Some people like to tour historic cities and others prefer relaxing on a California beach. But as an outdoor adventure seeker, you know it’s all about the thrill of the experience; a view from the top that offers a deep connection with the earth. You don’t simply want to see a destination, you want to feel it breathe.
This guide will take you on an epic road trip to some of America’s highest, most picturesque summits. It’s time to come face to face with wondrous mountain peaks for a dramatically new perspective.
Desolation Peak, Washington, United States
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/desolation-peak-trail.htm">Channel your inner Jack Kerouac</a> and begin your quest for nature’s best mountain views at the 6,102-foot high Desolation Peak in Washington. The Beatnik writer lived atop the mountain for a few months in the late '50s when he was searching for a new perspective on life. Each day he saw a momentous panorama of the mountains and lakes of the Cascades, which are the same views you'll get when you visit. Expect a 4.8-mile hike through some of the most beautiful and remote land this country has to offer.
Angels Landing, Utah, United States
Travel I-84 southeast to Utah for your next hiking exploit in Zion National Park. Angels Landing is an exhilarating hike that is famous for its dramatic drop-offs on each side of the trail leading to the peak. Once you arrive at the top, you’ll be blown away by the magnificent views of towering monoliths. This hike will help you conquer your fear of heights as you hike over 1,500 feet to the 360-degree viewpoint.
Avalanche Peak, Wyoming, United States
Once you’ve experienced the glory of Zion, hop back in the car for a 678-mile journey north on I-15. Veer off on Highway 20 into Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. This 10,568-foot peak is on the list because of the views that <a href="http://www.trailguidesyellowstone.com/yellowstone_hikes/avalanche_peak_trail_yellowstone.php">overlook popular geysers,</a> rushing waterfalls, flowing rivers, high mountain ranges, and native wildlife. Yellowstone is the ideal spot to set up camp for a few days and get lost in Mother Nature.
Cascade Mountain, New York, United States
The driving distance from Yellowstone to New York is about 2,000 miles, but it offers the opportunity to explore America’s northern countryside. Hop on I-90 east and drive, drive, drive to your next destination: the Adirondacks. This mountain range is larger than the combined size of the Grand Canyon, Everglades, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. Much of this Forest Preserve is protected. While Cascade Mountain isn’t the highest peak in the area, it has the <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/cascade-mountain/150623">best overall view, according to Summitpost.org.</a>
Mount Katahdin, Maine, United States
For the final destination, make your way up I-95 north to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Rising to 5,270 feet, Mount Katahdin is regularly hailed as having the most alluring view in the eastern United States. At the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, the Knife Edge trail is a two-foot wide summit that drops thousands of feet straight down on either side. It’s not for the faint of heart and is quite the reward for thru-hikers who complete the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail hike.
Due to the unpredictability of the weather, the height of these peaks and the remoteness of the areas, you should bring a durable, waterproof phone like the <a href="http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-s7-edge.html">Galaxy S7 Edge</a> with GPS capability as a navigation backup. You also should have plenty of food and water, a first aid kit, <a href="https://www.rei.com/c/hiking-jackets?r=c&ir=category%3Ahiking-jackets&page=1">hiking boots and a waterproof jacket.</a>
Anne-Marie Pritchett
Anne-Marie Pritchett: writer, editor, visionary, world traveler, outdoor enthusiast, urban bohemian, music freak, sports addict.