel
Traveling by RV is a fantastic way to explore at
your own pace, but it requires some preparation. Here are a few tips to ensure
your trip goes smoothly:
Plan
Your Stops: Make campground reservations in advance, especially during
summer in popular national parks like Yosemite and Death Valley.
Pack
Smart: Bring along all the essentials for cooking, sleeping, and outdoor
activities. Don’t forget a first aid kit and plenty of water.
Stay
Connected: Make sure your RV has a reliable GPS system and carry a map as
a backup for areas with spotty cell service.
Respect
Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles, properly
dispose of waste, and respect the wildlife and natural surroundings.
Why Taking a Road Trip is Better
Than Taking a Flight.
While flying might be the fastest way to travel
from San Francisco to Las Vegas, taking an RV road trip offers an experience
that’s richer, more flexible, and filled with adventure.
Here’s why choosing
the open road with a Cruise America RV is the better option:
1. Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility
Flying locks you into a strict schedule with little
room for spontaneity. With an RV road trip, you’re in control of your
itinerary. You can decide when and where to stop, explore hidden gems along the
way, and linger in places that capture your interest. Whether you want to spend
extra time hiking in Yosemite, relaxing by a lake in Mammoth, or stargazing in
Death Valley, the freedom to set your own pace is one of the greatest joys of
RV travel.
2. A Journey, Not Just a Destination
Flying whisks you from point A to point B, often
bypassing the incredible scenery and experiences that lie between. An RV road
trip transforms the journey into a central part of the adventure. You’ll drive
through diverse landscapes, from the lush forests of the Sierra Nevada to the
stark beauty of the desert. Each leg of the trip offers new sights, sounds, and
experiences that make the journey just as exciting as the destination.
3. Comfort and Convenience on the Road
Traveling by RV means you bring the comforts of
home with you wherever you go. There’s no need to worry about cramped airplane
seats, delays, or crowded terminals. Your RV offers comfortable sleeping
quarters, a kitchen to prepare meals, and space to relax. You can enjoy the
convenience of stopping at scenic locations for a homemade meal or a peaceful
night’s sleep, without the hassle of checking into hotels or finding
restaurants on the fly.
4. Immersive Experiences
An RV road trip allows you to truly connect with
the places you visit. Instead of flying over national parks, you’ll drive
through them, stop to hike their trails, and camp under the stars. The
immersive nature of RV travel lets you experience the natural beauty and
cultural highlights of each destination in a way that’s impossible from an
airplane window.
5. Cost-Effective Travel
While flying may seem faster, it comes with
additional costs like airfare, car rentals, hotels, and dining out. An RV road
trip can be a more budget-friendly option, especially for families or groups.
With your own kitchen on board, you can save money by preparing meals, and your
RV doubles as your accommodation, eliminating hotel expenses. Plus, there’s no
need to worry about baggage fees or renting a car upon arrival.
6. Creating Lasting Memories
The shared experiences of an RV road trip create
lasting memories that are often more meaningful than simply arriving at a
destination. Whether it’s roasting marshmallows around a campfire, discovering
a hidden waterfall, or watching the sunset over the desert, these moments
become the stories you’ll cherish and share for years to come.
Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 05/09/2024