Picture this: the open road stretching out before you, the thrill of adventure in the air, and the cozy confines of a well-equipped RV waiting to be your home on wheels. Join me as I recount our RV journey through the heart of Colorado, all made possible by the dynamic duo of Cruise America and Harvest Hosts.
Rediscovering the RV Magic
My husband and I were full-time RVers for a few years but we haven’t taken an RV trip in years, we were yearning for a taste of the open road once more. So, when the opportunity to take a road trip using a Cruise America RV arose, we jumped at the chance. Our destination? The untamed beauty of Colorado's hidden gems that we had yet to uncover.
Your RV Expedition Checklist
Cruise America has an expansive network of 120 rental centers spread across the United States, Canada, and Alaska. As we looked into our rig options, we found a range of options, primarily the Class C rigs varying from 20 to 30 feet. We chose to stick with a 32-foot Class C, as this is the exact rig we used to have. With the RV reserved, we were well on our way. Leading up to our departure, Cruise America sent a series of emails, each containing a nugget of wisdom to ensure a seamless journey. These emails included videos for rookies and veterans alike, a recommended packing list, and more. These resources made prepping for our trip so much easier. These are some of the recommended packing items:
- Queen-size bed sheets, comforter, and pillow (bring two sets if you plan to use the over-the-cab bed)
- Bath and beach towels (if you plan to go to the pool, hot springs, etc.)
- Hand and dish soap
- Frying pan
- Grill accessories if you plan to grill at the campsite (can’t forget those smores sticks!)
- Food! We love cooking on a campfire so we brought all the necessary supplies but also enjoyed a few meals out.
- Plates, cups, silverware
- Bikes - this is not really necessary but you likely won’t have an extra vehicle with you. Bikes make it easy to get around campgrounds and towns if you are camped close enough. Each rig has an option to add a tow hitch (be sure to ask when you rent your rig to use the tow hitch, they will remove the lock), we used our bike rack to add to the hitch. It was nice to have our bikes at most of our locations!
Picking Up Your Cruise America RV
On your departure date, drive to your local Cruise America rental location. The first thing they will ask you is if you have watched the video, so be sure to check it out before you pick your rig up. In under 30 minutes, we were armed with all we needed to navigate the roads ahead. They gave us a guided tour of the rig, leaving no stone unturned, ensuring our comfort and confidence as we embarked on our odyssey.
Enhance Your Trip With Harvest Hosts Locations
Traveling in an RV is one of the best ways to see the country. You find that you move slower and appreciate the scenery more. Our RV expedition took us to several Harvest Hosts locations as that is one of our favorite ways to camp. 
Mountain View Winery in Olathe, CO
Nestled in Olathe, we found Mountain View Winery. With its easy accessibility and breathtaking views of pear and peach orchards, this spot has been hosting RVers for over a decade. Chatting with the owner while sipping on wine, we were treated to stories about fellow Harvest Hosts visitors as well as the family's time on the land. Post-tasting, a few bottles of wine accompanied us as we settled beside the orchards, savoring the moment.
Ouray's Wine Delight
Known as the Switzerland of America, Ouray didn't disappoint. While we didn't stay at a host location here, we embraced the spirit of adventure by indulging in a wine tasting and relishing a bottle of Rosé at Sauvage Spectrum Wines' tasting room (their host location is in Palisade). Harvest Hosts isn't just about unique stays; it's about supporting local businesses. We will often stop into a Harvest Hosts location to patronize the business and then continue on our RV journey. We love meeting local business owners, supporting them, and enjoying their wares. 
Montrose's Unexpected Co-Working Haven
Our last Harvest Hosts experience brought a unique twist. Seeking a reliable workspace for a workday, we hit the jackpot in Montrose, CO. Enter Alt Space Coworking, a downtown Montrose host location. It was very easy to download their app, purchase my daily pass, and then book a room to take calls. I enjoyed having the space and was very productive during my time there. They have several locations across Colorado to enjoy.
Homeward Bound
When your adventure ends, head back to your Cruise America location to return the RV. They do ask that you clean the rig before returning it. Nothing too strenuous, just a light clean. You will also want to return it with your tanks empty and the same amount of gas in the tank as you received it (all is marked clearly in the paperwork you are given during check-in). Once you arrive at your rental location it is a very easy and quick checkout process. The attendant will step into the rig, check your gas gauge and your tank levels, and then you are good to go. Overall, we really enjoyed our RV journey traveling through Colorado with our Cruise America rental. It was so easy to move from location to location because all of your stuff comes with you. Cruise America is also very pet-friendly, so it was nice to bring our pets along with us on the journey. Renting an RV through Cruise America is a great way for beginner RVers to experience life on the road without making the commitment to purchase a rig. You will find out really fast if you enjoy that style of travel. And for experienced RVers who are in between RVs like us, it definitely fulfills the need for road travel. Book your Cruise America RV rental here. Happy travels!
