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The mountains are my absolute favorite place to vacation. Give me a mountain destination over any other type of vacation any day of the week. The mountains are truly great in any season! In the winter for skiing and snow related activities, in the fall for breathtaking fall foliage and my favorite season, the summer, for hiking, water activities and jaw dropping scenery.
We have traveled to several mountain towns throughout the years, and I wanted to share a list of four of our favorites that I believe you need to add to your USA bucket list.
So without further ado, here is my list.
Blacktail Ponds Overlook in Grand Teton National Park
Jackson | Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming is always number on my list. It truly feels like my home away from home and there are so many reasons why I love it so much.
Jackson is located just minutes from Grand Teton National Park and is a part of the Jackson Hole Valley, which includes Wilson, Teton Village, Kelly and Moose. Jackson is such an attractive place to visit for all types of travelers.
With it being so close to Grand Teton National Park, it makes a great home base to explore my favorite national park. Jackson offers many hotel options from cabins to luxury hotels as well. If you aren’t into camping, then Jackson can offer that luxury feel in the most gorgeous mountain setting.
Jackson is filled with many authentic shops and restaurants. There are very few chain restaurants here and that is one reason I love it so much. Jackson Square is the place to head for beautiful western shops, customized cowboy hats, souvenirs and amazing food.
You cannot come to Jackson and not explore Grand Teton National Park. The Tetons are the most majestic mountain range in the USA in my opinion. You just stand in awe at their beauty. With wildlife tours, fishing on the Snake river, boating, kayaking, hiking…you are never short on activities to do here.
Jackson is great any season with many adventures offered in the winter, fall and summer.
You will want to hike while exploring Grand Teton National Park and these are some great trails
Favorites in Jackson Hole
- Favorite Hotels
- Rustic Inn Creekside, Lodge at Jackson Hole, The Cloudveil, The Wort Hotel
- Favorite Restaurants
- Local, Handfire Pizza, Glorietta, Cafe Genevieve, Persephone, Blue Lion, Pearl Street Bagels
- Favorite Shops
- Kemo Sabe, Beaver Creek Hats, Pendleton, Jackson Hole Jewelry Company
- Favorite Experiences
- Wildlife Tour, Scenic Float on the Snake River, Guided Fly Fishing
- Grand Teton National Park Favorites
- Taggart Lake Trailhead, Jenny Lake, Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend
- Favorite Time to Visit
- Summer (July-September)
Ouray | Colorado
Ouray, Colorado is a lesser know mountain town than Jackson, Wyoming, but it should definitely be added to your bucket list.
Ouray is located in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, and it is unlike any other mountain town that I have ever visited. It is called the Switzerland of America and for good reason.
The beauty and history of this historic mining town is incredible. The quaint town sits in a canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and the views driving in will literally take your breath away.
The famous Million Dollar Highway is a must do drive while in Ouray. This stretch of highway runs from Ouray to Silverton, and it is the most beautiful drive I have ever done. It can be scary because there are spots with no guardrails, so I wouldn’t recommend driving this highway in the winter if you are not comfortable driving in winter weather.
Ouray is an outdoor lover’s paradise with activities and experiences to do during all seasons:
Ouray is full of amazing hikes if you are a hiking lover.
- Perimeter Trail
- Baby Bathtubs Trail
- Box Canyon Falls
- Cascade Falls and Chief Ouray Mine
- Ice Lake Trail
The list goes on and on. You will never run out of things to do while in Ouray.
- FAVORITES IN OURAY
- Favorite Hotels
- Twin Peaks Lodge, The Imogene Hotel, Beaumont Hotel, Box Canyon Lodge
- Favorite Restaurants
- Maggie’s Kitchen, The Outlaw, Bon Ton, Brickhouse 737, Timberline Deli
- Favorite Experiences
- Scenic Jeep Rides, Ouray Hot Springs Park, Box Canyon Falls
- Favorite Time to Visit
- Fall (October for peak leaf peeping)
Telluride | Colorado
When considering your trip to Ouray, also plan to visit Telluride, CO. This US mountain town is just right down the road from Ouray so it would be silly not to visit both on one trip.
Telluride is about 50 miles from Ouray and the drive from one mountain town to the other is simply gorgeous and don’t forget to stop off on Last Dollar Highway to take in the beauty of Ralph Lauren’s Ranch
This incredible mountain destination is great in all seasons with many things to do throughout the year.
Telluride is a little more luxurious and upscale than Ouray and both are two totally different vibes so it is nice to get in both types of vacation on one trip. It is full of 4 and 5 star resorts and hotels, upscale shops and incredible dining options.
Telluride offers many incredible experiences throughout the year, making it a perfect destination in any season. But what Telluride is known for is their skiing. It is the perfect family friendly ski town, with several beginner runs making it a great spot for littles and first timers alike.
There are plenty of summer and fall activities such as hiking. Here are some great trails
Telluride Favorites
- Favorite Restaurants:
- Brown Dog Pizza, 221 South Oak, Allred’s Restaurant, Cornerhouse Grill, The National
- Favorite Hotels
- Madeline Hotel, The Hotel Telluride, Element 52, The Peaks Resort and Spa
- Favorite Experiences
- Gondola riding, fly fishing, rafting the San Miguel River, Off-Roading, Blues and Brews Festival, fat bike rides
- Favorite Season to Visit
- Fall and Winter
Asheville | North Carolina
If you are looking for an amazing mountain town that doesn’t involve you traveling out west, then check out Asheville, NC.
This charming mountain town is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains which is an incredible mountain range in the Appalachians.
Asheville is a very eclectic town with a thriving art, music and food scene, therefore, it has been named the #1 foodie town in America for two years in a row. Asheville is also home to many amazing breweries.
While you can get all of these amazing things listed above, Asheville is also full of many amazing outdoor adventures. From glamping to hiking to whitewater rafting to fishing…Asheville has it all.
- But the thing that Asheville is probably most known for is Biltmore Estate. You can’t come to Asheville and not visit the Biltmore. It is the largest estate in North America, and it is truly incredible to tour. It is even better if you come when it is all decorated for the holidays.
Asheville is a place where hikers can come and enjoy many amazing trails
- Mount Mitchell
- Rattlesnake Lodge
- Mt. Pisgah
- Looking Glass Rock
- *and always when hiking remember to leave no trace
Asheville Favorites
- Favorite Hotels
- Omni Grove Park Inn, The Inn on Biltmore Estate, The Foundry, Grand Bohemian
- Favorite Restaurants
- Tupelo Honey, Daddy Mac’s, Bouchon, Corner Kitchen, Rhubarb, Vinnie’s, Asheville Proper
- Favorite Experiences
- white water rafting, guided jeep tour, kayak tour, touring the Biltmore
- Favorite Season to Visit
- all seasons
Add these 4 mountain towns to your USA bucket list. They are perfect for a family trip, couples trip, or even a girls getaway with your friends.
Mountain Vacation | Travel Essentials
Check out my travel essentials for outdoor adventuring.
Shop these items here
Shop my Western favorites for traveling to the mountains!
White Bodysuit | Denim Skirt | Blue Cowboy Hat | Beige Cowboy Boots Aztec Jacket
Shop my activewear favorites while exploring the outdoors!
Yoga Tank | Athletic Jacket | Tennis Skirt | Nordstrom Sneakers | Fanny Pack
Want more in depth looks at a few of these destinations? Check out my other blogs: Travel With Me to Ouray, Colorado, 4 Day Jackson Hole Itinerary
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below, send me a quick email, or DM me on Instagram or TikTok. I am more than happy to hear from you all and help in any way I can!
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