15 Magnificent Mountains In The United States That Are Perfect For Your Next Adventure
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Sarah McCosham
Author
There’s something about a mountain that’s truly sublime. Whether you’re standing in the shadows of a majestic mount or reveling in the panoramas atop a peak, mountains truly are Mother Nature’s most marvelous monoliths. While the United States might not lay claim to Kilimanjaro or Everest, our country is nevertheless home to some of the most magnificent mountains in the world. Here are 17 of the most majestic mountains in the U.S. to inspire and fuel your wanderlust, providing the most perfect playground for your next adventure.
1. Olympic Mountains - Washington
Olympic National Park encompasses 876,669 acres, and within this extraordinary expanse are its headlining peaks: the majestic Olympic Mountains. Formed over 30 million years ago after two plates in the Pacific Ocean collided, the Olympic Mountains are a true natural wonder. There are 60 named glaciers on the peaks of the Olympics -- and 200 that are yet to be named! -- making it a treasure trove for bucket-list discovery and adventure. In terms of superlatives, Mount Olympus is 7,979 feet tall, making it the tallest of the Olympics -- but it's obfuscated by other mountains to the west. As such, the best place to find a perfect panorama of this epic peak is from Hurricane Ridge, an immensely beautiful overlook.
2. Cascade Mountains - Washington, Oregon, and California
Mount Rainier, Washington 98304, USA
The Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest are immensely majestic and marvelous, with the North Cascade Mountain Range of Washington fondly referred to as the "Alps of America." This particular region spans from the border of British Columbia to the state of Washington, and it's truly one of the great wonders of the world. Snow-capped and pristine, it's not difficult to see why many make the comparison between these perfect peaks and those in Switzerland. Both ranges are simply staggering in natural beauty, but we have to say, our American Alps are truly unmatched.
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3. Sierra Nevada Mountains - California
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are one of Northern California's most striking landscapes. Spanning approximately 400 miles north-to-south and 70 miles east-to-west, you could spend a lifetime exploring every inch of this fantastic region -- and still not discover all the wonders it holds. A treasure trove of beautiful biomes, this range is home to places such as the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park, grand old-growth redwood forests, and the dazzling Lake Tahoe basin. This is a place that, quite simply, invites and inspires wanderlust.
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4. California Coast Ranges - California
Coast Ranges, California 96048, USA
For those who can't choose between the mountains and the sea, there's the California Coast Ranges. Encompassing nearly 600 miles from the Northern California redwood coast to Southern California's Santa Barbara, this range is a magical place where the mountains meet the sea. These mountains are particularly known for their coast redwoods, which live within the range of the coastal fog, and are the tallest trees on Earth.
5. Sawtooth Mountains - Idaho
Sawtooth Range, Idaho 83637, USA
One of the country's most photographed ranges, the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho are a true treasure. The Sawtooths are a mountain range within the Rocky Mountains that stretches across 678 square miles. Named after their uniquely jagged peaks, the peaks have become an iconic symbol of Idaho, a state often underestimated and overlooked. There are a variety of ways to explore the Sawtooth Mountains and the encompassing Sawtooth Wilderness; the wilderness area is home to 40 trails that total over 350 miles. Used for day hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding, there are abundant adventures to be had in the Sawtooths.
6. Grand Tetons - Wyoming
While Yellowstone tends to steal the spotlight in Wyoming, the Grand Tetons are nothing short of extraordinary -- and absolutely bucket-list worthy. Grand Teton National Park is a Wyoming wonder; it's 310,000 acres of mountain and valley land and dozens of beautiful alpine lakes that sit in the foothills of the mountains, up in the canyons, and on the valley floor. The park's headliner, of course, is the Teton range; and to view these mountains there are myriad trails and accessible summits that don't require advanced hiking skills. However, in the interest of safety, it's best to tackle the Tetons with a guide; Exum Guides lead hikes and climbs in the park and can help you determine the best summit for your skill level and time constraints. And for advanced climbers, the adventure outfitter even offers a climb of the legendary Grand Teton itself.
Enjoy a fantastic guide to the Grand Teton National Park in this video from @Expedia:
Enjoy a fantastic guide to the Grand Teton National Park in this video from @Expedia:
7. Rocky Mountains - Colorado
Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
The Rocky Mountains span 3,000 miles from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, all the way down to New Mexico. This massive mountain range is known for its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife, and nowhere is this more true than Maroon Bells. Part of the Elk Mountains, a sub-range of the Rockies, Maroon Bells is the ultimate nature postcard: a startlingly blue lake, abundant meadows, and two 14,000-foot peaks. The peaks reflect perfectly in the pristine waters for an absolutely flawless panorama. Photos simply don't do it justice; these peaks within the rugged Rockies are simply something that must be experienced in person.
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8. Guadalupe Mountains - Texas
In one of the most underrated national parks in the country, the Guadalupe Mountains of Texas are a true American treasure. Often overlooked, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef, incredibly diverse wildlife and wildflower populations, and the four highest peaks in Texas. Over 80 miles of trails encompass the largest wilderness area in Texas. There's something for every skill level, from short-and-sweet nature walks to the strenuous, 8.5-mile trek to the eponymous Guadalupe Peak, commonly referred to as the "Top of Texas." Reaching the incredible Guadalupe Peak is quite an arduous journey, as the trail climbs 3,000 feet through a lush conifer forest. Once you get to the summit, you'll enjoy unparalleled views to the West and South - and et to sign your name in the legendary book to commemorate such an awesome accomplishment.
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9. Ozark Mountains - Arkansas and Missouri
The Ozark Mountains are another Midwest treasure; this resplendent range encompasses the Boston Mountains of Arkansas and the St. Francois Mountains of Missouri. Adventures abound in the Ozarks, from hiking and camping to kayaking and birding. If you want to sit back and let the grandeur of the Ozarks wash over you, the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway is an immensely scenic trip that showcases some of the most spectacular scenery this region has to offer.
10. The Blue Ridge Mountains - The Eastern Seaboard from Pennsylvania to Georgia
The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the most beautiful places in the world; an incredible expanse of mountains and valleys that stretches from Pennsylvania to Georgia. Part of the acclaimed Appalachian Mountains, this aptly-named range does, in fact, appear blue from a distance. There are numerous ways to revel in the splendor of these marvelous mountains; Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are spectacularly scenic road trips that belong on any explorer's bucket list.
11. Great Smoky Mountains - Tennessee and North Carolina
The Smoky Mountains are an American icon. Every year more than 12 million tourists make their way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the most-visited national park in the country. Revered for their misty, beguiling beauty, the Great Smoky Mountains are truly a wonderland for outdoor recreation of all varieties. Most people know the park as a partial home to the famed Appalachian Trail, but hiking routes abound throughout the park, offering views of sprawling meadows, ancient forests, and blooming wildflowers throughout the year. The highest point in the park is Clingmans Dome, and Cades Cove offers a myriad of historic buildings and educational opportunities, too. Come and ogle the hazy, harrowing beauty of the Smokies, an ancient mountain range shrouded in misty, mysterious, marvelous magic.
12. Adirondack Mountains - New York
Adirondack Mountains, Adirondack Mountains
Surrounded by unbelievable landscapes and full of attractions that you won’t find in other areas of the Empire State, the Adirondack Mountains are a place of beguiling beauty. The region is flush with pristine lakes, glorious waterfalls, scenic splendor, and numerous charming mountain towns that make a perfect base camp for your Adirondack adventures. However, we wouldn't blame you if you simply wanted to stretch out in the region's iconic chair and drink in all the delicious views.
Enjoy the fall foliage of the Adirondacks in this video from @Key Videography:
Enjoy the fall foliage of the Adirondacks in this video from @Key Videography:
13. The Appalachian Mountains via the Appalachian Trail - Maine to Georgia
Main Street, Main St, Maine, USA
Spanning nearly 2,000 miles and encompassing 737,000 square miles across the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. and the providences of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, the Appalachians aren't so much a range as they are an entire world. Naturalists believe the mountains formed over 480 million years ago, and once reached heights comparable to the Alps or the Rockies. Today, adventurers come from all over the globe to experience this resplendent range; most notably, along the eponymous Appalachian Trail. A bucket-list adventure for many, the Appalachian Trail spans 2,200 magnificent miles and offers an immersive experience of this iconic American range.
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14. Alaska Range - Alaska
Alaska Range, Alaska, USA
Not only is Alaska the largest state in the nation, but it is also home to the largest mountain in North America, the incomparable Denali. In total, Alaska is home to 14 stunningly beautiful mountain ranges, though we're partial to the eponymous Alaska Range. The Alaska Range is a 600-mile-long series of mountains that stretches from the Alaska-Canada border to the Alaska Peninsula. Shaped like a crescent moon, it's a place of cosmic beauty teeming with glaciers, lakes, and boreal forests. A place of rugged, untouched beauty, the Alaska Range is a bucket-list-worthy destination where you'll marvel at some of the most amazing spectacles on the planet, including -- if you're lucky -- the elusive northern lights.
15. Ko'olau Range - Hawaii
Mountains are an integral part of the Hawaiian landscape; from the verdant peaks of Kauai to the commanding volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Island, there is little more awe-inspiring than Hawaii’s towering mountains. And while they are all worth exploring, the Ko'olau Range truly is above and beyond. Serving as a backdrop to Oahu’s stunning windward coast, these lush mountains rise more than 3,000 feet above sea level. The Ko’olau Mountains are not a mountain range in the traditional sense; rather, they are what remains of the island's eastern shield volcano, which is believed to have once towered 10,000 above the sea. The volcano became dormant approximately 1.7 million years ago, and steady erosion resulted in the mountains as we know them today: tall, rugged, and majestic monoliths that keep an omnipotent eye on the Hawaiian landscape.
These mountains are truly some of the world’s greatest wonders, and they’re right here in the United States, beckoning adventurers, naturalists, wanderers, romantics, and trailblazers. The only question is: will you heed the call of these epic majestic mountains in the U.S.?
Of course, if you’re more of an apres ski kind of adventurer, here are some truly amazing mountain towns with world-class resorts, incredible attractions, and spectacular scenery.
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More to Explore
Most Beautiful Mountains In The United States & Natural Wonders
Does the United States have any natural wonders?
The United States is home to a wide variety of natural wonders, showcasing diverse landscapes and geological formations. Some notable examples include:
- Grand Canyon (Arizona): One of the world's most famous natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is a massive canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho): America's first national park, Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features including the Old Faithful geyser, hot springs, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Yosemite National Park (California): Yosemite is renowned for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls (such as Yosemite Falls), giant sequoia trees, and diverse ecosystems.
- Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina, Tennessee): This national park is known for its mist-covered mountains, diverse plant and animal life, and the beauty of its ancient forests.
- Mount Rushmore (South Dakota): While not a natural formation, Mount Rushmore is a cultural and historical landmark featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents on the side of a mountain.
What are the best waterfall hikes in the United States?
The United States is home to numerous beautiful waterfall hikes, each offering a unique and picturesque experience. Here are some of the best waterfall hikes across the country:
- Havasu Falls (Arizona): Located within the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Reservation, Havasu Falls is known for its stunning turquoise waters. The hike to Havasu Falls is approximately 10 miles and requires a permit.
- Multnomah Falls (Oregon): A popular destination in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is a two-tiered waterfall accessible via a paved trail. The Multnomah Falls Loop Hike provides excellent views of the falls and the surrounding area.
- Yosemite Falls Trail (California): Yosemite National Park is home to many waterfalls, and the Yosemite Falls Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike to Upper Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.
- Akaka Falls State Park (Hawaii): This park on the Big Island features the 442-foot Akaka Falls and the shorter Kahuna Falls. A short loop trail takes visitors through the lush rainforest, providing views of both waterfalls.
- Grotto Falls (Tennessee): Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the hike to Grotto Falls is about three miles round trip. Hikers can walk behind the 25-foot waterfall, making it a unique and refreshing experience.
America's got natural beauty for days! Check out the towering redwoods in California or get lost in the fall vibes of Vermont's Green Mountains. The Rockies? Majestic. New York's Adirondacks? Lakes for days. And if you're feeling adventurous, hit up Denali in Alaska — the tallest mountain in the U.S. Seriously, America is like a giant playground of natural wonders!