Best mountain destinations in North America
Best mountain destinations in North America
Rugged rocky mountain peaks and scenic alpine trails in North America
North America's mountain landscapes range from the arctic ranges of Alaska and the Yukon and the dramatic peaks of the Rockies to the volcanic summits of the Pacific northwest and the ancient rounded highlands of the east. The continent's mountain systems are vast and varied, encompassing desert ranges, glaciated wilderness and densely forested slopes across a geographic spread that rewards dedicated regional exploration rather than attempts to cover the whole in a single trip.
The national parks system protects the most celebrated mountain landscapes and provides well-developed trekking and visitor infrastructure across a wide range of terrain and difficulty levels. Beyond the parks, significant wilderness mountain areas receive far fewer visitors and offer a genuinely remote experience with the self-sufficiency and bear safety awareness that serious backcountry travel in North America demands.
Permit systems at the most popular mountain destinations are competitive and booking windows open months in advance, requiring early planning for peak season visits. Weather changes rapidly across most of the continent's ranges and altitude combined with exposure can produce dangerous conditions quickly. Distances between major mountain regions are significant and flying between areas is standard for multi-destination itineraries covering more than one range.
Lists by region
National Park in United States
Denali National Park
Wild Alaska’s peaks and wildlife
At 6,190 metres the summit of Denali is the tallest in North America. It towers over a park that spans about six million acres. Park buses travel a single gravel road with views of grizzlies and caribou. Wonder Lake offers classic reflection views on clear days.
National Park in Canada
Jasper National Park
Untamed Wilderness and Starry Skies
Spirit Island sits in Maligne Lake surrounded by glacier peaks. A boat cruise across the lake takes about 90 minutes. Visitors can stop at the island for photos of the ring of mountains. The park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve with clear views of the stars.
National Park in United States
Yosemite National Park
Nature's Grand Cathedral
El Capitan rises about 900 metres from the floor of Yosemite Valley. Climbers spend days scaling its granite face. Tunnel View gives a wide look at El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome. Giant sequoias grow in the Mariposa Grove in the south of the park.
City in Canada
Whistler
Alpine Adventure, Epic Views, Year-Round Fun
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola links Whistler and Blackcomb mountains across a span of 4.4 kilometres. The cabins hang about 436 metres above the valley floor. Riders cross in roughly 11 minutes with views of glaciers and peaks. Mountain bike trails open on the slopes in summer.
National Park in United States
Glacier Bay National Park
Majestic glaciers and pristine wilderness
Tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into the fjords beneath the Fairweather Range. Mount Fairweather rises 4,671 metres close to the coast. Cruise ships and small tour boats carry visitors up the bay. Margerie Glacier is a favourite stop where huge blocks of ice crash into the water.
National Park in United States
Glacier National Park
Crown of the Continent
Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass at 2,026 metres. The 80 kilometre road opened in 1933. Drivers stop at pullouts while hikers walk the Highline Trail along the cliffs of the divide. Mountain goats often graze near the Logan Pass visitor centre.
National Park in United States
Rocky Mountain National Park
Majestic Peaks and Untamed Wilderness
Trail Ridge Road climbs to 3,713 metres across the Continental Divide. It ranks among the highest paved roads in the United States. Drivers and cyclists can stop at several overlooks above the tree line with sweeping views. Elk gather in the meadows near Estes Park in autumn.
National Park in United States
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Where two nations preserve wilderness
The two parks became the world's first international peace park in 1932, according to Parks Canada. Upper Waterton Lake stretches across the border between Canada and the United States. Boat tours cross the border and give views of the surrounding peaks. The Prince of Wales Hotel sits on a bluff above the lake.
National Park in United States
Grand Teton National Park
Stunning Peaks and Wildlife Wonders
The Grand Teton rises 4,199 metres above the valley of Jackson Hole. The range has no foothills so the peaks jump straight up from the valley floor. Visitors can paddle on Jenny Lake or ride a shuttle boat across it. The Hidden Falls trail starts on the far shore.
Lake in Canada
Lake Louise
Turquoise Gem of the Canadian Rockies
Meltwater from Victoria Glacier gives Lake Louise its milky turquoise colour. Fine rock flour carried in the water reflects blue and green light. Visitors can hire a canoe on the lake in summer. The trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House climbs about 400 metres through forest.
National Park in Canada
Banff National Park
Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
The Banff Gondola carries visitors to the summit of Sulphur Mountain at 2,281 metres. A boardwalk along the ridge leads to a historic weather station. Rocky Mountain peaks stretch in every direction over the Bow Valley. The Banff Upper Hot Springs sit near the base and soothe tired legs.
City in United States
Aspen
Rocky Mountain Glam Meets Outdoor Thrills
The twin Maroon Bells peaks reflect in Maroon Lake near Aspen. Both summits stand above 4,200 metres and rise steeply above the lake. Shuttle buses carry visitors to the lake from the town in summer and early autumn. Aspen trees along the trails turn gold in late September.
National Park in United States
Mount Rainier National Park
A Majestic Volcano and Wild Beauty
Glaciers cover the flanks of Mount Rainier, which reaches 4,392 metres. The active volcano is visible from Seattle on clear days. Paradise meadows bloom with colourful wildflowers through much of July and August. The Skyline Trail loops above the meadows with close views of the glaciers.
Peak in United States
Half Dome
Iconic Granite Challenge Peak
Steel cables bolted to the granite help hikers up the last 120 metres of Half Dome. The round trip covers about 25 kilometres and takes most hikers 10 to 14 hours. Hikers need a permit for the cables. The summit at 2,693 metres looks over Yosemite Valley and Tenaya Canyon.
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