11 Amazing National Parks With Mountains in the US

Mountainous national parks preserve some of the most majestic landscapes in the United States.

Some of these national parks are so magnificent that they helped inspire the American values of outdoor recreation and preservation.

Fill your senses with wonder and awe at these national parks with mountains.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks with mountains in America.

This national park is in the namesake Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

These mountains are beautiful, but the park’s high elevation puts it in a harsher environment. Come prepared for extreme temperatures, wind, and stormy weather in these exposed peaks even in late summer.

Any activity in the national park is a great way to enjoy the mountains since you’re surrounded by the Rockies all over the park.

Drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road – the highway that runs between the east and west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park – to admire the mountains by car.

There are lots of great hiking trails that take visitors into the mountains. Just keep in mind that the park’s high altitude means there’s less oxygen in the atmosphere, so even experienced hikers may want to stick to Rocky Mountain’s easier trails.

This national park should absolutely go on any mountain-lover’s bucket list.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

View overlooking green mountains under a cloudy sky — Photo by Joshua Burdick on Unsplash

Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves some of the oldest mountains in the world.

The ancient Smoky Mountains have been worn down over time, but the variety of elevation in the park is still significant.

The range of elevation levels in the park supports an assortment of habitat types. This variety of habitats allows Great Smoky Mountains National Park to be home to more plant and animal species than any other park in the United States.

Visitors can drive the Newfound Gap Road – the main road that connects the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park – to take in mountain views at designated overlooks for a low-energy day in the Smokies.

Walking up to the observation tower at Clingmans Dome – the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – is one of the most popular ways to take in the mountains.

Hikers can immerse themselves in the Smoky Mountains on foot. With 900 miles of trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers everything from family-friendly hikes to backpacking routes.

Between the scenic drives and the abundance of trails, visitors with all levels of outdoor enthusiasm can find something to enjoy in these special mountains.

3. Olympic National Park

View of the Olympic Mountains along the Hurricane Hill trail in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park preserves a variety of unique ecosystems including tide pools, temperate rainforest, and of course the Olympic mountains.

The Olympic mountains actually contribute to the variety of environments found in this area of Washington.

The mountains generate a rain shadow, blocking rain clouds and forcing them to release precipitation on the same side of the mountains. This is what creates the famous rainforests in Olympic National Park.

When you’re ready to enjoy the mountainous section of Olympic National Park, head to the Hurricane Hill area.

Soak in the jagged, snow-capped peaks right from the former visitor center or set off on a hike for even more views of the Olympics.

Although you can’t go wrong with visiting any section of Olympic National Park, experiencing the breathtaking Olympic mountains is a must-do activity for any mountain lover.

4. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier seen up close from the Sunrise area in Mount Rainier National Park

This national park is home to Washington’s iconic Mount Rainier.

Mount Rainier is actually an active volcano. In fact, it’s the highest volcano in the Cascade mountains at over 14,000 feet above sea level.

Although it’s possible to summit Mount Rainier with the right training and equipment, most visitors will enjoy Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains with more casual activities.

You can’t really go wrong by visiting any part of Mount Rainier National Park.

The Paradise and Sunrise areas of the park are popular spots from which to admire Mount Rainier.

Lots of hiking trails for both day hiking and backpacking can be found throughout the park. Consider a fire lookout hike for panoramic views of the Cascade mountains, or take the 93-mile Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier for a bucket list backpacking adventure.

The abundance of things to do and the awe-inspiring natural beauty make Mount Rainier one of the best national parks with mountains.

5. North Cascades National Park

Sharp mountain peaks tower above turquoise water in North Cascades National Park

This underrated national park is a mountainous paradise for backcountry explorations.

What it lacks in easily accessible tourist activities it makes up for in breathtaking beauty.

The aptly-named North Cascades National Park protects an area in the northern portion of the Cascade mountain range.

Here, rugged mountains provide stunning scenery for adventures both big and small.

Visitors can take a scenic drive along Highway 20 to get a taste of what the North Cascades have to offer. A number of day hikes and car camping are also available for a more low key adventure that many visitors can readily partake in.

Much of North Cascades National Park, however, is not accessible by car. Over 400 miles of trails and several lakes provide opportunities for backpacking and boat-in camping in the mountains.

Whatever style of adventure you’re up for, you’ll find something to appreciate in the mountains of North Cascades National Park.

6. Glacier National Park

Jagged gray mountain peaks rise above pink wildflowers in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is located amid the Rocky Mountains in northern Montana.

These mountains rise above glacier-carved valleys in a dramatic landscape that will captivate visitors.

The mountains of Glacier National Park can be appreciated both by vehicle and by foot.

Admire the towering peaks as you learn about the park along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Consider taking a guided tour aboard one of the lodges’ historic red buses.

Hit the trail to experience the beauty of these mountains up close. With over 700 miles of trails in Glacier National Park, everything from day hikes to backcountry adventures are available to visitors.

Keep in mind that Glacier National Park is home to grizzly bears, so anyone heading into the mountains on foot should understand bear safety practices.

Head to Glacier National Park for alpine adventures in one of America’s top national parks.

7. Grand Teton National Park

Teton mountains reflecting off a lake in Great Teton National Park — Photo by Jairph on Unsplash

Grand Teton National Park covers the eastern side of the Teton Range.

The Teton Range is a section of the Rocky Mountains that runs through Wyoming.

Feast your eyes on Grand Teton’s rocky peaks as you drive, paddle, or hike through this national park with mountains.

Take a scenic drive along Teton Park Road, which runs along the base of the mountains. There are several overlooks and trailheads along this road from which to enjoy the mountain views.

Paddle around Jackson Lake or any of the other lakes at the bottom of the Tetons for a boat ride with a stunning mountain backdrop.

Set out on any of the park’s 200 miles of trails to immerse yourself in the mountains. There’s something for hikers of all skill levels ranging from short trails to multi-day backpacking trips.

Note that Grand Teton National Park is just south of Yellowstone National Park, so you may want to see both parks in a single trip.

8. Sequoia National Park

Sierra Nevada Mountains seen from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park

The name of Sequoia National Park might suggest that the park’s giant trees are the only thing to see there.

And if you stick to the most developed areas of the park, you might get that impression, too.

In reality, much of the Sequoia National Park is mountainous. The park preserves a portion of the Sierra Nevada mountains known as the Great Western Divide.

Most visitors coming to see the main attractions in Sequoia National Park may just get glimpses of the mountains. For instance, visitors who climb the stairs up Moro Rock are treated to panoramic mountain views.

But those who are willing to go off the beaten track to one of the park’s more remote campgrounds or go backpacking into the Sierra Nevadas will more fully experience this national park’s mountains.

If you’re looking for a national park with mountains, don’t make the mistake of skipping over Sequoia National Park.

9. Shenandoah National Park

Sun rises over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park — Photo source: NPS

Shenandoah National Park is a wonderful place to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains.

While many national parks with mountains are out west, this east coast national park preserves a different sort of ecosystem. Unlike the west’s exposed, towering peaks that house evergreens and shrubby alpine vegetation, the mountains in Shenandoah are covered by deciduous forest.

The easiest way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains is by driving along Skyline Drive. This route follows the crest of the mountains for over 100 miles, with plenty of scenic overlooks along the way.

Hikers have plenty of options to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains on foot. Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails ranging from easy hikes to backpacking routes, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

From the wildflowers and waterfalls in spring to the beautiful colors in fall, there’s almost always something special to enjoy in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park.

10. Denali National Park and Preserve

Mount Denali and other snowy mountains in the Alaska Range tower over a lush landscape with water and wildflowers — Photo source: NPS

Denali National Park contains a section of the Alaska mountain range that includes the famous Mount Denali. Mount Denali is the tallest peak in North America at over 20,000 feet above sea level.

This national park is one of the easier ones to access in Alaska. Of the state’s eight national parks, Denali is one of the few that can be accessed by vehicles.

There is a single road in Denali National Park which parallels the mountains. During the summer, most of this road can only be accessed by using the park’s buses, so plan accordingly.

Aside from the facilities along this sole road, the vast majority of the park’s six million acres are completely undeveloped.

There are a few short hiking trails near the park’s entrance. Otherwise, this is a rare national park where visitors are welcome to hike and camp off trail.

Be sure you’re confident with essential skills like reading a topographic map and using a compass before setting off on your own path.

Even if off-trail adventures aren’t your speed, the views of Mount Denali and its surrounding mountains can be enjoyed by anyone who visits Denali National Park.

11. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains peek over the entrance sign to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Millions of years ago, the Guadalupe Mountains were actually an underwater reef!

This region that was once under an ocean is now the highest area in Texas.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to eight of the ten highest peaks in Texas. This includes Guadalupe Peak, the highest natural point in the state.

Unlike other national parks with mountains, Guadalupe Mountains National Park does not have a scenic driving route from which to view the mountains. Therefore, the best way to get your fill of the Guadalupe Mountains is to hike them.

This park offers 80 miles of hiking trails. You can reach Guadalupe Peak by taking a strenuous, eight and a half mile roundtrip hike. If that’s not your speed, the park offers everything from nature walks to backpacking routes with primitive campsites.

If you’re looking for a national park with unique mountains or fewer crowds, Guadalupe Mountains National Park may fit the bill.

As always, enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Leave no trace on all of your adventures.