Best Mountains to Visit in the US: Scenic Routes for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Discover America’s iconic national parks, from the biodiversity-rich Great Smoky Mountains to Denali’s towering peak. Explore Zion’s sandstone canyons, Yosemite’s granite cliffs, and Glacier’s pristine lakes. Hike scenic trails, witness incredible wildlife, and experience breathtaking vistas. Start your adventure today!
Important information
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Famous for its biodiversity, with over 19,000 species, including diverse trees and fish. Ancient mountains and historic structures add to the park’s appeal.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Home to 72 peaks over 12,000 feet, with the highest being Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. Offers diverse ecosystems from meadows to alpine tundra.
- Yosemite National Park: Known for its granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, and waterfalls. Yosemite Valley, carved by the Merced River, offers stunning views.
- Glacier National Park: Features over 700 miles of trails, 25 active glaciers, and 130 named lakes, including Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake.
- Denali National Park and Preserve: Protects Denali, North America’s highest peak (20,310 feet). Offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including grizzly bears and caribou.
Discovering Iconic National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning North Carolina and Tennessee, is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity. It harbors over 19,000 species, encompassing more than 100 tree varieties and 50 fish species. Ancient mountains and historic structures further enhance the park’s appeal.
Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado features diverse ecosystems ranging from meadows and montane forests to alpine tundra. The park’s landscape is dominated by 72 peaks surpassing 12,000 feet, culminating in the 14,259-foot Longs Peak.
Zion National Park in southwest Utah is distinguished by its towering sandstone cliffs, sculpted by the Virgin River as it flows through Zion Canyon. Hiking options vary from easy walks to demanding climbs like Angels Landing.
Yosemite National Park, nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, showcases granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves, and stunning waterfalls. Yosemite Valley, a glacial valley carved by the Merced River, lies at the park’s heart.
Glacier National Park in Montana is a sanctuary of rugged peaks and pristine lakes, offering over 700 miles of hiking trails. Its 25 active glaciers and 130 named lakes, including Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake, are truly exceptional.
Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska protects Denali, North America’s highest peak at 20,310 feet. This vast wilderness teems with wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and wolves.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, is renowned for its diverse plant and animal life. The peaks, often shrouded in fog, add a mystical touch to the breathtaking scenery. Hikers can explore this landscape through the park’s extensive network of trails.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is famous for its stunning granite cliffs, such as Half Dome and El Capitan. Visitors are awestruck by the majestic Yosemite Falls and the ancient giant sequoia trees. Hiking trails crisscross the park, offering scenic walks for all levels, while challenging rock climbs attract adventurous spirits. For a more immersive nature experience, the park’s campgrounds provide a peaceful retreat. Yosemite offers a memorable experience amidst extraordinary natural beauty.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is renowned for its stunning alpine vistas and legendary winding roads. Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous paved roads in the US, cuts through the park’s heart. For hikers and lake enthusiasts, Bear Lake Road is ideal, offering access to numerous trails and breathtaking lakes. The park provides ample recreational opportunities, from hiking and rock climbing to wildlife viewing—a true adventurer’s paradise.
Glacier National Park
Explore Montana’s Glacier National Park, a realm of rugged peaks and pristine waters. Hike over 700 miles of trails, encountering thriving wildlife, from mountain goats and bighorn sheep to the occasional grizzly bear. A drive along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road reveals breathtaking views of the park’s diverse landscapes. Witness firsthand the park’s glaciers, alpine meadows, and dense forests.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, a haven for adventurers, boasts breathtaking canyons and towering sandstone cliffs. Hikers can enjoy everything from leisurely riverside walks to demanding climbs. Canyoneering, rock climbing, and camping are also popular activities within this stunning landscape.
Denali National Park: Wildlife Watching
Denali National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife. From grizzly bears roaming the vast landscape to caribou migrating across the tundra, visitors have the opportunity to witness these animals in their natural habitat. Dall sheep navigate the steep mountainsides, while moose browse the forests within this six-million-acre wilderness. Observe these incredible creatures firsthand by taking advantage of park buses for prime viewing opportunities or joining guided tours led by experts. Educational programs are also available, enhancing the experience by emphasizing both wildlife viewing and the importance of conservation in this unique ecosystem.
Adventure in Mountain Ranges
From Alabama to Canada, the Appalachian Mountains offer a diverse landscape, including the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, renowned for their breathtaking views and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, and scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Spanning over 400 miles across California and Nevada, the Sierra Nevada boasts iconic peaks like Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous US. Within this range lies Yosemite National Park, famous for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Opportunities abound for hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and exploring alpine lakes.
Stretching from British Columbia to Northern California, the Cascade Range features volcanic peaks in Oregon, such as Mount Hood and Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the US. Hiking and mountain climbing are popular, along with skiing and exploring the region’s stunning waterfalls and lakes.
Located in south-central Alaska, the Alaska Range is home to Denali, North America’s highest peak. Denali National Park offers incredible wildlife viewing, mountaineering, and backcountry hiking. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and unforgettable scenic flights over glaciers.
Appalachian Mountains: Blue Ridge and Beyond
The Appalachian Mountains are renowned for their scenic beauty, encompassing the Blue Ridge range, a haven for stunning drives and incredible biodiversity. A favorite route, the Blue Ridge Parkway, reveals breathtaking vistas of valleys and forests. Hikers flock to the classic Appalachian Trail, winding through the mountains and offering extended exploration. The region also boasts a rich history, deeply intertwined with the Cherokee and other Native American tribes.
Sierra Nevada: From California to Nevada
The Sierra Nevada mountains, stretching from California to Nevada, are an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Hikers, rock climbers, and skiers find endless challenges and breathtaking scenery. World-renowned Yosemite National Park draws visitors globally. Stunning Lake Tahoe offers diverse recreation and picturesque vistas. Fishing in pristine alpine lakes and exploring the unique granite formations are also popular pursuits. The Sierra Nevada truly has something for every nature lover.
Cascade Range: Oregon’s Picturesque Mountains and Lakes
Oregon’s Cascade Range offers majestic mountains and pristine lakes. Crater Lake National Park, ideal for hikers and campers, features unique volcanic landscapes and breathtaking vistas. Iconic peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Hood, known for challenging trails, attract experienced adventurers. The Pacific Crest Trail provides a more accessible experience for all hiking levels. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports on the numerous lakes and rivers.
Alaska Range: Home to Denali
The dramatic peaks of the Alaska Range dominate the landscape, including Denali, North America’s highest point. This majestic range forms the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve, a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife. Here, visitors can explore glaciers, hike through valleys, and experience the unique beauty of the alpine tundra. It’s a truly breathtaking destination.
Scenic Drives and Routes
Embark on a road trip across America’s breathtaking byways. For a mountain getaway, journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Appalachians. Experience stunning vistas painted with vibrant fall foliage.
If coastal scenery is more your style, cruise along California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Discover dramatic cliffs and towering redwoods as you hug the shoreline. For a wilder adventure, the Alaskan Highway unveils the last frontier’s diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Journey Through the Appalachians
The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through the Appalachian Mountains, offering breathtaking scenic overlooks and numerous outdoor activities. Famous for its stunning vistas, the parkway is especially spectacular during the fall foliage season. Hikers can readily access trails from the parkway, and several visitor centers provide helpful information and resources for exploring this beautiful region. Several campgrounds and picnic areas are available for those wishing to extend their stay and immerse themselves in nature.
Pacific Coast Highway: Coastal Cliffs and Redwoods
California’s Pacific Coast Highway winds along the coast, offering breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs, ancient redwood forests, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
The Alaskan Highway: Exploring the Last Frontier
The 1,387-mile Alaskan Highway begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and winds through breathtaking boreal forests and majestic mountains, finally reaching Delta Junction, Alaska. This iconic route traverses remote wilderness areas, offering glimpses of diverse wildlife such as bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Originally built during World War II, the highway remains a vital transportation artery, connecting the Yukon Territory and beyond.
Stunning Overlooks and Scenic Views
From the breathtaking heights of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park to the thrilling hairpin turns of the Million Dollar Highway in the San Juans, US mountains offer a stunning variety of vistas. Imagine shimmering alpine lakes nestled beside icy peaks, or the vibrant hues of fall foliage painting the Appalachians and Sierra Nevada in a spectacular autumn display. These majestic landscapes, with their incredible high-elevation views and breathtaking scenery, are a testament to the beauty and diversity of American wilderness.
Breathtaking Vistas and Scenic Overlooks
America’s national parks and mountain ranges offer breathtaking scenery. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, for instance, provides stunning high-altitude vistas. Beyond the landscapes, this route offers prime opportunities for photography and spotting wildlife.
The Million Dollar Highway in the San Juan Mountains thrills drivers with its scenic views and hairpin bends. Meanwhile, the Beartooth Highway adds a challenging element to its scenic beauty, requiring careful navigation. This route also offers prime opportunities for photography and spotting wildlife.
Alpine Lakes and Glaciers
Montana’s Glacier National Park is famous for its stunning peaks and valleys, carved by ancient glaciers. These landscapes offer numerous alpine lakes, including the breathtaking Lake McDonald and Avalanche Lake. The park’s remaining glaciers, such as Grinnell and Sperry, continue to shape the terrain.
Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park similarly boasts alpine lakes nestled at the foot of the Teton Range. Popular destinations like Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, fed by glacial meltwater, offer spectacular views.
Washington’s North Cascades National Park also features a wealth of alpine lakes and glaciers. Diablo Lake and Gorge Lake are popular for kayaking and scenic boat tours. Each of these three parks provides a unique experience for nature enthusiasts.
Fall Foliage and Seasonal Changes
The Great Smoky Mountains boast a symphony of color from maples, oaks, and hickories.
Yosemite Valley’s meadows offer a stunning vista against a backdrop of granite cliffs and waterfalls.
Golden aspens punctuate Rocky Mountain National Park’s evergreens and towering peaks.
While Glacier National Park’s fall display is fleeting, its larches provide striking splashes of gold.
Zion Canyon offers a unique spectacle with cottonwoods blazing yellow along the Virgin River.
Denali showcases Alaska’s dramatic seasonal shift, its vast landscapes and tundra transforming from summer green to the fiery hues of autumn.
Outdoor Activities and Experiences
From coast to coast, America’s national parks and mountain ranges beckon adventurers. Hikers can explore vast trails, while campers revel under starlit skies. Crystal-clear waters entice fishermen, and breathtaking waterfalls captivate all.
The Appalachians offer incredible hikes, and the Blue Ridge Parkway’s scenic drives are legendary.
Yosemite, nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada, boasts iconic granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Oregon’s Cascade Range showcases picturesque peaks and pristine lakes. Alaska’s Denali is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Rockies draw crowds for hiking, climbing, and skiing. The Sierra Nevada also offers stunning granite formations and alpine lakes teeming with fish.
With such diverse landscapes, there’s truly something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Hiking Trails and Camping Sites
From challenging hikes to serene campsites, America’s national parks offer diverse outdoor experiences. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, for instance, boasts breathtaking vistas and access to numerous trails. Nature lovers have abundant choices for their next adventure.
Fishing and Waterfalls
Yosemite National Park, nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, offers a unique blend of incredible fishing and stunning waterfalls. Here, pristine alpine lakes teem with fish, providing anglers with an unforgettable experience. Breathtaking cascades add to the park’s allure, creating a picturesque backdrop for any outdoor adventure.
