3 Gorgeous Mountains You Must See in the United States

Aug 12, 2024

Today we’re taking a look at some of the most scenic mountains to visit across the US. Whether you’re into camping, hiking or cycling, nature photography, or just exploring American wilderness, these peaks and valleys are sure to tickle your fancy. So pile up your pals and your pets, because we’re taking you on a tour of the greatest mountains that you’ll not soon forget.

Mount Denali in Alaska

This breathtaking mountain peak stands at 20,310 feet, making it the highest peak in all of North America, and with a summit so tall it’s snow capped all year round! Located in Denali National Park, this peak and surrounding lands are home to some of the most magnificent wildlife including black bear, grizzly bear, moose, caribou, wolves, foxes, marmots, and Dall sheep, just to name a few. The park sprawls across more than 6,000,000 acres of interior Alaskan wilderness, and features tundra environment, spruce forests, glaciers, and miles upon miles of trails to hike. Visitors recommend touring the park by driving along Denali Park Road by bus, or a rental bike/e-bike so you can tour at your leisure. If you’d like to get a birdseye view of the park, you can book a unique “flightseeing tour” which allows you to go by plane over the summit and parklands. You can go dog-sledding year round (yes even in summer), or perhaps navigate the Nenana River with a raft adventure tour. There’s no shortage of brilliant vista points, wildlife spotting, nature hiking, and plenty of photography ops at this giant park.

Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak) in Colorado

Together, the pair of peaks rise 14,000 feet above the Maroon Creek Valley and next to Maroon Lake. Prime real estate for camping, hiking, and biking along six spectacular trails (pet-friendly!) that weave in and out of several diverse habitats including alpine tundra, conifer forests and aspen groves, wildflower and mountain meadows, rocky cliffs and lakes. It’s home to abundant wildlife including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, moose, red fox, coyotes, porcupines, bobcats, mountain lions, and black bear. Visitors love exploring the West Maroon Bells Pass that provides picturesque views of the Maroon Bells and the Snowmass Wilderness; the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail that takes cyclists to a 2,000 foot vertical elevation on the 10 mile trail; Maroon Lake which offers crystal clear sparkling alpine lake waters surrounded by verdant fields and wildflowers and lovely views of the mountain peaks.

Mount Mitchell in North Carolina

Standing tall and proud at 6,684 feet, it may be the least dramatic but no less spectacular thanks in part to its densely covered spruce-fir forest. This type of forest is only found in the Southern Appalachian mountains at high elevations. The mountain is dotted with red spruce, Fraser firs, fire cherry trees, yellow birch, mountain ash, and mountain maples. There’s a 360 degree observation deck in Mt Mitchell State Park that allows for the most breathtaking views of the mountain and landscapes. There are a wide variety of trails of differing experience levels, making it a perfect park for both experienced and novice hikers. Nature enthusiasts will love the abundant wildlife here including black bears, striped skunks, gray foxes, bobcats, white-tailed deer, peregrine falcons, saw-whet owls, and so much more. Visitors rave about the nearby iconic waterfalls including Setrock Creek Falls, Roaring Fork Falls, Glassmine Falls, and the natural year-round garden area Craggy Gardens.