There’s something magical about the mountains; it’s where life slows down, but the world opens up. Think mirror-like blue-green lakes, dense and lush forests, and majestic vistas stretching out to as far as the eye can see. People tend to associate mountain cities with snow, ski trips, and winter, but that’s not all they offer. Come summer, the many magical mountain cities in USA, in states such as Georgia, Colorado, and even Utah, offer many activities. Think mountain biking, rafting, hiking, walking the lush trails, and more. Meanwhile, fall lights the place up in vibrant oranges and russet browns, and it’s all about fabulous food, cool bars, and great vibes. Clearly, there are few vacations that clear the head more than a mountain getaway.
Between the breathtaking scenery – postcard-perfect streets, towering peaks, and dense forests – and the blasts of crisp alpine air. A mountain escape promises a true recharge. To that end, here are the 11 most gorgeous mountain cities in USA across states such as Georgia, Colorado, and more that feature stunning scenery and offer unique experiences.
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Telluride, Colorado
11
Telluride is “the” archetypal mountain town, surrounded by towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains on three sides. A free gondola connects the town center with the walkable Mountain Village, which is the base for Telluride Ski Resort, one of the Best Ski Resorts in Rocky Mountains. Pro tip: don’t miss dining at the resort’s Alpino Vino restaurant, which is the highest-elevation high-end restaurant in North America. What’s more, the town also boasts an award-winning distillery and brewery. Telluride also hosts a film fest as well as a ridiculously huge number of top-tier music festivals. Finally, this serene Old West town is the perfect base for some of the most iconic rafting, cross-country skiing, fishing, biking, and hiking in Colorado. It’s what makes it one of the perfect mountain cities in USA and one of the Best Places To Visit In Colorado.
Dawsonville, Georgia
10
Dawsonville is one of the most gorgeous mountain cities in Georgia. Tucked in the Northeast Georgia Mountains, the city is home to Amicalola Falls, the largest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. Plus, it’s the southern end of the famed Appalachian Trail! That said, there’s so much more to do in this mountain town than just experiencing the outdoors. NASCAR fans, For instance, will love the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and Gordon Pirkle’s Dawsonville Pool Room. Those seeking mountainous libations will find the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery right up their alley. Fall is an excellent time to visit Dawsonville for checking out Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch and Uncle Shuck’s and Buck’s corn mazes. Finally, you can even indulge in some retail therapy at North Georgia Premium Outlets at one of the most striking mountain cities in Georgia.
Park City, Utah
9
Park City in Utah is one of the most picturesque mountain cities in USA. The city gained its status as a legendary mountain town much before the Sundance Festival premiered here. For, this postcard-perfect town is a liberal refuge in an otherwise conservative Utah and is home to some of the finest skiing in America. What’s more, the dreamy locale also lays claim to High West, the first distillery to open since prohibition in Utah. Plus, the U.S. Ski Team calls Park City their home too, especially since it offers easy access to Park City Mountain Resort. Not only is it one of the Best Ski Resorts In Utah, but also it’s North America’s largest skiing facility. If that wasn’t enough, just outside the city lies one of the World’s Best Ski Resorts, Montage Deer Valley.
Are you visiting here in the summer? There are tons of extra-fun activities to do, such as horseback riding, river rafting, hiking, and biking. Romantics will love it during autumn; the aspen groves transform into a swathe of glittering gold.
Truckee, California
8
Lake Tahoe is, without a doubt, one of the Top Tourist Attractions In The USA. And, no one can omit Truckee just north of Lake Tahoe when it comes to listing the best mountain towns in the country. The locals-friendly Truckee is not crowded like South Lake Tahoe but is more laidback and charming. While it’s one of the world’s best ski/snowboard destinations, what makes Truckee a top mountain spot is its lively yet laidback historic Downtown. What’s more, the town is an angler’s paradise, with Lake Prosser for standup paddling and Donner for swimming and fishing. Truckee’s rough-and-tumble spirit is partly due to its storied origins as a way-station for the Transcontinental Railroad. Today, it’s a skier’s paradise with the Sierra Crest Ultra Run, Castle Peak 100K, and the Squaw Mountain Run. Are you into mountain biking? Daredevils will love Yogi’s and Jackass.
Lewisburg, West Virginia
7
Tucked along the Greenbrier River, Lewisburg in West Virginia is one of the most fantastic mountain cities in USA. There’s literally everything to do in this quaint mountain town, including a fantastic arts scene that’s the poetry-reading-gallery-hopping kind. But, that’s not all. History buffs will love the part-museum, part-hotel General Lewis Inn, and the intriguing Lost World Caverns. Did you know that antiquing is a thing in Lewisburg? During summer visits, hit the Saturday farmers market that’s so bustling that you won’t believe this is a small town. Are you the intrepid getting-up-at-6-am kinds? Wake up at 5 am instead and go for an early-morning hike. Later on, get some lunch at the Stardust Cafe and wind down the day with a hand-crafted cider at Hawk Knob.
Crested Butte, Colorado
6
Crested Butte is one of the most interesting mountain cities in Colorado. When the silver and coal mines in the city shut down in the 1950s, many residents left the area. It was skiing that largely saved this mountain town, which offers some of the country’s most extreme skiing terrains today. What’s more, it vainly flaunts a hippie vibe that’s proudly antithetical to other Colorado resort towns like Vail. Mountain bikers absolutely love the miles of biking trails that lie in this part of Colorado. Not only are they some of the most awe-inspiring ones in the country, but they also include the rite-of-passage Pearls Pass from Crested Butte to Aspen. But, that’s not all. There is a range of other outdoor activities such as rafting, camping, and hiking to keep you entertained in what is one of the most charming mountain cities in Colorado.
Asheville, North Carolina
5
It wasn’t always on the map, but over the last few years, Asheville in North Carolina has transformed into one of the best mountain cities in USA. This funky, offbeat, arts-centric town has become one of the country’s best live-music and drinking cities! Today, Asheville now has an obscene number of breweries with favorites such as Wicked Weed and Asheville Brewing Company. Plus, there are all these trendy farm-to-table restaurants where you get to dig into delicious mountain food. Midweek afternoons are best spent wandering through farmers’ markets. However, Asheville is most known for being one of the Best US Winter Vacation spots and is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not only do they have hundreds of hiking trails, but they also have rivers, waterfalls, and gorgeous vistas.
Clayton, Georgia
4
Tucked right in the northeastern edge of Georgia, the quaint Clayton is one of the most charming mountain cities in Georgia. Think a nostalgic main street, wine tasting in the downtown square, and old-fashioned soda foundations. But, the main reason people travel here is for the stupendous whitewater rafting opportunities on the Chattooga River. Are you an oenophile? Stonewall Creek Vineyards and Tiger Mountain Vineyard are perfect for wine enthusiasts who simply want to indulge in wine tastings. The best bit is that at the end of the day, there are many excellent outdoor dining spots where you can dig into a delicious meal, drink wine, and enjoy views of the mountains.
Jackson, Wyoming
3
Jackson in Wyoming might just ruin other mountain cities in USA for you. The city is the gateway to the peaks of Grand Teton National Park as well as Yellowstone National Park, two of the Most Amazing National Parks On Earth. In fact, the world-class mountain resort of Jackson Hole lies just 20 minutes from the city center. Culture vultures will love exploring the city’s art galleries, divey saloons, and the town square, which has the famed elk antler arch. In between all the action, recharge with belly-warming fare at the cozy, log-cabin-style Cafe Genevieve, which is famed for its home-cooked classics. In fact, the tiny town has a stellar dining scene; it’s also home to Snake River, Melvin Brewing, and the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Club. Imagine an Old West saloon as a multi-storied theme park – that’s what it is!
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
2
Steamboat Springs is one of the dreamiest mountain cities in Colorado. Unpretentious authenticity and innate Rocky Mountain beauty are brimming in what is the most genuinely Western mountain town in Colorado. Nestled at the base of the Sleeping Giant mountain, Steamboat Springs is all about undulating greens sprinkled with working cattle ranches. Century-old redbrick buildings fill its historic Downtown, which also has a century-old Western-wear store and an old-school soda fountain, complete with a jukebox and cream sodas! What do locals do here on weekends? They attend the pro rodeo and dig into barbecued ribs! If you’re all about the outdoors, chase thrills and soak in the gorgeous valley views at the Emerald Mountain quarry.
Taos, New Mexico
1
When fall arrives, you must head to Taos, one of the drop-dead gorgeous mountain cities in USA. With the rich red Sangre de Cristo Mountains surrounding it, Taos has to be the most otherworldly place in America. It’s an almost mystical place with imperfect yet perfect adobe architecture and a deeply rooted native presence. What’s more, the town is an artists colony with more than 80 art galleries. People-watching while sipping margaritas at Taos Inn is an absolutely acceptable activity no matter the time of year. Or, you could play shuffleboard and drink Tecate at the town’s oldest house, Alley Cantina. And, no matter whether you’re river-rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, fly fishing, hot springing, or llama trekking (yes, you read that right), there’s a stunning mountain view around the corner.
