Roadtrip with RVshare Riverside to Pueblo

If you want to plan an epic adventure from California to Colorado, this road trip itinerary from Riverside to Pueblo will take you past some thrilling spots. Your journey starts in Riverside, and you may want to take time to check out the two dozen nationally recognized landmarks throughout the town. As you travel west, you will pass through some historic towns, including Holbrook and Santa Fe. Once you reach Pueblo, visit the Arkansas Riverwalk or the downtown zoo. 

Nearby National Parks

If you want to take a break from the road, spend a day at a national park. From California to Colorado, you can find a great place to reconnect with nature. 

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is the most iconic park in the United States. Since the Grand Canyon welcomes over 5 million visitors per year, this location is also one of the country's most visited parks. While you are there, you can take in the spectacular canyon views. If you are up for a challenge, explore by foot on the trails. Biking and backpacking are some other popular activities. Like other national parks, there are plenty of opportunities to sign up for guided hikes, geological lectures, or informative talks. 

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is a great spot in Arizona. This national park covers over 200 square miles in the desert, and it is one of the best places to look at fossilized wood specimens. In addition to that, this national park is well-known for its collection of ancient petroglyphs. While you are there, you might want to keep an eye out for bobcats, pronghorns, and coyotes which love to roam throughout the area. Since the Petrified Forest is a historic area, you can also visit the park's 600 archaeological sites. 

Joshua Tree National Park

Located between the Mojave and Colorado deserts, Joshua Tree National Park covers 1,200 miles. The park is named for the unique yucca species found throughout the region. Joshua Tree National Park is also home to some gorgeous mountain views and fascinating rock formations. With the San Andreas fault line traveling through the park, you can see how ruptures have changed the landscape. If you are looking to engage in a few recreational opportunities, hiking, mountain biking, and backcountry camping are great activities to enjoy in the park. You may want to look to the skies for birds or check out the stars during the night.

Nearby State Parks

For those who want some quiet, you may want to stop by a state park on your Riverside to Pueblo RV road trip. These locations are less crowded than the popular national parks, but they still have plenty of natural wonders for you to enjoy. 

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

The Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is nestled between the Laguna and Cuyamaca Mountains. This state park covers 24,000 acres of pine and oak forests. Bobcats, badgers, mountain lions, and foxes make their home in this park. For birders, this park is a dream come true. The Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is home to over 100 species of birds, including northern flickers, sparrows, and red-tailed hawks. You can also get some exercise in the park with its 100 miles of trails that can be explored by foot or horseback. 

Hyde Memorial State Park

Located in the hills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Hyde Memorial State Park is a great spot to visit on your road trip. At this park, you can see the landscape change from dense evergreen forests to majestic mountain peaks. This New Mexico state park is also a great place to check out the unique rock formations. You will definitely want to hit the hiking trails to get a better look at the surrounding views. This state park is also a refuge for many animal species, including porcupines, coyotes, and foxes. If you travel to this location in the winter, tubing, cross-country skiing, and sledding are popular activities. 

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Opened in 2006, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is just outside Colorado Springs, and it covers the eastern flank of the Cheyenne Mountains. While you are there, you will see the park transition from open plains to mountain vistas. If you love to hike, you are in luck with over 27 miles of trails to explore. Along with that, this park is teeming with wildlife, including black bears, foxes, deer, cougars, elk, and red-tailed hawks.

Along the Way

Don't forget to check out these fascinating locations and attractions on your Riverside to Pueblo road trip. 

Museum of Riverside

While visiting Riverside, make this museum a must-see stop. Whether you are a history buff or not, you will want to check out this regional culture and history museum located in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside. The Museum of Riverside has plenty of exhibits detailing the area's history, and it was once known as the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

Harada House

This historic house is located in Riverside. The building was the center of a legal case involving foreign ownership and the state of California. The house was built in 1884 by the Harada family. At one time, foreign nationals were ineligible to own property in the state. The case went to court, and the Harada family won. In 1990, the house was declared a National Historic Landmark. Today, you can take a tour of the property and see the authentic artifacts that were once owned by this family. 

Pueblo Zoo

As you explore the city of Pueblo, make sure to stop by the local zoo for a day of family fun. The original zoo was built in 1933, and it was part of a Civilian Conservation Corps project. This zoological park is home to over 400 animals. You can visit this zoo throughout the year. 

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

Located along the Arkansas River, the Arkansas Riverwalk is the perfect place to visit in Pueblo. The San Antonio Riverwalk inspired this beautiful attraction. The area is a popular place for tourists and locals. You can browse the boutique shops or enjoy dinner at a restaurant. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

As you travel on your road trip from Riverside to Pueblo, you will pass through a few exciting cities. Many of these spots provide comfortable accommodations for your rig. Along with that, you will find plenty of dump stations to keep your vehicle clean. 

Holbrook

This Arizona city was once known as a Wild West town, and it was home to a large population of railroaders, outlaws, and cattle ranchers. If you want to visit the Petrified National Park, Holbrook is located near the park. You will notice the blending of Native American and Hispanic cultures in this city. Residents love to celebrate Holbrook's heritage. After a day of sightseeing, you can find the perfect campground just outside of this historic town. 

Gallup

If you decide to follow Route 66, you will travel through Gallup. This New Mexico town is an excellent place to see red sandstone cliffs. For a close look at these natural wonders, make sure to stop by the nearby Anasazi archaeological site. You can find a massive collection of pottery and silver at the Red Rock Museum. When it is time to camp out in your rig, Gallup is home to several relaxing campgrounds.

Santa Fe

While you are traveling on this road trip, you might want to stop off in Santa Fe. This city is one of the major centers of culture in the Southwest. When you are in town, you can visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum or check out the historic Loretto Chapel. This New Mexico city is also close to the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. No matter where you spend time in Santa Fe, you will be able to find a great campground for your travel needs. If you need to find a dump station for your vehicle, there are several options near Santa Fe.

Find Adventure from Riverside to Pueblo

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Riverside to Pueblo, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Riverside or Pueblo.