The most picturesque mountain ranges in the US

Stef Zisovska
Sierra Nevada - Author: Terabass - CC BY-SA 3.0
Sierra Nevada - Author: Terabass - CC BY-SA 3.0

Some of the world’s most beautiful mountains are in the United States. There are some truly amazing mountains across the country that are worth visiting for their sheer grandeur and their pristine natural surroundings.

Mountaineering enthusiasts are, of course, familiar with the best mountains in the country and know exactly where to go to enjoy the most stunning scenery. For hiking newbies, however, here’s a list of a few mountain ranges that are an absolute must-see.

Sierra Nevada Range 

Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park was carved by glaciers – Author: AngMoKio – CC BY-SA 2.5
Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park was carved by glaciers – Author: AngMoKio – CC BY-SA 2.5

The Sierra Nevada Range stretches from California to Nevada. From the largest alpine lake in the United States, Lake Tahoe, to the striking pinnacles of Mount Whitney and Yosemite Valley, the Sierra Nevada Range offers plenty in terms of majestic mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys that are waiting for the visitor to come explore them and enjoy their awesome beauty.

Besides Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe, there are many other important features in the range. The Sacramento River and the San Joaquin River are the biggest in California. They start from the Central Valley and drain into San Francisco Bay. The western side of Sierra Nevada is known for giant sequoia groves. Kings Canyon and Kern Canyon are also worth visiting and represent great examples of the grandeur and beauty of the canyon.

Elk Mountain Range

 

Elk Mountains – Author: Hogs555 – CC BY-SA 3.0
Elk Mountains – Author: Hogs555 – CC BY-SA 3.0

The Elk Mountains in west-central Colorado are home to the country’s highest and most spectacular peaks. A lot of people come here for a day hiking adventure, attracted by the fresh air, scenic views, and tall peaks. The state of Colorado has the biggest number of mountains that exceed 14,000 feet above sea level. The Elk range has six of these peaks, all of which are big favorites with alpinists, who appreciate them greatly, with many making the area a second home. The most beautiful among these peaks is Maroon Bells, which has a glacier-made lake at the bottom.

Teton Range

The Teton Range rises dramatically above Jackson Hole.
The Teton Range rises dramatically above Jackson Hole.

The Teton Range runs between Idaho and Wyoming. It’s hard not to get emotional when you’re near the Great Teton and its tooth shape. The mountains are full of springs, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The meadows beneath the three peaks are dotted with wildflowers in yellow, purple, and orange. The whole scenery reminds one of an old-time postcard.

Everybody who visits the Teton range will understand the incredible potential of the US natural resources. Spending a day or two in the Teton Range is a rewarding experience that you’ll never forget. If you are a photography lover, bring your best lenses and make the shots of a lifetime.

Presidential Range

The Appalachian Trail in the southern Presidential Range
The Appalachian Trail in the southern Presidential Range

The Presidential Range is a mountain range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The most famous among the mountains, which are named after former presidents, is Mount Washington. With its altitude of 6288 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the Northeast, and on a clear day, the visibility can be up to 130 miles to Quebec, the Atlantic Ocean, and New York. Another attractive thing about the Presidential Range is that a part of the Appalachian Trail goes through it, which makes the range a popular hiking destination for many outdoorsy people.

Alaska Range

Peaks of the Alaska Range – Author: Frank K. – CC BY 2.0
Peaks of the Alaska Range – Author: Frank K. – CC BY 2.0

Starting from south-central Alaska to the eastern Canadian border, the Alaska Range is a relatively narrow range at 400 miles long. It is, however, home to the tallest mountain in North America, McKinley Mountain, known by the locals as Denali ( The tall one). Some people say that measured from the base to the top McKinley is taller than Mount Everest, making it the largest mountain in the world entirely above sea level.

Now’s the time for you to decide which one of America’s treasures is going to get your attention? Spending time in the great outdoors is always a good choice, especially if you visit one of these magnificent natural gems.

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival