Glenn’s Spring Road Trip Ideas to SW: Or a Fall trip for that matter!

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, NM

Seattle to Las Vegas via I-90, Tri-Cities, Hwy 82, (or 97), and Hwy 395 , you’re in for a scenic and adventurous trip through the Pacific Northwest and the Western U.S. We want to get down to Southern California/Nevada in a relatively quick time (8-10 hrs. driving per day), but not the boring I-5 way with 4 million trucks, its most likely raining and cold till you get down to SW . Trust me we have done it 10+ times. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the route:

Route Overview:

• Distance: Roughly 1,100 - 1,200 miles (1,770 - 1,930 km), depending on the exact route taken.
• Time: About 18 -22+ hours of driving, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the amount of time spent at stops.
• 2-3 days of Camping

Detailed Route Breakdown:

1. Start in Seattle:

• Begin your trip heading east on I-90 from Seattle.
• Drive through the Snoqualmie Pass with scenic mountain views. Continue on I-90 until you reach Ellensburg , a small city in central Washington.

2. Transition to Hwy 82 South

• From Ellensburg , take I-82 South through Yakima .

3. Reach Tri-Cities via Hwy 184:

• As you approach Biggs Junction,  take Hwy 184 South toward Tri-Cities . (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland).
• You'll cross into Tri-Cities via Hwy 184 and pass through Kennewick, which is known for its wine country and scenic river views. You can take a break here for food, fuel, or to explore. 
• Pasco is where you turn onto Hwy 395 South and meet up with Hwy 82.

4. South on Hwy 82:

• From Tri-Cities , Continue on Hwy 82 South . This will take you to the Columbia River Crossing. 

5. Enter Oregon:

• Continue south on Hwy 82 as you cross into Oregon .
• You'll head to the town of Pendleton , which is famous for its Western culture and wool mills. It's a good place to stop for food or to stretch your legs.
• Head south now on HWY 395 south.
• Now you are in Eastern Oregon, passing through towns like John Day and Burns.
• This is a slow route, with many twisty roads and beautiful parts of Eastern Oregon.
• As an alternative, you could go over to Hwy 97 you just go west on Hwy 84 the bend., Oregon way maybe stopping at Crater Lake and then through the Klamath Falls area.
• There are so many choices out there to take depending on the weather and time. This route is so much better than I-5 down to California.

Bend, River Park

6. Eastern California (Hwy 395 South):

• As you continue south on Hwy 395 , you'll enter California . The route takes you past beautiful mountain scenery and towns like Alturas, Susanville , and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
• If you have time, Lassen Volcanic National Park is worth a visit for its unique geothermal landscapes.

Camping in Eastern Sierras, off Hwy 395

7. Into Nevada:

• After Susanville , continue following Hwy 395 south, and you'll cross into Nevada .
• The landscape will gradually shift from mountainous to desert as you make your way through Gardnerville and Minden, both towns near Lake Tahoe .
• Now you need to make a choice, to stay on Hwy 395 through Eastern California or go directly to Las Vegas the dry way (kinda boring).
• There are many more camping spots on Hwy 395 plus bigger towns on the back side of the Sierra Mountains than the Nevada Hwy 95 rout. (we go this way most of the time).
• The town of Big Pine is a good place to cross over east on Hwy 168-266 to the Hwy 95 South.
• If  you stay on Hwy 395 then its Death Valley time as a route to Las Vegas so... plan accordingly!

Somewhere in Eastern California

8. Final Leg to Las Vegas:

• When you reach Minden/Gardnerville, transition onto U.S. Route 95 South towards Las Vegas.
• Continue on U.S. 95 South , passing through smaller towns like Tonopah and Beatty before you reach Las Vegas .

Key Stops and Attractions:

• Pendleton, OR:  A stop here could give you a glimpse into the cowboy culture, famous for Pendleton Woolen Mills . 
• Columbia River Gorge: If you take Hwy 97, you'll get spectacular views of the Columbia River and its dramatic gorge landscapes.
• Lassen Volcanic National Park: If you can spare the time, consider a detour to Lassen Volcanic National Park in California for its geothermal features and hiking opportunities. 
• Lake Tahoe:  If you're willing to take a brief detour near Minden/Gardnerville, Lake Tahoe offers gorgeous alpine scenery.
• Mammoth Lakes:  North & south of here are many ways to explore the inside of the Sierras , it is just beautiful out here.

Key Considerations:

• Fuel & Services:  Some sections of the route, particularly between Tri-Cities and smaller towns in Oregon and California , are sparsely populated. Make sure to fill up your gas tank before heading into remote areas.
• Weather:  Depending on the season, snow and rain could be an issue in the Snoqualmie Pass, Eastern Oregon , or Lassen Volcanic National Park .
• Travel Time:  The total drive time for this route will be long, especially if you make several scenic stops, so plan accordingly for breaks, meals, and overnight stays.

Summary:

This route gives you the chance to see the Columbia River Gorge, Eastern Washington wine country, Pendleton's cowboy culture, Central Oregon , and some of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains before arriving in Las Vegas . With Beautiful rural and mountainous views, this is a great option for those who want a blend of scenic beauty and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Let me know if you need more specific details or advice on a particular shop!

Once we land in Las Vegas, now what?

An early spring campervan road trip through the Southwest is one of the ultimate adventures! With the flexibility to travel at your own pace and camp under the stars, you'll get to experience the incredible landscapes of the region in a way that's both relaxed and immersive. Here's a suggested route with highlights, along with tips on camping spots and things to see.

Suggested Campervan Road Trip Route:

1. Start in Las Vegas, Nevada (Optional but a fun starting point)

• Why Las Vegas? It's a convenient starting point (helps we have family and friends there), and it's a short drive to the natural wonders of the Southwest .

• Must-See: Before you head out, explore Red Rock Canyon for some nearby hikes, and maybe even take a quick detour to Hoover Dam. Go to Valley of Fire before or after the dam visit.

Valley of Fire, Lake Mead NV

2. Zion National Park, Utah (2-3 days)

• Why Go? Zion is a stunning national park with towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and plenty of trails. The early spring weather is perfect for hiking.
• Camping: Check out Watchman Campground, located close to the park entrance. It's open year-round, but be sure to book early.
• Must-do hikes: Angel's Landing (if you're up for the challenge) and the Narrows (which is a beautiful hike in the river, though check water conditions before attempting).

3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (1-2 days)

• Why go? Bryce's otherworldly hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock) are even more magical in early spring when there's still a chill in the air and fewer visitors. 
• Camping: North Campground is a great option, with some sites open year-round.
• Must-do: Check out the scenic drive through the park and the various overlooks. Sunrise at Bryce Point is unforgettable. 

4. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah Border (1-2 days)

• Why go? This iconic desert landscape is one of the most recognizable in the U.S., often featured in Western movies.
• Camping: There are campsites within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, or you can opt for nearby campgrounds in the surrounding area.
• Must-see: Take a scenic drive through the valley or consider booking a Navajo-guided tour to learn more about the area's history and significance.

Monument Valley

5. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (2-3 days)

• Why go? The Grand canyon is a must-see, with endless viewpoints, trails, and, of course, the breathtaking scenery.
• Camping: Mather Campground on the South Rim is a great spot to park your van, but reservations are a must, especially in the spring. For a more rustic experience, you could camp at Desert View Campground.
• Must-do: Hike along the Rim Trail, or if your adventurous, try hiking down to the Colorado River (Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail).

6. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona (1-2 days)

• Why Go? Antelope Canyon's stunning slot canyons and Horseshoe Bend's perfect curve in the Colorado River make this one of the most picturesque stops in the Southwest.
• Camping: There are campgrounds in Page, AZ, or you can stay at one of the nearby BLM (Bureau of Land Management) sites for a more primitive experience.
• Must-Do: Visit Antelope Canyon (book a tour in advance) and hike to Horseshoe Bend at sunrise or sunset for the best light.

7. Sedona, Arizona (2 days)

• Why go? Known for its red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona is perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. The Spring weather is ideal for hiking.
• Camping: There are several campgrounds around Sedona, such as Pine Flat Campground or dispersed camping in the Coconino National Forest.
• Must-Do : Explore the scenic Red Rock Loop Drive, take a hike to Cathedral Rock, and maybe experience a vortex site for a unique spiritual experience. 

Night camping somewhere, moonlit sky

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico (2-3 days)

• Why go? The weather will be cool but sunny, making it a great time to explore the city's art galleries, historic sites, and beautiful adobe architecture. You can also hike in the nearby mountains for panoramic views.
• Camping : Try to find an Airbnb or even the KOA out of town is simple and close.

Downtown Santa Fe, NM  one of my my favorite towns

 Finish in Albuquerque, New Mexico (Optional, 1-2 days)

• Why go? If you want to end your trip in a vibrant city, Albuquerque offers a unique blend of Southwestern culture, food, and history.
• Camping: Check out the nearby campgrounds or RV parks if you want to stay close to the city.
• Must-do: Explore Old town Albuquerque, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway for amazing views.

Side trip:

• White Sands National Park:  The pristine white dunes of gypsum sand look stunning against the blue sky. It's a great time to visit as the weather won't be too hot, and you can enjoy walking or even sledding down the dunes.

Chace as a puppy, White Sands, NM

Other Tips for your Road Trip:

Campervan Essentials:

• Stock up on water, snacks, and fuel (some stretches between national parks can be remote).
• Make sure you have maps or offline navigation, as cell service can be spotty in the desert.
• Have a solar-powered charger or extra batteries for electronics.

Camping in the Southwest:

• Reservations: Many popular campsites near national parks fill up fast, especially in early spring. Try to book campsites as early as possible.
• Free Camping: If you're looking for  more freedom, check out BLM Lands for dispersed camping, where you can camp for free. You'll find these areas, especially near national parks like Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon.
• Weather : Early Spring Weather can vary greatly. Days can be warm, but nights are often chilly, so pack layers and a good sleeping bag.
• Leave No Trace: The desert can be fragile. Be sure to pack out everything, including waste, and stick to established trails.

I think south of Red Rocks, Las Vegas, NV

These route ideas will let you experience the best of the Southwest-majestic canyons, red rock landscapes, and serene deserts--while enjoying the flexibility and comfort of your campervan. Do you have any specific stops you'd like to explore more, or are you looking for additional ideas along the route?  Reach out to us:

Eastside Auto Works Contact

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