Are you tired of city life and dreaming of the crisp mountain air? The best mountain towns in the USA could be your perfect getaway.
Some have world-class ski slopes and picturesque hiking trails, while others are ideal for cozy restaurant nights and live entertainment.
Towns like Aspen and White Park make a snowy, thrill-packed winter. For others, Bend and Gatlinburg offer a colorful fall escape. But there’s one thing all these towns have in common: stunning mountain scenery.
These are the most unforgettable mountain towns in the USA to add to your travel list to help you plan where to vacation next.
Best for: Luxury, skiing, and the après-ski scene.
Closest airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – 3.7 miles
The epitome of a mountain-side retreat, Aspen is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails in the warmer months. Aspen is one of the most popular places to stay in Colorado, with many tourists flocking to the site of Ajax Mountain each year.
If skiing isn’t your scene, it’s not all winter sports in this mountain town. The Aspen Chamber hosts events throughout the year, including ghost tours, history tours, and local film festivals.
The dining scene in Aspen lives up to its name, with exceptional places to eat, like the Michelin-star restaurant, Bosq. This fine dining location features a seasonal menu and a customizable tasting experience.
There’s also the 12 Days of Aspen event leading up to New Year's Eve, with daily events like Christmas Day dinner and a National Candy Cane Day celebration.
Best for: National parks nearby, Old West vibe, and wildlife safaris.
Closest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – 9.3 miles
Nested in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley, Jackson is the perfect mountain getaway if you like the great American wilderness. It’s the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and it’s home to the National Elk Refuge, where you can see the beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, the area has three major ski resorts: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King, and Grand Targhee. These resorts even offer sleigh rides and ice skating from mid-December through early April.
Downtown Jackson is a must-visit destination for Wild West lovers. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has been a live music venue since 1937, welcoming performances from legends like Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Jr.
Where to stay in Jackson: Wander Tetonglow Jackson Hole is the ultimate place to experience the Jackson Hole valley. With panoramic mountain views and a cozy indoor fireplace, this almost 7,000 square-foot luxury rental sleeps up to 20 guests.
Best for: Lake Tahoe access, ski slopes, and a historic downtown.
Closest airport: Truckee Tahoe Airport (TKF) – 2.6 miles
Truckee in Northern California is an adventure-lover's dream, with must-visit natural spaces and a laid-back atmosphere.
Around 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe, it’s the ideal spot for skiing and snowboarding. Northstar California Resort, Palisades Tahoe, and Donner Ski Ranch offer winter sports during the peak months. In summer, you’ll find hiking, paddleboarding, and boating on Donner Lake, just six minutes from the mountain town.
Truckee’s historic downtown is known for its Old West character with independent boutiques, coffee shops, and art galleries. A visit to the town centre is the perfect way to slow down and break up your adventure-packed getaway.
Where to stay in Truckee: Wander Truckee Pines is the perfect stay for up to 10 guests to enjoy a trip to the California mountains. In the warmer seasons, enjoy al fresco dining on the spacious deck overlooking the mountains. After a long day of hiking, the hot tub is the ideal way to unwind.
Best for: Glacier National Park, ski slopes, and small-town charm.
Closest airport: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) – 11.5 miles
Whitefish, Montana, is at the base of Whitefish Lake and Big Mountain, the ideal location for those seeking a tranquil getaway in the Mountain West. The town is home to a bustling tourist scene, with shops, local breweries, and professional theatre.
For thrill-seeking visitors, the town is a short drive from Glacier National Park, which has over 700 miles of hiking trails and stunning views. Whitefish Mountain Resort is also renowned for its challenging ski slopes. Summer travelers can go fly-fishing or take a boat out on Whitefish Lake.
Where to stay in Whitefish: Wander Whitefish Slopes offers a private hot tub, a heated garage with ski storage options, and a kitchen with everything you need to create gourmet dishes. The cozy fireplace provides the perfect setting for après-ski socialising and relaxing.
Best for: Skiing, mountain biking, and family-friendly fun.
Closest airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) – 85.3 miles (shuttles available)
Winter Park is a favorite for Denver locals and visitors nationwide. It is home to Winter Park Resort, a famous ski setting known for its diverse terrain, from beginner slopes to black-diamond trails. In summer, the resort becomes one of the country's best mountain biking parks, making it a favorite destination for winter and summer sports enthusiasts alike.
Families will love the tubing hills, scenic gondola rides, and annual events like the Winter Park Jazz Festival. The nearby Fraser River Valley offers beautiful hiking trails and fishing spots, which come alive in spring and summer. For dining, Hernando’s Pizza Pub is a quirky local eatery, while Volario’s serves upscale Italian with a mountain twist.
Where to stay in Winter Park: Wander Winter Park Peaks is a cabin getaway with a difference, where cozy interior spaces meet spa-like bathrooms. It’s the perfect stay for groups of up to six guests. End the night in the rooftop hot tub, looking over the string light-covered wooden slats and starry skies.
Best for: Dramatic scenery, culture, and remote getaways.
Closest airport: Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) – 5.7 miles
A mountain town like no other, Telluride and nearby Mountain Village offer a mix of breathtaking views and year-round adventure. Telluride attracts skiers, hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers who want an unforgettable trip within the San Juan Mountains.
A free gondola service connects Telluride to Mountain Village, so those staying in the area have no excuse not to visit both. Telluride’s cultural scene shines with annual events like the Telluride Film Festival and Bluegrass Festival. Mountain Village also offers live music events and local markets.
Downtown Telluride’s Victorian architecture adds charm, while restaurants like 221 South Oak offer a distinctive culinary experience. It has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, like beet tartare and soy-glazed tofu.
Where to stay in Telluride: Wander Telluride Ranch offers modern architecture and unmatched views. The outdoor dining area and fire pit overlook San Juan Ridge, making it the perfect sunset backdrop.
Best for: Craft beer, outdoor adventures, and sunshine.
Closest airport: Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN) – 7.9 miles
Bend, Oregon, is a paradise for outdoor lovers. It blends mountain town charm with Pacific Northwest laid-back vibes.
Summer is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. As the seasons turn, Mount Bachelor delivers some of the best skiing in the Cascades in winter.
Downtown Bend offers exactly what you’d expect from an Oregon town, packed with independent coffee roasters and restaurants. The family-owned Deschutes Brewery is a must-visit spot, known for Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale, while Jackson’s Corner serves fresh, local fare with a healthy side order of coziness.
Where to stay in Bend: Wander Bend Riverside sits on the waterside and combines a mountain retreat with a forest stay. The gorgeous property has an outdoor fireplace, dining area, and hot tub, making it ideal for immersing yourself in nature.
Best for: Smoky Mountains, family attractions, and Southern charm.
Closest airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – 40.7 miles (car reservation available)
As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular destination for nature lovers and families. Some must-do activities include hiking to waterfalls and seeing wildlife like black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and elk.
Riding the Gatlinburg SkyLift for sweeping mountain views is an unforgettable experience, with adult and child tickets available to book online.
Gatlinburg has plenty of entertainment options, like Ripley’s Aquarium and Anakeesta Adventure Park.
The town’s main strip offers classic Southern food at Pancake Pantry, like Smoky Mountain Buckwheat cakes. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que also offers hearty plates.
Where to stay in Gatlinburg: Wander Gatlinburg Forest is a cabin in the woods with a fireplace in each bedroom and a hot tub overlooking an outdoor TV, making this stay unforgettable. There’s also an indoor pool and games room with arcade machines.
Best for: Scenic train rides, lakeside relaxation, and Appalachian views.
Closest airport: Chattanooga Airport (CHA) – 73 miles (car rental and private shuttles available)
The small town offers whatever you desire in the heart of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, from cozy getaway to outdoor fun.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs for seasonal trips through the colorful forests. Lake Blue Ridge is also nearby and is perfect for boating, kayaking, and fishing. You can catch trophy smallmouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Downtown Blue Ridge has an artsy feel, with galleries and farm-to-table restaurants like Harvest on Main.
Where to stay in Blue Ridge: Wander Blue Ridge Retreat is a cabin-style getaway with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the stunning natural landscape. There’s also a BBQ area for outdoor dining and a fire pit.
Best for: Fall leaves and New England skiing.
Closest airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV) – 33.2 miles (bus, car rental, and resort shuttles available)
Often called the ‘Ski Capital of the East’, staying in Stowe is the perfect reason to visit the state of Vermont. Winter in Stowe attracts skiers and snowboarders to the Stowe Mountain Resort, while summer is characterized by hiking, biking, and kayaking on the Waterbury Reservoir.
The town is a picturesque backdrop to your mountain getaway, with white steepled churches and bridges.
After a day outdoors, enjoy a hearty meal at Harrison’s or indulge in artisan cheese at the von Trapp Family Lodge.
Where to stay in Stowe: Wander Stowe Lodge sleeps eight guests and has mountain and forest views, perfect for soaking up the outdoors. The rental has an open-plan kitchen and high ceilings, adding to the spacious feel.
Best for: Olympic heritage and scenic natural beauty.
Closest airport: Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) – 16.7 miles
Lake Placid is famous for hosting two Winter Olympics, and visitors can still skate on the Olympic Oval or take a bobsled ride. In summer, Mirror Lake is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or relaxing on the beach.
Hiking trails like Mount Jo or Cascade Mountain deliver classic Adirondack views, allowing visitors to appreciate the area's unmatched natural beauty.
The downtown area is ideal for exploring, shopping, and hearty dining. Standout spots include Smoke Signals for BBQ and The View Restaurant for fine dining with breathtaking lakefront scenery.
Consider the season: Some towns are great for winter skiing and snowboarding, while others shine in the fall and summer. Let the time of your trip guide you to your destination.
Learn your group’s travel preferences: Are you a luxury traveler, a family with kids, or an adventure seeker? Destinations like Aspen ooze luxury, while Jackson Hole offers an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Plan your stay early: Mountain stays are becoming increasingly popular. Since some mountain towns have limited accommodation options, you should book your trip as soon as you choose the perfect one. Wander has rental locations across North America, all ideal for a secluded getaway during busy seasons.
Altitude adjustment: When travelling to high-elevation mountain towns, it's crucial to pace yourself. Make sure to pack enough water and consider hydration boosters.
Weather conditions: Mountainside nights can get cold even during the summer. Make sure you pack more layers than you think you need. Weather events like storms can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly.
Accessibility: Some mountain towns are remote. Choose a destination with easy travel links, such as nearby airports or well-known roads.
Wander’s mountain vacation rentals put you in the heart of the best mountain towns the United States offers.
There are ski-in and ski-out chalets and cozy cabins to choose from. Each home has luxury amenities, stunning views, and the space to relax in style.
No matter the season, the mountains are the perfect backdrop for adventure, connection, and rest. With Wander, turning your mountain getaway into an unforgettable experience is easy, so start planning your trip today.
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