Must-See Mountains in the United States for Every Road Tripper’s Bucket List!

Aug 11, 2022

We’re celebrating National Mountain Day with a list of fantastic mountains across the country that beg to be your next vacation destination! Pack up your hiking gear and let’s hit the road together on an exciting expedition to these gorgeous peaks and valleys.

Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska – Denali National Park is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Alaska. It’s home to 37 species of mammals, 130 species of birds, and countless varieties of plants and flowers. You’ll find incredible trails for hiking, cycling, snowmobiling, and backpacking as well as plenty of opportunities for fishing, photography, and wildlife documenting. Mount McKinley stands at a staggeringly tall 20,310 feet above sea level!

Grand Teton in Wyoming – This national park is a must-see on every hikers bucket list. There are plenty of gorgeous overlooks and hiking trails, gorgeous paths for cyclists, an aerial tram, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and so many opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation as well as photography. Grand Teton stands an impressive 13,775 feet above sea level.

Kiamichi Mountains in Oklahoma – This mountain range may be more diminutive in height compared to others on this list, standing at just 2,500 feet above sea level, but it does not make it any less impressive! It’s situated in front of the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, and provides ample opportunities for fishing, biking, canoeing, river floats, horseback riding, and hiking. You can also rent a cabin and enjoy the fresh mountain air for a memorable camping trip. And remember your camera, of course, as it’s got gorgeous lakeside and mountain scenery you will want to capture forever!

Magazine Mountain in Arkansas – Another of the smaller peaks on our list, this Ozark mountain location is known for its majestic sweeping views of rolling hills and treetops. It’s perfect for a quiet day of observation and exploration, as nature lovers will be captivated by the plants and wildlife in the region. The Mount Magazine State Park area boasts a flat-topped plateau with sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, and a variety of hiking terrain trails.

Mount Elbert in Colorado – This is the highest peak in the Sawatch Range, and also the second highest peak in the contiguous US, standing at 14,439 feet above sea level. This is a hike that’s not for the faint of heart; though its risk for avalanches is low, it’s considered to be quite a challenge and poses genuinely serious risks for even experienced hikers. This is not a peak for novice climbers, but that’s not to say you can’t enjoy the scenery in the area! The surrounding area has plenty to do including fishing, biking, rafting, horseback riding, and smaller hikes. And it’s of course a wonderful spot for plein air painters and photographers wishing to appreciate the scenery.

Mount Katahdin in Maine – At 5,268 feet above sea level, this is the highest point in the state of main, and it’s located in Baxter State Park. The mountain has multiple trails ranging in difficulty from movie to most challenging for experienced hikers. Beginners will want to choose “The Saddle Trail”, but it does have a pretty slow ascent so you’ll need some patience. It boasts an absolutely incredible view at the summit of the surrounding wilderness area and its multiple peaks, and that’s truly a must-see experience!

Mount Rainier in Washington – Standing a whopping 14,411 feet above sea level, this peak is an absolute iconic part of the Washington state landscape! You can see this impressive mountain rising above the mists and it’s the highest mountain in the state of Washington and its Cascade mountain range. It’s an active volcano, and also one of the most glaciated peaks in the contiguous US, contributing to 5 major rivers in the area. Whether you choose to brave the hike all the way to the summit, or prefer to explore the grounds nearby, there’s plenty of opportunity for all skill levels and ages to enjoy the mountain.

Mount Washington in New Hampshire – Known for its incredible views of the White Mountains region, Mt Washington is the tallest point in the whole state of New Hampshire at 6,288 feet above sea level. Visitors can opt to take the vintage train ride up to the summit, book a seat on a passenger van ride, spend a day hiking there and back again, or risk their transmission by driving up from the base to the summit on their own. It’s got a weather station and museum to visit when you reach the top, as well as some of the most spectacular and photogenic landscape views!

Mount Whitney in California – If you love a good challenge, then hiking to the summit of Mount Whitney is definitely the destination for you, at 14,505 feet above sea level. This peak is the highest mountain peak in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the state of California, and the contiguous US! You can hike it all in one go if you’re ready for teh challenge, but less experienced hikers may prefer to choose a multi-day backpacking hike with a guide. The surrounding area is incredibly scenic and truly majestic, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping.