Our Top Hikes in the U.S. (and How to Camp Smarter Along the Way)

There’s something uniquely rewarding about reaching a trailhead with everything you need already packed behind you.

No hotel check ins. No rushing to beat the sunset. No cutting a trip short because you ran out of power.

For RV travelers, the journey is part of the adventure and the right setup can turn iconic hikes into comfortable, extended stays. But if it’s your first RV trip, what surprises most people isn’t the driving, it’s the logistics: limited hookups, sold out campgrounds, generator restrictions, changing weather, and learning how to make camp feel effortless.

At Evotrex, we believe the best RV travel reduces tradeoffs, giving you the freedom to stay longer, go farther, and spend less time planning around infrastructure. Whether that means extending your stay inside a national park campground or exploring farther off grid, great RV experiences should feel defined by possibility, not limitations.

That’s why we put together this guide. Whether you’re planning your first RV adventure, looking for smarter RV camping tips, or exploring how to make off-grid RV travel more comfortable, these destinations offer unforgettable hiking experiences and practical lessons to help you camp with more confidence and flexibility.

The Mist Trail | Yosemite National Park, California

Distance & elevation

Approximately 6 to 7 miles round trip to Vernal and Nevada Falls with roughly 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

Why we love it

Few hikes feel as iconic as the Mist Trail. It allows you to experience all the valley has to offer.

You’ll climb beside waterfalls, granite staircases, and some of Yosemite’s most recognizable views. In late spring and early summer, the mist from Vernal Fall becomes part of the experience.

This is the kind of hike that reminds you why people drive across the country to visit national parks.

What you need to know

The Mist Trail is strenuous and busy.

Start early to avoid heat and crowds, ideally arriving before sunrise if visiting during peak season. Carry at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person, especially during late spring and summer when temperatures climb throughout the day.

If seeing the waterfalls at their most dramatic is a priority, plan your visit in late spring through early summer (typically May through June), when snowmelt creates the strongest flows and the trail earns its name. By late summer and early fall, water levels are often noticeably lower.

Expect changing temperatures throughout the day and limited parking if arriving after sunrise.

RV traveler tips

• Reserve this early: Yosemite reservations can disappear months in advance. If summer travel is your goal, book early and build flexibility into your route.
• Best camp setup:
  • Inside the park: Dry camping
  • Outside the park: Hookup campgrounds nearby
  • Alternative: Public land stays for travelers looking for more flexibility, privacy, and less reservation hassle, while planning for limited infrastructure and fewer campground amenities.
• Weather watch: Summer afternoons can become surprisingly hot. For many RV travelers, climate control becomes the largest energy draw of the trip.
  First timer mistake to avoid: Don’t assume every campsite includes power. Yosemite’s most sought after campsites often trade amenities for location.

The PG5 advantage: Yosemite’s limited hookups make energy planning important. The PG5 helps travelers stay comfortable longer and rely less on hookups or campground infrastructure. It combines a 43 kWh automotive grade LFP battery, rooftop solar, regenerative charging while towing, and integrated power generation to support more flexible camping.

The Narrows | Zion National Park, Utah

Distance & elevation

Anywhere from 2 to 10 miles round trip depending on how far you travel upstream.

Why we love it

This isn’t a traditional hike. You trade trails for rivers and move through towering canyon walls in one of the most unique landscapes in the country. The Narrows feels more like exploring than hiking.

What you need to know

Conditions in The Narrows can change quickly, so always check National Park Service alerts before entering the canyon and review current trail conditions before heading out.

Do not skip specialized hiking boots, neoprene socks, and walking poles. You can rent them at outfitters in Springdale or in the park at Zion Outfitter. 
You cannot park at the trailhead. Instead, the park has established a seasonal shuttle system to reduce traffic and parking problems.

During peak months, getting the first shuttle of the day (usually around 6:00 a.m.) is the best way to beat the crowds and secure Visitor Center parking.

RV traveler tips

• Reserve this early: Watchman Campground is one of the most RV friendly locations near Zion and fills quickly.
• Transportation matters: During peak seasons, private vehicles cannot drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and visitors must use the shuttle system.
• Best camp setup: 
  • Inside park: Electric hookups available at select sites
  • Outside park: RV parks near Springdale
  • Alternative: Nearby dispersed camping for more flexibility
• First timer mistake to avoid: Don’t underestimate post hike recovery. After hours in the sun, coming back to a comfortable camp setup changes the experience.

The PG5 advantage: Zion is a great example of why flexible camp matters. Once parked, leave the trailer behind and spend the day exploring while maintaining onboard cooling, refrigeration, and comfort back at camp.

Grinnell Glacier Trail | Glacier National Park, Montana

Distance & elevation

Approximately 10 to 11 miles round trip with 1,800 to 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

Why we love it

If you only do one hike in Glacier, make it Grinnell. Turquoise water, waterfalls, mountain views, and glacier access make this one of the most rewarding day hikes in the U.S.

What you need to know

Snow can linger well into summer and trail access may vary depending on seasonal conditions, so check National Park Service alerts and trail status before heading out. Temperatures can also shift dramatically between morning and afternoon, even during peak season, so layering is key.

Wildlife awareness is equally important. Grinnell Glacier sits in active bear country, so carry bear spray, know proper trail etiquette, and stay alert throughout the hike.

For the best experience, start early. You’ll avoid afternoon weather changes, increase your chances of parking availability, and enjoy a quieter trail.

RV traveler tips

• Reserve this early: Campgrounds near Glacier often require advance reservations and availability is limited.
• Expect fewer hookups: Many sites prioritize location over amenities.
• Watch your size: Before booking, verify trailer length restrictions and road access.
• First timer mistake to avoid: Don’t chase hookups. Some of the best camping experiences happen where infrastructure is minimal.

The PG5 advantage: Trips like Glacier reward self sufficient travel. The PG5 is designed to support longer stays with integrated climate control, onboard energy capabilities, and a 60 gallon fresh water capacity, helping travelers spend less time managing camp and more time enjoying where they are.

Happy trails!

The best hikes aren’t just about the miles on the trail.

They’re about staying long enough to enjoy the sunrise. Taking the extra rest day. Not leaving because your campsite lost power or reservations ran out.

Great RV travel is about reducing tradeoffs without compromise.

The Evotrex-PG5 was designed around that idea, helping travelers spend less time managing camp and more time enjoying where the road takes them.