Many nature lovers cannot resist the call of the mountains. The breathtaking views of staggering peaks in the distance beckon. Whether it’s the massive meadows of wildflowers, the crystal clear reflective alpine lakes, or the various fauna that make a mountain home, there is always something beautiful to view as you steadily climb on a mountain hike.
Ready to reach new heights? Check out any of these gorgeous mountain trails to find adventure and new perspectives on the most beautiful mountains in the U.S.
5 Best Mountains To Visit in the U.S.
These five mountains are some of the most beautiful sights in the whole country. Read on to learn about these mountains and how mountain hikes are worth the effort.
Denali
Denali National Park is a massive, mostly remote wilderness park that features less than 40 miles of walking trails. But this mountain standing tall at 20,310 feet above sea level is undeniably the tallest peak in North America and one of the most beautiful. Making the journey to Alaska to see this mountain shouldn’t just be a bucket list item for those seeking quiet solitude and seemingly untouched nature at a scale unlike anywhere else in the U.S.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to attempt to climb Denali’s steep peak to get the most out of your visit. In fact, making it to the summit requires a lot of dedication, practice, and skill. For regular hikers, the Savage Alpine Trail is one of the best trails in the park and is only around 4 miles long. The views throughout the trail are expansive and beautiful, but try to go on a clear day to have the best view of Denali.
Mt Rainier
Mt Rainier looms large less than 60 miles from downtown Seattle, WA. Mt Rainier is one of the best mountains to visit in the U.S., partly because it is still an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the U.S. The ice sheets at the peak of Rainier spawned the birth of five large rivers. The weather on the mountain changes often and frequently, but most of the year finds the mountain shrouded in snow and ice.
The summer and early fall are the best times to visit this fickle mountain to see wildflower meadows, old-growth forests, and an icy peak. Try the popular Skyline Trail loop on the south side of the mountain to see the awe-inspiring beauty of Rainier and the surrounding peaks.
On this 6-mile loop, you’ll see waterfalls and colorful flowers and can avoid the steepest, snowiest portion of the mountain. Leave plenty of time for this route that is made challenging by almost 1800 feet of elevation gain and plenty of rocky trails. For a shorter trek, just hike to Panorama Point about 2 miles into the loop and back out.
Grand Teton
The Teton Range is a stretch of the Rocky Mountains that runs through Wyoming. One of the best areas to take in the range is from one of the beautiful lakes scattered throughout Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton itself is just under 14,000 feet tall, and its silhouette over the extraordinary parklands is stunning.
Take one of more than 200 miles of trails in a national park that is too often overshadowed by Yellowstone just a few miles to the north. The Cascade Canyon Trail is full of picture-worthy landscapes throughout its entire 9.1-mile length. For something a little shorter, the hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point packs in unbeatable views, including a breathtaking waterfall in less than 2 miles.
The Great Smoky Mountains
This is a range rather than one specific mountain; however, the Smoky Mountains are far too beautiful to be left off this list. Almost every one of the hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park could be one of the most beautiful mountain hikes in the U.S. because of their lush verdant forests and ever-winding streams that follow you as you explore.
When you arrive, drive to the trailhead for Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the park. It’s a short (but relentless incline), paved walk to get to the lookout tower at the top. For a more traditional mountain hike, take the Alum Cave Trail to Mt LeConte. This trail is only 4.5 miles long, but it is jam-packed with interesting features such as waterfalls, an arch rock, and even cave bluffs. Inspiration point is aptly named as you can look out over the other rippling green mountain peaks, and the view from higher on Mt. LeConte somehow gets even better.
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are comprised of Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. Each one of these peaks stretches over 14,000 feet tall and sets a stunning backdrop, especially when viewed from the wildflower-ringed Maroon Lake. Visit to take home your own version of the classic Colorado photograph of these peaks, but the pictures will never do this area enough justice.
Each of the five trails near Maroon Bells is gorgeous, but start with the 3.5-mile out and back Crater Lake trail. This moderately difficult mountain trail features the lake, of course, but also woodland filled with aspen trees. Wear good shoes as the trail does feature a section of loose rocks.
Go Exploring With Cruise America
Start your mountaineering from the comfort and safety of a Cruise America RV rental parked at camp. These easy-to-drive vehicles are equipped with everything you need to recharge after a tough day on the trail. You can pick up your RV rental from one of many Cruise America locations across the U.S., so you’re never too far from those first steps up the mountain. Call or visit CruiseAmerica.com to get started today.