14 American Mountain Towns That Will Take Your Breath Away
America’s mountain towns are much more than a gateway to trails and ski slopes, they are the beating heart of some of the most visually stunning, and culturally rich regions of the country. The backdrop to each town is dramatically rugged or blissfully serene and each town has its flavor of life.
From America’s heart and history, these mountain towns offer more than clean air and picturesque landscapes — a promise of the rugged grandeur of the Rockies and the East Coast’s Appalachia charm.
Aspen, Colorado
Ski luxury is synonymous with Aspen, but it’s not just a ski town. It’s well known for its winter wonderland status, and in summer the wildflowers and blue skies could be plucked from a painting. This town nestled in the Elk Mountains has a touch of sophistication from cultural events, like the Aspen Music Festival, and a downtown that’s jam-packed with art galleries.
Stowe, Vermont
The Green Mountains are a dramatic backdrop for Stowe: a town full of New England charm. A year-round destination with cozy inns and local breweries that turn a slower pace of life into a picture-perfect escape, Stowe is known for its vibrant fall colors and historic-covered bridges.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is the jewel of the San Juan Mountains perched in a box canyon. Victorian buildings rule the streets here, giving a cinematic view of Colorado’s mining history. Every year, this small town is put on the map during the Telluride Film Festival, but it’s the daily panoramic views and hiking trails that truly win.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is a rugged, but refined, gateway to the Tetons. Step into a world where elk outnumber people and the beauty of nature can be experienced at every turn. The town square with its iconic antler arches welcomes visitors to drink in Jackson’s Wild West embodiment whether you are watching wildlife in the nearby National Parks or rafting down the Snake River.
Park City, Utah
Park City is a once silver mining town turned into a skiing haven, and finds a balance between luxury and adventure. While the Sundance Film Festival may be where the glitterati resides each winter, the mountain biking trails and the town’s vibrant main street offer year-round delights for those who prefer their fun at a higher altitude.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge has more than ski runs — it has a rich prospecting history and a welcoming atmosphere. The town’s historic district beckons with a warm cup of cocoa in hand, gazing into shops in 1800s buildings. The magical mountain experience that is Breckenridge combines the past with the present.
Taos, New Mexico
It has a very artistic community and Pueblo architecture that stands out. Its creativity here is showcased by the numerous galleries of art and festivals which celebrate the town’s one-of-a-kind cultural tapestry. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains surround more than just a pretty view—they put soul in you.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The charming gateway to the Smokies, Gatlinburg is southern hospitality with mountain views. Hikers are called here to the outdoors, and the arts and crafts community thrives, keeping alive the Appalachian heritage of creativity. On top of that, who could resist a mountain shop’s homemade fudge?
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is known for its windsurfing scene and its dramatic Columbia River Gorge setting. Its fertile soils support orchards and vineyards; the town is a craft beer lover’s paradise. Hood River is a must-visit because of the blend of natural beauty and spirited local life.
Bend, Oregon
The high desert meets the mountains in Bend, where visitors have a host of outdoor activities to choose from. Whether its from the flowing Deschutes River or the snow-capped Cascades, Bend’s natural beauty is a calling to those who want to explore by day and relax at a craft brewery by night.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a Blue Ridge mountain art colony with a beautiful art scene and preserved historic architecture. Pritchard Park’s drum circle and the bohemian street artists and musicians of its streets produce a rhythm that dictates the city’s atmosphere, making every corner a story.
Lake Placid, New York
More than just a winter sports heritage, this Olympic town in the Adirondacks has lots to offer. Mirror lakes and scenic hiking trails near Lake Placid do the outdoorsman a world of good. The town is filled with cozy nooks for post-adventure relaxation and recounting the day’s journeys.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky is a perfect name for this epic landscape, with vast open skies that swallow you up. Skiers and hikers are welcome to this paradise, plus Yellowstone National Park is just a short drive away. Big Sky offers a big-time adventure with a small-town vibe; an unmissable stop on any mountain town tour.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a slice of Bavaria out on the Pacific Northwest, with alpine-style buildings and seasonal festivals honoring everything from Oktoberfest to Christmas. There are endless outdoor activities nearby in the surrounding Cascade Mountains and the town itself offers a surprising level of wintry charm and German cuisine.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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