Here at Cruise America, our employees are a big group of nature-lovin’, adventure-seekin’ outdoor enthusiasts. From skiing and cycling to surfing and relaxing, we love taking our RV rentals to the best spots all over North America to #OptOutside. Here are some of our employees’ favorite hiking locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Quick Look: Favorite Hiking Trails
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Mountains to Sea Trail
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Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch
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Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
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Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
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Emerald Pools Trail
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Lake Solitude Trail
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Appalachian Trail
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Stawamus Chief Trail
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Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs Trail
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Devil’s Bridge Trail
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Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail
Mountains to Sea Trail
“Any hike throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway is pure magic! We mainly hike with our dog, so we are always looking for dog-friendly trails with light to moderate traffic. The Mountains to Sea Trail has it all … and then some! When we were there, we only saw maybe two other people out while hiking and the skill level is pretty easy. The viewpoints are impeccable – when you stop off at a lookout, you can't help but be in awe of the rolling hills of trees that meet the horizon. I like to call the trees of the Blue Ridge Parkway a sea of broccoli heads! This hike is a definite must in my book.”
- Sara, Marketing Team
Photo Credit: Sara, Marketing Team
Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch
- Where: Arches National Park, Utah
- Distance: 1.7 m (2.7 km)
- Elevation Change: 436 ft (133 m)
“To do this hike, you either have to buy a permit or go on a guided tour with a park ranger as they limit the numbers. So straightaway, the experience feels a bit special. Once you get inside, it’s like a maze or natural labyrinth with its tight passageways between sandstone walls. Having the guide really helps; not only do they know where they’re going, they are also able to point out really interesting geological features that you might otherwise miss. Some parts are very tight slot canyons where you have to leverage yourself using your hands and feet to get through, so I would only suggest this hike to those who are comfortable with this level of physical activity. Depending on the time of the day, the sunlight reflecting off the rocks makes them almost glow – it’s an incredible sight. I would suggest booking at least three or four months in advance to make sure you can get on the tour as it sells out fast.”
- Andy, International Marketing Team
Photo Credit: Andy, International Marketing Team
Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
- Where: Banff, Alberta, Canada
- Distance: 4.7 mi (7.6 km)
- Elevation Change: 1,312 ft (400 m)
“A memorable hike has to be the one we did as a family to one of Canada’s oldest and highest tea houses, located on the shores of the spectacular Lake Agnes in a lovely hanging valley. You set off from Lake Louise, climbing up the hill for about 2.5 miles on a wide, switchback path. The three lakes in this region - Lake Agnes, Mirror Lake and Lake Louise - are often referred to as the ‘Lakes in the Clouds.’ The views of Lake Louise and the surrounding valley are breathtaking. In addition to great views, hikers get the added bonus of stopping to enjoy a well-deserved homemade soup, fresh bread or a freshly baked cake and, of course, a cup of tea at the tea house before descending back down. The tea house is family run and the proprietors arrive in the very early hours of the morning to bake the day’s fresh bread and cakes for the visitors.”
- Tracy, International Marketing Team
Photo Credit: Tracy, International Marketing Team
Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
- Where: Yosemite National Park
- Distance: 7.5 mi (12.1 km)
- Elevation Change: 3,277 ft (999 m)
“Doing this round trip hike – four miles up and another four down – took about nine hours. We made our trek in the middle of May. The air is cold at that time of year, which is perfect for the demanding switchbacks and steeply inclined trail. When we started our climb at about 6 a.m., the morning sun hitting the granite cliffs was just spectacular. Because you’re hiking along the cliff face, the views around you are constantly changing as you climb. The only part of the trail that was busy was the last mile from the top; most visitors to Glacier Point will take the shuttle up to the summit and walk about a mile of the trail before walking back up again.”
- JF, Customer Relations Team
Emerald Pools Trail
- Where: Zion National Park, Utah
- Distance: 2.9 mi (4.7 km)
- Elevation Change: 606 ft (185 m)
“This is a nice, easy, trail with great views of waterfalls and the Zion Valley. Try to go early in the day – it can get a bit crowded.”
- Kevin, Finance Team
Photo Credit: Kevin, Finance Team
Lake Solitude Trail
- Where: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Distance: 16 mi (25.7 km)
- Elevation Change: 2,637 ft (804 m)
“Grand Teton remains one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S. We had the opportunity to experience it when my family drove cross country -from east to west – in 2017. The hike to Lake Solitude has it all – a beautiful lake, stunning mountain backdrops, wildlife, jaw-dropping flowers and a large waterfall. I loved this trip because I got to take my family camping in a Cruise America RV and share my love of life outdoors with my daughter as well as the amazing treats (s’mores!). It was so special.”
- Randall, Marketing Team
Photo Credit: Randall, Marketing Team
Appalachian Trail
- Where: Extends from Georgia to Maine
- Distance: 2,200 mi (3,500 km)
- Elevation Change: Varies
“My favorite hike has always been the Appalachian Trail. This trail feeds my soul and I try to get back there once a year, even if it’s just for a day hike. It has so much to offer hikers of all levels, whether they want to relax and take in the majesty of the scenery or adventure for the brave hikers that complete the trail from Georgia to Maine. It’s rich in history and hikers will meet the most amazing people along the way. For hikers like me, that enjoy hiking in solitude, it’s rich with opportunities. My experience has been with the North Carolina section of the trail but I look forward to one day taking an adventure on the trail in the upper northeast. The memories of time spent in the Appalachians with my dad will never leave my heart. Did you know you used to be able to parachute in? The 1970s were good times!”
- Tracey, Reservations Team
Photo Credit: Tracey, Reservations Team
Stawamus Chief Trail
- Where: Garibaldi Highlands, British Columbia, Canada
- Distance: 3.8 mi (6.1 km)
- Elevation Change: 2,532 ft (772 m)
“This hike is my favorite!”
- Sherilyn, Reservations Team
Our headquarters is located in Arizona, so we have a lot of experience hiking the many trails of the Grand Canyon state. Here are a few of our favorite, local hiking jaunts.
Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs Trail
- Where: Near Lake Mead
- Distance: 5.9 mi (9.5 km)
- Elevation Change: 1,223 ft (373 m)
“It is such a great experience to walk along the Colorado River and find hidden hot springs. There is a tall ladder you have to climb to access the hot springs, but once you’re there, the hot pools of water feel amazing. The hot springs are located within a slot canyon, so there is plenty of shade. The park service has placed sandbags to separate the pools by temperature as well. The highest pool has the hottest water, then the next pool down was a little more tolerable, and so on. It’s the best ‘spa’ in the area! I highly recommend it.”
- Jay, Reservations Team
Photo Credit: Jay, Reservations Team
Devil’s Bridge Trail
- Where: Sedona
- Distance: 4.2 m (6.8 km)
- Elevation Change: 564 ft (172 m)
- Mike, Marketing Team
Photo Credit: Mike, Marketing Team
Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail
- Where: Lost Dutchman State Park
- Distance: 5.5 m (8.9 km)
- Elevation Change: 2,726 ft (831 m)
“If we’re staying local, I’d pick the Flatiron trail via Siphon Draw. It’s on what the National Parks Service describes as the hardest one-day hiking trail in the U.S. We normally traverse this trail 2-3 times per year, with at least one time in the winter to take in the snowcapped peak and views from the top. The challenges of the trail, including the one-mile “crybaby” lead-in, major rock scrambling, vertical wall climbing and general loose limestone footing makes for an epic adventure to be enjoyed and appreciated.”
- Sean, Dealer Operations Team
Photo Credit: Sean, Dealer Operations Team
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