When it comes to breathtaking landscapes and serene escapes, the mountains of the United States offer some of the most spectacular getaways. The Rocky Mountains, for example, spanning over 3,000 miles from New Mexico to Canada, is the longest mountain range in North America and attract over 4.5 million of visitors annually¹.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone looking to bask in nature’s glory, these must-visit mountain destinations in the US should be on your bucket list.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado’s crown jewel, boasting over 400 square miles of majestic mountain environments. With elevations ranging from 7,860 to 14,259 feet, it offers a diverse array of ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can explore more than 300 miles of hiking trails that wind through dense forests, alpine lakes, and towering peaks.
One of the park’s highlights is Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. Along this scenic drive, you’ll experience unparalleled views of the Rockies, including Longs Peak, the park’s highest summit.
Wildlife sightings are common, with elk, moose, and bighorn sheep often making appearances.
2. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its biodiversity and mist-covered summits. It’s the most visited national park in the US, attracting over 12 million visitors annually. (ref) The park encompasses more than 500,000 acres of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and historic structures.
Hiking enthusiasts will find an array of trails to explore, including the famous Appalachian Trail, which crosses through the park. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee, offers a panoramic view that stretches over 100 miles on a clear day.
The park is also home to numerous species of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is famous for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. The park spans nearly 1,200 square miles and features some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world, including Half Dome and El Capitan.
Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing to wildlife watching and photography. Yosemite Valley is a must-see, offering breathtaking views of Bridalveil Fall and the Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America.
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, with trees over 2,000 years old, provides a humbling glimpse into the ancient natural world.
4. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park in Montana offers a pristine wilderness experience. Covering over a million acres, the park is home to rugged mountains, clear glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive, provides stunning views and access to many of the park’s highlights.
Hikers will be in paradise with over 700 miles of trails, including the challenging but rewarding Highline Trail. Glacier National Park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with frequent sightings of grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles.
The park’s namesake glaciers, while sadly receding, remain a powerful testament to nature’s grandeur.
5. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Dominating the skyline of the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano and the centerpiece of Mount Rainier National Park. Standing at 14,410 feet, it is the tallest peak in the Cascade Range. The park encompasses over 236,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to subalpine meadows.
Visitors can explore the park’s extensive trail system, which includes the famous Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile loop that encircles Mount Rainier. The Paradise area, known for its vibrant wildflower displays, offers some of the best views and hiking opportunities.
Winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing are also popular, making Mount Rainier a year-round destination.
6. Adirondack Mountains, New York
The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York offer a vast and diverse natural playground. Covering over six million acres, the Adirondack Park is the largest protected area in the contiguous United States. It features over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
The High Peaks region, home to the 46 highest summits in the Adirondacks, offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes. Lake Placid, a charming town nestled within the mountains, hosted the Winter Olympics twice and offers a range of activities, from skiing to kayaking.
The region’s pristine lakes, rivers, and forests provide endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
7. Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia/North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range, stretch through Virginia and North Carolina, offering some of the most picturesque landscapes in the eastern United States. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive that spans 469 miles, is a highlight of the region, providing stunning views and access to numerous hiking trails.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are also home to Shenandoah National Park, where you can explore over 200,000 acres of protected land. Popular hikes include Old Rag Mountain and the challenging but rewarding trek to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in the park.
The region is known for its vibrant fall foliage, making it a popular destination during the autumn months.
8. White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most rugged and scenic terrain in the northeastern United States. The region is home to Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, standing at 6,288 feet. Known for its extreme weather, the summit offers a challenging and exhilarating hike.
The White Mountains also feature the famous Presidential Range, a series of peaks named after US presidents. The Appalachian Trail crosses through this region, providing stunning views and access to numerous trails.
White Mountain National Forest covers over 750,000 acres, offering endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
9. Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
A part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range, the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina are known for their mist-covered peaks and rich biodiversity. The region is home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the US. Covering over 500,000 acres, the park offers various outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife watching and photography.
The park’s diverse ecosystems support a variety of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Popular hikes include the Alum Cave Trail and the challenging but rewarding trek to the summit of Mount LeConte.
The park is also known for its stunning waterfalls, including Laurel Falls and Rainbow Falls.
10. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in the United States. The park is dominated by the Teton Range, with Grand Teton, the highest peak, rising to 13,775 feet. The park covers over 310,000 acres, providing a diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. The Jenny Lake area is a must-visit, offering stunning views and access to some of the park’s best hikes, including the Cascade Canyon Trail.
Wildlife sightings are common, with elk, moose, and grizzly bears often making appearances.
11. Mount Shasta, California
Mount Shasta, a potentially active stratovolcano in northern California, stands at 14,179 feet, making it one of the highest peaks in the Cascade Range. The mountain is a prominent landmark and offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to skiing and snowboarding.
The Mount Shasta Wilderness Area covers over 38,000 acres, providing a pristine natural environment for exploration. Popular hikes include the trek to Lake Helen, a glacial lake located at an elevation of 10,400 feet, and the challenging ascent to the summit.
The mountain’s diverse ecosystems support a variety of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
12. Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
The Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho offer some of the most rugged and remote landscapes in the western United States. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area covers over 756,000 acres and provides a pristine wilderness environment for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is known for its jagged peaks, clear alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Sawtooths, with over 700 miles of trails to explore. Popular hikes include the trek to Sawtooth Lake, a stunning alpine lake located at an elevation of 8,435 feet, and the challenging ascent to the summit of Thompson Peak, the highest point in the range.
The region is also a popular destination for fishing, camping, and rock climbing.
13. Catskill Mountains, New York
The Catskill Mountains in southeastern New York offer a diverse range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty. The region is known for its rugged peaks, dense forests, and pristine rivers, making it a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.
The Catskill Park covers over 700,000 acres and provides a range of outdoor opportunities. Popular hikes include the trek to the summit of Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills, and the challenging but rewarding trek to the summit of Hunter Mountain.
The region is also home to a number of scenic waterfalls, including Kaaterskill Falls, the highest two-tier waterfall in New York.
14. San Juan Mountains, Colorado
The San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado offer some of the most spectacular and remote mountain landscapes in the United States. The region is known for its rugged peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the San Juans, with over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Popular hikes include the trek to Ice Lake Basin, a stunning alpine lake located at an elevation of 12,000 feet, and the challenging ascent to the summit of Mount Sneffels, the highest peak in the range.
The region is also a popular destination for skiing, with several world-class ski resorts located in the area.
15. Cascade Range, Washington/Oregon
The Cascade Range, stretching from northern California through Oregon and Washington, offers some of the most stunning and diverse mountain landscapes in the United States. The range is home to several iconic peaks, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood, each offering a unique outdoor experience.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Cascades, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. The region is also known for its volcanic activity, with several active volcanoes located in the range.
The diverse ecosystems of the Cascades support a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Exploring the mountains of the United States offers an unparalleled connection to nature’s grandeur. From the towering Rockies to the misty Smokies, each destination provides unique adventures and breathtaking views.
Sources:
- https://www.npca.org/case-studies/rocky-mountain-national-park
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
