13 Best Mountain Ranges to Visit in the U.S.

Stunning natural surroundings, sweeping vistas, and fresh alpine air make exploring America’s mountain ranges an exhilarating experience, whether you’re heading for the fog-covered Great Smoky Mountains or the sharp, snowy peaks of the Alaska Range. Spread throughout every corner of the country, contiguous and noncontiguous, these ranges offer ample opportunity for everyone to explore. Many of the best mountains to visit in the U.S. offer great hiking and camping for adventurous travelers, but some are known for their scenic drives, railways, or gondolas, making them widely accessible for the whole family to enjoy.

Teton Range

Picturesque Grand Teton National Park protects the stunning Teton Range. Part of the larger Rocky Mountains, the Tetons span 40 miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming, just below Yellowstone National Park. Grand Teton encompasses about 485 square miles of stunning natural beauty, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, plenty of floating and rafting opportunities, and a serene natural landscape for outdoor exploration. 

Great Smoky Mountains

A subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains are known for the fog that usually hovers around the tops of the peaks, creating the namesake “smoky” effect. Located primarily in North Carolina and Tennessee, these mountains are protected by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the United States. Millions of visitors flock to this park annually to hike, camp, and enjoy the incredible mountain views.

Alaska Range

While it might be more remote than other mountains, the Alaska Range includes some of the country’s most incredible peaks and national parks. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve all encompass parts of the Alaska Range. Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, reaching an elevation of 20,310 feet, is also located within this stunning mountain range.

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada stretches from the Central Valley of California to Nevada’s Great Basin, with many mountains located in the Golden State. There are three national parks in the Sierra Nevada range — Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks — and each offers wildlife sightings, hiking, and stunning views.

Cascade Range

The Cascades are located in Western North America, crossing parts of Canada, Washington, Oregon, and California. This range has beautiful snowcapped mountains and volcanoes, including Mount Rainier, the range’s highest point, which reaches an elevation of 14,411 feet. The Cascades also feature Mount Saint Helens, the active stratovolcano that last erupted in 2008.

Uinta Mountains

Found primarily in northeastern Utah, the Uinta Mountains are the highest in the state. With more than 1,000 natural lakes and 400 miles of streams, this range is a paradise for those who enjoy fishing. Other outdoor activities include rafting, boating, camping, and hiking. The mountains are also home to Dinosaur National Monument, where visitors can see dinosaur fossils and rare petroglyphs that have withstood the elements.

Olympic Mountains

Located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, the Olympic Mountains are primarily set within Olympic National Park. Known for its rocky coastline, lush rain forest, and of course, its beautiful peaks, this is a popular destination for avid hikers and people looking to explore the great outdoors. Mount Olympus is the range’s highest peak, with an elevation reaching 7,980 feet.

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains span most of the eastern United States, from Pennsylvania to Georgia. That means there are plenty of places to get out and explore this beautiful range, with many destinations just a short drive from East Coast cities. Notably, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a scenic drive through a section of the mountains, and Shenandoah National Park provides hiking and other outdoor activities in Virginia’s part of the Blue Ridge.

California Coast Ranges

As the name implies, this collection of mountain ranges extends along most of the California coastline, including some of the most scenic areas in the state. The Santa Lucia Range, which features the incredible Big Sur region, is particularly picturesque. Taking a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is a great way to take in the sights, but there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, too.

Adirondack Mountains

Located in northeastern New York, the Adirondack Mountains are a perfect getaway for New Yorkers wanting to escape the city and relax in nature. This area is beautiful year-round — you can ski at one of the best East Coast resorts during the winter, enjoy colorful foliage in the fall, and go kayaking and hiking in the spring and summer. The area also has lovely scenic drives and several charming small towns.

Sawtooth Range

Known for their jagged peaks, Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains are uniquely beautiful. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers hiking trails, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, and more, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventure.

Bighorn Mountains

Crossing parts of Wyoming and Montana, the Bighorn Mountains are another great destination for outdoor adventurers, with opportunities for biking, camping, hiking, fishing, and more at Bighorn National Forest. Located within the forest, Cloud Peak Wilderness is one of the most scenic areas in the range, known for its beautiful alpine landscape.

White Mountains

Located in New Hampshire and part of Maine, the White Mountains provide a beautiful escape with ample outdoor activities to suit a range of interests and abilities. In addition to hiking and camping, you can take in the mountain views from tramways, alpine gondolas, vintage railroads, and more.