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The Best Mountain Trips & Towns in North America

The Best Mountain Trips & Towns in North America

Last Updated on May 25, 2023

The US is packed with vastly different landscapes. You can explore the forests of Washington, Oregon, and Vermont, enjoy pristine beaches in Florida or California, or test your mettle in the harsh deserts of Nevada or New Mexico.

However, one more landscape to add to that list is mountains. The United States has some of the most breathtaking mountain ranges, towns, and trips you will ever see or experience, and here are some of the best.

Telluride

While you may need a private jet charter to reach Telluride, it is easily one of the country’s best mountain towns. Located in the mountains of Colorado, Telluride is a firm favorite amongst local and international visitors all year round.

White, it is not as “upmarket” as somewhere like Aspen or Vale; it has kept its old-world charm and provides visitors with excellent walking and hiking paths in and around the surrounding mountains.colorado elk

Stowe

While Stowe is most famous for its skiing, this Vermont gem is so much more than that. While Winter is all about skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, you can still do a ton in this gorgeous town in the warmer months. Besides the museums and art galleries in the city, you can enjoy hikes, mountain biking, rock climbing, and a scenic drive or two.

Poconos

If you have taken a few mountain trips in the past, you have most likely already visited or at least heard of the Poconos. If you want a town with almost every outdoor activity under the sun, this beautiful Pennsylvanian gem has you covered. Skiing, snowboarding, jet skiing, horse riding, hiking; these are only a few of the activities you can do here. Once you have run out of energy, you can have a few drinks and a meal at one of the microbreweries or wineries in the area.upstate new york dani

Gatlinburg

Sitting on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of the most famous mountain getaways in the world. Packed with many fun activities and sights for the whole family, its natural beauty is in the surrounding landscapes. Gatlinburg is also home to two famous hiking trails, Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls; both offer hikers a relatively challenging trail but gratifying views at the end of it.

Breckenridge

While Breckenridge is a great place to visit any time of the year, it shines during the Winter. If you aren’t from the US, you probably have not heard of this skiing hub, but Breckenridge is the place to be for Winter sports once the snow starts to fall.

With multiple slope types and something for every experience level, you could try a snow hike or walk instead if skiing and snowboarding are not for you.

Colorado

Jackson Hole

The quiet town of Jackson Hole is still widely regarded as one of the hidden gems in the North. Found in Wyoming, Jackson Hole is the perfect starting point to explore both the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. While it still feels like a town out of the Old West, Jackson Hole is still modern enough to have a delightful and unforgettable holiday.

Aspen

One of the big dogs in the world of mountain towns, Aspen is famous for having some of the best skiing slopes and snowfall in the Northern Hemisphere. Not only goes it offers an old-school feel, but it also has a ton of luxury, but do not be fooled; Aspen is not just a Winter town. Like other towns on this list, you can enjoy long walks, hikes, mountain climbing, and many other fun outdoor activities.cable car

Hot Springs

If you head down south and stop in one mountain town, it should be Hot Springs in Arkansas. The Hot Springs National Park has everything from a bathhouse for visitors to enjoy for too long, winding hiking and walking paths and a wide variety of flora and fauna. With a selection of bars and restaurants in the town centre, visitors can relax and recover after a long walk or hike with a delicious plate of fresh Southern cuisine.

Flagstaff

Regarding mountain trips and adventures, there is only one thing you need to know about Flagstaff; The Grand Canyon National Park. Acting as the best starting point to explore this mind-blowing area, Flagstaff gives you access to some of the best valleys and mountains in the area.

Grand Canyon Train Station

Big Sky

Finally, Big Sky, Montana, is home to one of the biggest and best ski resorts in the United States. With over 6000-acres of skiable mountains and hills, Big Sky is almost the perfect place for a winter mountain holiday. While you may have to compete with a large group of fellow skiers, trying to get to Big Sky at least will be well worth the effort.

As you can see, the United States has no shortage of unique spots for beautiful and unforgettable mountain trips. Whether you love skiing or a simple hike, these are the towns and trips that will give you the best of both: the best hiking destinations in the US as well as amazing places to sky.