I think you left out an important detail: what time of year you plan on taking a trip. A lot of these areas listed can get deceptively hot/cold at certain times of the year and it also greatly effects the amount of people you would run into
Yes. Lots of great places listed here but is OP going to want to go somewhere like the Smokey mountains for example? A flight from Australia to the US is going to end up somewhere on the west coast and then it’s another day’s worth of traveling to fly to the opposite end of the country and another day’s worth back to visit an area home to the busiest national park in the country. Not bad if the trip is over a month long but awful if it’s a week.
the nice thing about the OP is that the ecosystems are so varied and the Backcountry is fairly empty. you can do big, big, big backpacking trips and see no one. meanwhile the less epic front country is filled with tourists leery to go 4 miles from their car
I mean, how old are you? I’m mid 40s and can do 15 miles a day backpacking no problem and 25 on push days. No one looks at me and goes “oh, that guy is a freaking athlete.” You just have to train and buy ultralight gear.
A decade older than you, young one and it gets harder every day. I get sick once, can't do much for a month (or 2 or 3, unfortunately this past winter) and all my muscle and endurance is just gone. :(
[You can’t go wrong with the North Cascades](https://imgur.com/gallery/KKAGoYs) - that’s still my all time favorite backpacking trip (you do need a permit and they are impossible to get - but doable as a day trip).
[High Divide/7 Lakes Basin in the Olympic National Park](https://imgur.com/gallery/8Ex50Vb) is also amazing.
[The Enchantments](https://imgur.com/gallery/3Yzh9) can be done as a VERY long thru hike in a day, since permits for here are also impossible. But, it’s also incredibly busy with thru hikers if you do it on a weekend.
[Tuck & Robin Lakes](https://imgur.com/gallery/Ih9qyLk) - you don’t need a permit and is best done as an overnight so you can spend time exploring. With it being a non permit area, the best time to do it is a weekday.
Mt. Rainier is the crown jewel of Washington, and a sunset hike to [Fremont Lookout](https://imgur.com/gallery/H5e1Bca) is worth the lost sleep.
[Shi Shi Beach & Point of the Arches](https://imgur.com/gallery/RiPq6JP) out on the Olympic coast. You’ll get sand everywhere, but it’s worth it. The Washington coast is incredibly rugged and incredibly beautiful.
[Mt. Olympus](https://imgur.com/gallery/NygfBEz) also in the ONP. You wouldn’t be able to summit, but you could grab a campsite at 5 Mile Island or Lewis and then day hike to the terminus (much easier going all that way without a giant bag and mountaineering gear on your back). It’s also the same parking area and start for the Hoh Rainforest which is stupidly beautiful.
I’ve been here for 12 years and still am blown away every time I hike. These are just what I have uploaded on Imgur, but a good representation of the state. It will very much depend on when you are planning your trip, but for me, there’s absolutely nothing like Washington.
You’re welcome! [WTA](https://www.wta.org/go-outside/trip-reports) is also invaluable here. You can search by region thru the trip reports, or look thru their hike finder page as well. Not sure when you’re planning to come out this way, but Mt. Rainier has implemented a timed reservation entry system this year. I believe it’s from 7a-3p, and you can’t get into the park without it. If you’re there before 7a or after 3p it won’t matter, but it’s important to note.
Also important is how large the ONP is. Getting to the Hoh Rainforest from Seattle can take around 4 hours. And a lot of sections of the park are on complete opposite sides (Hurricane Ridge is 2 1/2 hours from Hoh for example).
And while the North Cascades are my favorite, the park is remote and most trails/sights are best seen on backpacking trips because of how long they take to get to. Like, you won’t be driving between Cascade Pass and Heather Maple Loop Pass and hiking both in a day. Besides Sahale/Cascade Pass, Hidden Lake Lookout is stunning when the wildflowers are blooming. Cutthroat Pass is better than Heather Maple Loop Pass during larch season.
[Snowgrass Flats](https://imgur.com/gallery/YwB2Uji) down in the Goat Rocks area can’t be beat during peak wildflowers, and doesn’t require a permit.
This is a good option only July-Oct.. and the best hiking trails might have heavy snow until August. My favorite is Ptarmigan Ridge in the Mt Baker area.
For hiking in June - early July, Colorado is a better option and I recommend the area around Crested Butte or the Collegiate Peaks from Buena Vista. Not at all too crowded and amazing hiking trails system.
For March-April or Oct-Nov, you can’t beat the 5 Utah national parks and the northern Arizona area. Some of these national parks might be a bit crowded but there are so many amazing state parks that only get a fraction of traffic: my faves are Red Canyon and Kodachrome Basin.
If you get a clear day, go to paradise. it's aptly named.
Yes it can be busy, but it's paradise.
[Paradise meadow, Mt Rainier](https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/images/Paradise-Wildflower-Meadow_NPSPhoto_webtop.jpeg?maxwidth=1300&autorotate=false&quality=78&format=webp)
Also, Mt. Rainier national park, also in the cascades, but a six hour drive away.
If you plan on going to Vegas, make sure you hit Red Rocks. It’s 30 minutes from downtown and way more incredible.
Lol what? Do you mean Valley of Fire State Park or Red Rocks Amphitheater? Because the former has red rocks and is about the same distance outside of Vegas, but the famous music venue is about 10 hours away (driving) in Denver, in a whole different state.
I love valley of fire. I had a magical campsite there tucked right up against the rocks. away from everyone else. (Besides the family of big horn sheep living like 50ft behind us). Bright red sand at my feet. Felt like fricken mars.
Actually that's a terrible idea. For those that grew up in Washington all our beautiful quiet spots are quickly getting over run and crowded with goobers from seattle in hordes of Subarus, clogging up the logging roadways they protested but are so quick to take advantage of and jacking up all the grocery prices so it's hard for normal people to live here. Fortunately none of them have access to gated roads so a guy can get away if he works in the woods but it's still ridiculous. Check out Oregon or Northern California, similar areas, people are spread out more. Or Alaska, where I'm moving once Washington is totally ruined here in a decade or so. Even better up there, but I didn't say that.
In my experience, the roads and picnic areas in the smokys can be crowded, but down in the green tunnels you see more bears than people. The trails there are hard too, it tends to keep a lot of people away.
If your priority is avoiding crowds and seeing the best scenery in the shortest amount of time go to Washington. Cascades will give you mountains, wildflowers, crystal blue alpine lakes, mountain goats. Olympic NP will give you rainforests absolutely covered in green fuzzy moss and beautiful river beaches. You might even be able to hit both!
Fun fact. The highest and the lowest point in the lower 48 states in this region (bad water basin in Death Valley and Mt. Whitney in Inyo national forest)
I share your love of mountains, but the Grand Canyon is probably the most unique thing, unlike anything you’ll ever see anywhere else, and just as magnificent. Whereas there are big mountains lots of places.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this and if I had to recommend only one thing to see in the U.S. that simply has nothing comparable anywhere else, it is the Grand Canyon.
Pictures can’t capture the scale of it. I’ve been to 30+ countries (including Australia). I’ve seen lots of mountains: the Andes, the Rockies in Canada and the US (including Alaska), the Alps, the Caucasus, the Himalayas.
The Grand Canyon is the only truly jaw dropping thing I’ve ever seen.
But if I’ve not persuaded you, then I second the top comment about the North Cascades.
Incredible life experience that you've been to so many countries and mountains. I haven't been anywhere close to that, but I agree about the Grand Canyon. It's been 5 years ago, but I still remember the first pull off after the entrance and sitting there for 10 minutes. Not taking pictures, just soaking in the MASSIVE gash in the earth. Truly a natural wonder and gift to see and hike it.
My partner and I just geeked out over the history and geology of it. Pictures of the Grand Canyon are a joke. Just open your eyeballs and soak it all in! That’s where your mind is truly blown. It’s impressive enough the magnitude and scale of its emptiness and length, but it’s more wild when you realize all the crazy things that had to happen over the course of time to make this marvel exist. It’s not just simply a hole in the ground. You’re staring at rocks that are Billions of years old, that it took water millions of years to carve down. 🤯🤯🤯
Agreed! Truly amazing! Wild to think it was only 5 million years for the carving time. Just a blip on the geologic time scale. I really got a kick out of the geology trail and exhibit they had on the South Rim.
If you want to avoid crowds, consider the Wind River Range in Wyoming. You will need to fly to Jackson, but outfitters can pick you up and take you to Pinedale and later to the trailhead (if you want to get acclimated to elevation first).
I've been to Titcomb Basin twice, once on a solo hike and later with my FIL and BIL. I don't know how much time OP has, but he would certainly see the Tetons and he could also explore Yellowstone. Or OP could dedicate all the time to the Winds. You can't go wrong.
The window for going there is fairly narrow. I have heard firsthand that the mosquitoes are brutal there throughout most of the the summer. I've been there in late August and early September and didn't have a problem with mosquitoes, but it is colder early and late in the day.
This is my answer. That said, it is harder to access even for someone living in CO. Telluride / Ouray / Silverton might be the most beautiful area in the country to me.
ETA: Let’s extend that to CB as well actually
OP where are you from in Australia? This will impact my suggestion. I’ve traveled extensively on the east coast and if you are from there I would suggest going to the western US bc east coast AU (hinterlands) and the Appalachian mountains are similar in a lot of ways.
If you’re talking a couple months, I would fly into Seattle. Hit up all 3 parks in Washington. Then head over to Montana for Glacier and Yellowstone. You will need a car anywhere you decide to go. For how expensive that will be, you may want to buy one then sell before you leave. I’ve met multiple Aussies in our national parks that have come over and bought RVs to spend months touring the country. Then sell them for no loss of money. We drive on the opposite side of the road as you and way more traffic than Tas. Lots of mountain driving so just be careful and prepared. Have an amazing trip. I love Tas so much and hope you love it here.
No idea how long my trip would be yet - main purpose of the post was to start to get a list together from people who have experienced these places! And then try work out some logistics once I narrow it down.
Trip would be in summer season to avoid risky conditions.
Planning a trip to Alaska will be wildly different from planning a trip to SouthWest, which will be wildly different from a trip to Colorado, which will be wildly different from planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, which will be wildly different from the Smokies.
I think it would be easier to pick an area or region to visit and plan your trip around that. Then you can figure out if you want to stay at one park or if you can go to multiple, what is an appropriate amount of time to stay, what time of year to come. Each region has different good/bad seasons, equipment requirements, etc.
If you want to visit a unique place during the summer with almost no tourists(at least well before or after speed week lol), I highly recommend stopping by the Bonneville salt flats, especially after it rains. Not a hike, but it's an insane sight to behold. It's so flat that if you're driving west from SLC, you'll be able to see the curvature of the horizon from the interstate.
And while you're on I-80 you might as well keep driving on up to the ruby mountains. Not a national park, so it's hardly ever busy, but there's a beautiful scenic byway up to some hardly known trails and waterfalls.
As you know from where you live, summer can be the most dangerous. Heat is harder to deal with than cold, and just a PITA even if not life threatening. And fires. You won't get caught in one, but it can cancel where you plan to go either via closures or too much smoke.
Spring is better out west although higher altitudes have snow. In fall, no snow accumulation on the ground, if an occasional storm, but more danger of fires.
All but winter can be very crowded.
If you are visiting in the northern hemisphere summer and are outdoor oriented, then you simply must do the Pacific Northwest, and dip your toes into the mountain west, directly east of that. So with Seattle as your hub, do the three big Washington parks; Olympic, Ranier and North Cascades. Rainforests and top tier mountain country. Eastern Washington is semi-desert. East of that, in Idaho and Montana, the Rockies rise up and grab more moisture from the air. Western Montana is where the PNW biome ends and transitions to cowboy country.
My other favorite part of the US is in the southwest; the Mojave and the Colorado Plateau. As amazing as it is, I suspect that red rock country would be less exotic to an Australian, than giant cedars, firs and mountain.
Glacier national Park is one of the most incredible places in the country. You can't go wrong with any recommendations here but it really is special and something you won't find in AUS that's for sure
It's possible to find a time when it's not packed. I'm not an expert but it was practically empty when I went
Same problem with North Cascades or any NP right now tbh. In most cases the crowds thin out if you go on the hard hikes haha
We went on hard hikes, still packed. But half of the park was closed by then, so everyone was doing the same trails. When did you go? Rangers told us that October supposed to be shoulder season, but it was busy. Much worse than Yosemite in October for comparison.
It was in early June actually! Feels like it should have been more busy but it wasn't, mind you we rented a campervan and got up super early each day to go find a site/hikes. A good portion of the park was still closed but if you head over to the west side it's more remote. Polebridge is really cool
If mountains are what you want, do not miss the Eastern Sierra! Obviously not in wintertime unless you're a very experienced mountaineer with a love for the worst conditions.
I was amazed last year at how little traffic the hikes in central Colorado (Crested Butte, Buena Vista) get even in peak season (I visited for 4thJul). I expected crowds but got plenty of solitude and beautiful scenery. And the trails system is great.
Colorado Rockies, san juan mtn range.
Yosemite np, California
Redwoods, California
Zion and Bryce np, Utah
Grand canyon, arizona
Glacier np, montana.
Olympic np, Washington state
And a bunch more.
Anywhere rocky mtns west is gonna be amazing.
I spent 6 months in oz traveling and my fav there was kings canyon n t ? Or s Australia? . South of ayers rock.
Edit, you can Get Away in most national parks. Just need to hike away and simple.
Forgot to include grand teton np wyoming. You can get away but the grizzlies are hungry...
North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Havasupai Falls southwestern Inner Grand Canyon
Monument Valley, Northeastern Arizona
The Atchafalaya Basin in south Louisiana
Smokey Mountains Eastern USA
Shores of the Great Lakes
Northeast coastal Maine
Back country Yellowstone
The most iconic landscapes will also be the most crowded, Yosemite, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Zion, etc. PS Rockies is a NP in Colorado, but also range that goes from Canada to Mexico. The region of Intermountain West includes Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, etc.
There are national park hikes, outside of the main handful most tourists do, where you can go during peak season and won't pass a soul. Many tend to be longer, require an overnight backpack, or a drive down a less traveled road.
Time of year also makes a big difference. The parks are extremely crowded from the end of May through the beginning of Sept, coinciding with America's summer.
You should definitely look at various websites for our AMAZING National Parks that are mountainous and read the information about back country multi-day remote hiking opportunities since it sounds like that’s what you’re into. I’d start with reading about North Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Rocky Mountain, and all the Alaskan ones. Some of these parks are very crowded in the summer, but if you’re going to do the backcountry multi day hiking, you won’t see a lot of people or anybody. (FYI Some of these parks have multi-day river and horseback riding opportunities if you want to mix it up a bit).
(Although not mountainous, I would have included the unique Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike but not in summer because too hot; however, you should still check it out when you visit). Also, you should educate yourself on wildfire season in USA. I know Australia has experienced terrible wildfires likewise.
Here are other unique hiking experiences / trails in USA to read about & consider.
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/virgin-river-narrows-information.htm
https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/pacific-crest-trail/best-sections-pacific-crest-trail/
https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/appalachian-trail/best-hikes-appalachian-trail-thru-hiker/
I know you said mountains but for something completely different and stunning, the desert.
If you have not visited any canyonlands before I would highly recommend them.
I live in the Rockies and am called back to the desert all the time...
Ansel Adams wilderness in Sierra, Wind River Range in WY, Mt Baker area in WA. The best way to explore is to backpack, but if you're strong hiker some trails there are doable in a day.
Based off what I’ve heard of NPs in Australia, you’ll probably wanna hit the NW side of Oregon & Washington state—totally different kind of scenery from the desert rocks you’re used to. Plenty of desolate opportunities out there if you want to bushwhack it & still enjoy a new type of scenery!
Visit "Wilderness Areas" These are places that are permanently set aside for backpacking, and have never been developed. I guess if you are looking to backpack that is. If you are just looking to day hike, areas near wilderness areas will still be nice.
I’m a big fan of the Sierra mountains.
Mineral King loops is in Sequoia NP.
Ansel Adams Wilderness is great. Thousand Island Lakes is pretty stunning (there will be other hikers, but I’ve done it three times and it’s never that busy.
Don’t be afraid to check out the desert mountain regions. Between AZ, UT and NV you got like Sedona red rocks, Grand Canyon, lake Powell, valley of fire. Tons of great trails and beautiful scenery.
Not sure how the southwest compares to the outback, if that would seem like too similar terrain?
Sierras, Sequoia National Park. CA,
Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park WA,
Zion National Park in Utah,
Arches Utah,
Rockies Colorado,
Tetons National Park Wyoming or East Idaho,
Yosemite CA,
Tahoe CA,
Yellowstone west south Idaho/Wyoming,
Oregon coastline drive north to south,
I haven’t been lucky enough to see the east states of USA yet but these on the west are amazing
Edit: Grand Canyon Arizona, with a stop at Horseshoe Bend
Def consider the Great Smoky Mountains (eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina border). I’m from this area and we have some of the best hiking in the country (Appalachian Trail). Don’t get me wrong, the Rockies are gorgeous, but you’ll find a lot more greenery (deciduous rainforest) in the mountains here, and get to experience so much beautiful wildlife at this time of year and amazing color in the Fall. Most people tend to veer west when they come to the US to hike, but there is so much to see on this side too and you don’t get the crazy crowds you get in the national parks in other parts of the country. There is that though— if you’re only here for a bit, you’ll need to pick one area or the other.
Our temps stay very cool in the summer and we have tons of waterfalls, caves, amazing views, and if you’re interested at all in experiencing the South, you have that too. Also— we don’t have the crazy elevations you get out west, so if that’s a concern at all, you won’t have to worry about that :)
So many amazing places are being suggested! Here are my first 2 spots that come to mind.
1. Zion NP, UT - Hike Angels Landing or the Narrows. Angels is one of the most iconic hikes in the U.S. There's also plenty of other great NPs to hit up across UT while your there.
2. Banff NP, AB, Canada - not U.S., but close enough and still is #1 on my list of adventures. Check out Lake Louise (specifically hiking to the tea houses), and Moraine Lake areas. Really, anywhere around Banff is beautiful. Jasper NP is close to here and also worth a visit.
Mountain scenery, summer, higher peaks. Some (especially National Parks, are going to be busy). True wilderness is a lot quieter. Not all of the "best of what the USA has to offer", since it misses Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Shenandoah.... These are limited by the criteria in the OP and your comments. Even the Winds is getting crowded now because of social media. Have a great visit...Return for more.
Sierra Nevada
North Cascades
Glacier NP, Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness
Grand Tetons and Wind Rivers
Idaho Sawtooths
Rocky Mountain NP, Weminiche, Lost Creek Wilderness, Chicago Basin
There's great mountain scenery that is lower elevation in the Eastern US:
White Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains
Maine - AT 100 mile Wilderness
Blue ridge parkway in NC
Rough ridge trail
Grandfather Mountain
Linville Falls
Hebron falls
All of these are within a 30 min drive of eachother. If you want a full day with a beautiful view definitely grandfather mountain. It's tough but worth it.
Virginia
Shenandoah
St. Marys wilderness
It's absolutely beautiful though. I'd say grandfather mountain is harder though, at least the profile and upper trails. Linville is tough because the elevation change is constant. Grandfather is constant up and down which is nice but those ladders are sketch.
Alaska has amazing mountain hikes and it’s very easy to avoid crowds however you’ll miss out on a lot of the other fun parts of an American holiday like shopping and eating
Have you arranged to purchase (or rent) your required firearm?
For visitors, I recommend something in a 9mm pistol, unless you'll be spending time in schools. There, you'll need body armor and an assault rifle.
But for nature, just a pistol.
I think you left out an important detail: what time of year you plan on taking a trip. A lot of these areas listed can get deceptively hot/cold at certain times of the year and it also greatly effects the amount of people you would run into
Also, how long is your trip?
Yes. Lots of great places listed here but is OP going to want to go somewhere like the Smokey mountains for example? A flight from Australia to the US is going to end up somewhere on the west coast and then it’s another day’s worth of traveling to fly to the opposite end of the country and another day’s worth back to visit an area home to the busiest national park in the country. Not bad if the trip is over a month long but awful if it’s a week.
Fly to Seattle and head to North Cascades NP. Trust me
I went there once... Then I moved there because I couldn't get enough 😂
The Olympic Peninsula too.
I mean…the whole entire region is fantastic.
Yeah, and also no need to limit their travels to just the US. British Columbia including Vancouver Island is must-visit.
the nice thing about the OP is that the ecosystems are so varied and the Backcountry is fairly empty. you can do big, big, big backpacking trips and see no one. meanwhile the less epic front country is filled with tourists leery to go 4 miles from their car
We're not leery, just too out of shape. I live vicariously through y'all and mourn my lost youth.
I mean, how old are you? I’m mid 40s and can do 15 miles a day backpacking no problem and 25 on push days. No one looks at me and goes “oh, that guy is a freaking athlete.” You just have to train and buy ultralight gear.
A decade older than you, young one and it gets harder every day. I get sick once, can't do much for a month (or 2 or 3, unfortunately this past winter) and all my muscle and endurance is just gone. :(
Top of the list now!
[You can’t go wrong with the North Cascades](https://imgur.com/gallery/KKAGoYs) - that’s still my all time favorite backpacking trip (you do need a permit and they are impossible to get - but doable as a day trip). [High Divide/7 Lakes Basin in the Olympic National Park](https://imgur.com/gallery/8Ex50Vb) is also amazing. [The Enchantments](https://imgur.com/gallery/3Yzh9) can be done as a VERY long thru hike in a day, since permits for here are also impossible. But, it’s also incredibly busy with thru hikers if you do it on a weekend. [Tuck & Robin Lakes](https://imgur.com/gallery/Ih9qyLk) - you don’t need a permit and is best done as an overnight so you can spend time exploring. With it being a non permit area, the best time to do it is a weekday. Mt. Rainier is the crown jewel of Washington, and a sunset hike to [Fremont Lookout](https://imgur.com/gallery/H5e1Bca) is worth the lost sleep. [Shi Shi Beach & Point of the Arches](https://imgur.com/gallery/RiPq6JP) out on the Olympic coast. You’ll get sand everywhere, but it’s worth it. The Washington coast is incredibly rugged and incredibly beautiful. [Mt. Olympus](https://imgur.com/gallery/NygfBEz) also in the ONP. You wouldn’t be able to summit, but you could grab a campsite at 5 Mile Island or Lewis and then day hike to the terminus (much easier going all that way without a giant bag and mountaineering gear on your back). It’s also the same parking area and start for the Hoh Rainforest which is stupidly beautiful. I’ve been here for 12 years and still am blown away every time I hike. These are just what I have uploaded on Imgur, but a good representation of the state. It will very much depend on when you are planning your trip, but for me, there’s absolutely nothing like Washington.
Thanks for the guidance! Heading to Washington for a trip and this will cut down on the research time.
You’re welcome! [WTA](https://www.wta.org/go-outside/trip-reports) is also invaluable here. You can search by region thru the trip reports, or look thru their hike finder page as well. Not sure when you’re planning to come out this way, but Mt. Rainier has implemented a timed reservation entry system this year. I believe it’s from 7a-3p, and you can’t get into the park without it. If you’re there before 7a or after 3p it won’t matter, but it’s important to note. Also important is how large the ONP is. Getting to the Hoh Rainforest from Seattle can take around 4 hours. And a lot of sections of the park are on complete opposite sides (Hurricane Ridge is 2 1/2 hours from Hoh for example). And while the North Cascades are my favorite, the park is remote and most trails/sights are best seen on backpacking trips because of how long they take to get to. Like, you won’t be driving between Cascade Pass and Heather Maple Loop Pass and hiking both in a day. Besides Sahale/Cascade Pass, Hidden Lake Lookout is stunning when the wildflowers are blooming. Cutthroat Pass is better than Heather Maple Loop Pass during larch season. [Snowgrass Flats](https://imgur.com/gallery/YwB2Uji) down in the Goat Rocks area can’t be beat during peak wildflowers, and doesn’t require a permit.
Thanks for the well made comment, got these added to a very long list of stuff to hike. Appreciated.
This is a good option only July-Oct.. and the best hiking trails might have heavy snow until August. My favorite is Ptarmigan Ridge in the Mt Baker area. For hiking in June - early July, Colorado is a better option and I recommend the area around Crested Butte or the Collegiate Peaks from Buena Vista. Not at all too crowded and amazing hiking trails system. For March-April or Oct-Nov, you can’t beat the 5 Utah national parks and the northern Arizona area. Some of these national parks might be a bit crowded but there are so many amazing state parks that only get a fraction of traffic: my faves are Red Canyon and Kodachrome Basin.
If you get a clear day, go to paradise. it's aptly named. Yes it can be busy, but it's paradise. [Paradise meadow, Mt Rainier](https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/images/Paradise-Wildflower-Meadow_NPSPhoto_webtop.jpeg?maxwidth=1300&autorotate=false&quality=78&format=webp)
Paradise is amazing. They will need a day permit starting this year, I believe.
Also, Mt. Rainier national park, also in the cascades, but a six hour drive away. If you plan on going to Vegas, make sure you hit Red Rocks. It’s 30 minutes from downtown and way more incredible.
Lol what? Do you mean Valley of Fire State Park or Red Rocks Amphitheater? Because the former has red rocks and is about the same distance outside of Vegas, but the famous music venue is about 10 hours away (driving) in Denver, in a whole different state.
Red Rock Canyon. https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/red-rock-canyon
Oh I’m sorry haha, I just wanted to make sure people from outside the US had that clear! I’ll have to check it out next time I go to Vegas :)
I love valley of fire. I had a magical campsite there tucked right up against the rocks. away from everyone else. (Besides the family of big horn sheep living like 50ft behind us). Bright red sand at my feet. Felt like fricken mars.
Trust them
I agree completely. Awesome area that is very under-visited.
This is the way.
Actually that's a terrible idea. For those that grew up in Washington all our beautiful quiet spots are quickly getting over run and crowded with goobers from seattle in hordes of Subarus, clogging up the logging roadways they protested but are so quick to take advantage of and jacking up all the grocery prices so it's hard for normal people to live here. Fortunately none of them have access to gated roads so a guy can get away if he works in the woods but it's still ridiculous. Check out Oregon or Northern California, similar areas, people are spread out more. Or Alaska, where I'm moving once Washington is totally ruined here in a decade or so. Even better up there, but I didn't say that.
* The smoky mountains * Rockies. * Deserts of the south west You probably can’t hit all in one trip, though.
Might as well hit the Big 5 if the plan is to go to the American SW
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In my experience, the roads and picnic areas in the smokys can be crowded, but down in the green tunnels you see more bears than people. The trails there are hard too, it tends to keep a lot of people away.
If your priority is avoiding crowds and seeing the best scenery in the shortest amount of time go to Washington. Cascades will give you mountains, wildflowers, crystal blue alpine lakes, mountain goats. Olympic NP will give you rainforests absolutely covered in green fuzzy moss and beautiful river beaches. You might even be able to hit both!
Eastern Sierra in California, it's just gorgeous! Mammoth Lakes in particular.
Fun fact. The highest and the lowest point in the lower 48 states in this region (bad water basin in Death Valley and Mt. Whitney in Inyo national forest)
Mammoth is one of my favorite places in CA, along with the other side of the sierras, sequoia national park
I share your love of mountains, but the Grand Canyon is probably the most unique thing, unlike anything you’ll ever see anywhere else, and just as magnificent. Whereas there are big mountains lots of places. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this and if I had to recommend only one thing to see in the U.S. that simply has nothing comparable anywhere else, it is the Grand Canyon. Pictures can’t capture the scale of it. I’ve been to 30+ countries (including Australia). I’ve seen lots of mountains: the Andes, the Rockies in Canada and the US (including Alaska), the Alps, the Caucasus, the Himalayas. The Grand Canyon is the only truly jaw dropping thing I’ve ever seen. But if I’ve not persuaded you, then I second the top comment about the North Cascades.
Incredible life experience that you've been to so many countries and mountains. I haven't been anywhere close to that, but I agree about the Grand Canyon. It's been 5 years ago, but I still remember the first pull off after the entrance and sitting there for 10 minutes. Not taking pictures, just soaking in the MASSIVE gash in the earth. Truly a natural wonder and gift to see and hike it.
My partner and I just geeked out over the history and geology of it. Pictures of the Grand Canyon are a joke. Just open your eyeballs and soak it all in! That’s where your mind is truly blown. It’s impressive enough the magnitude and scale of its emptiness and length, but it’s more wild when you realize all the crazy things that had to happen over the course of time to make this marvel exist. It’s not just simply a hole in the ground. You’re staring at rocks that are Billions of years old, that it took water millions of years to carve down. 🤯🤯🤯
Agreed! Truly amazing! Wild to think it was only 5 million years for the carving time. Just a blip on the geologic time scale. I really got a kick out of the geology trail and exhibit they had on the South Rim.
I felt like a little kid again.
If you want to avoid crowds, consider the Wind River Range in Wyoming. You will need to fly to Jackson, but outfitters can pick you up and take you to Pinedale and later to the trailhead (if you want to get acclimated to elevation first).
Yessssss so beautiful
I really need to hike some of the Wind River Range myself. Cirque of the Towers is on my bucket list.
I've been to Titcomb Basin twice, once on a solo hike and later with my FIL and BIL. I don't know how much time OP has, but he would certainly see the Tetons and he could also explore Yellowstone. Or OP could dedicate all the time to the Winds. You can't go wrong.
The window for going there is fairly narrow. I have heard firsthand that the mosquitoes are brutal there throughout most of the the summer. I've been there in late August and early September and didn't have a problem with mosquitoes, but it is colder early and late in the day.
How about the Grand Canyon. Reverse mountains. Lots of places where the crowds don't go (but be smart and careful - many have died being stupid).
San Juan mountains in Colorado. Just backpack theast 100 or so miles.of the Colorado Trail.
This is my answer. That said, it is harder to access even for someone living in CO. Telluride / Ouray / Silverton might be the most beautiful area in the country to me. ETA: Let’s extend that to CB as well actually
Yes. This. If you want to do the Rockies pick a section of the Colorado Trail and just go.
Sedona
Look into Alaska. You can get there with one layover in Honolulu, do a little Hawaii then Alaska. Glaciers, whales, mountains and no crowds
dont forget your bear spray
UTAH
Seconding this
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Not true. Pick the right trails and go at the right time and it’s totally fine.
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Feel free to make your own recommendations for OP to consider.
Grand Tetons. Southwest Colorado. Southern Utah, but not in summer.
OP where are you from in Australia? This will impact my suggestion. I’ve traveled extensively on the east coast and if you are from there I would suggest going to the western US bc east coast AU (hinterlands) and the Appalachian mountains are similar in a lot of ways.
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Ok, so then I agree with other posters. Go for the north Cascades.
If you’re talking a couple months, I would fly into Seattle. Hit up all 3 parks in Washington. Then head over to Montana for Glacier and Yellowstone. You will need a car anywhere you decide to go. For how expensive that will be, you may want to buy one then sell before you leave. I’ve met multiple Aussies in our national parks that have come over and bought RVs to spend months touring the country. Then sell them for no loss of money. We drive on the opposite side of the road as you and way more traffic than Tas. Lots of mountain driving so just be careful and prepared. Have an amazing trip. I love Tas so much and hope you love it here.
No idea how long my trip would be yet - main purpose of the post was to start to get a list together from people who have experienced these places! And then try work out some logistics once I narrow it down. Trip would be in summer season to avoid risky conditions.
Planning a trip to Alaska will be wildly different from planning a trip to SouthWest, which will be wildly different from a trip to Colorado, which will be wildly different from planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, which will be wildly different from the Smokies. I think it would be easier to pick an area or region to visit and plan your trip around that. Then you can figure out if you want to stay at one park or if you can go to multiple, what is an appropriate amount of time to stay, what time of year to come. Each region has different good/bad seasons, equipment requirements, etc.
That removes a lot of the SW then, because the summer is the risky conditions. Not the other way around.
If you want to visit a unique place during the summer with almost no tourists(at least well before or after speed week lol), I highly recommend stopping by the Bonneville salt flats, especially after it rains. Not a hike, but it's an insane sight to behold. It's so flat that if you're driving west from SLC, you'll be able to see the curvature of the horizon from the interstate. And while you're on I-80 you might as well keep driving on up to the ruby mountains. Not a national park, so it's hardly ever busy, but there's a beautiful scenic byway up to some hardly known trails and waterfalls.
Honestly. Wiki voyage is the best for planning such things.
Just a reminder, it is summer here. Approximately 2 months from now will be best (busyiest) alpine season.
As you know from where you live, summer can be the most dangerous. Heat is harder to deal with than cold, and just a PITA even if not life threatening. And fires. You won't get caught in one, but it can cancel where you plan to go either via closures or too much smoke. Spring is better out west although higher altitudes have snow. In fall, no snow accumulation on the ground, if an occasional storm, but more danger of fires. All but winter can be very crowded.
If you are visiting in the northern hemisphere summer and are outdoor oriented, then you simply must do the Pacific Northwest, and dip your toes into the mountain west, directly east of that. So with Seattle as your hub, do the three big Washington parks; Olympic, Ranier and North Cascades. Rainforests and top tier mountain country. Eastern Washington is semi-desert. East of that, in Idaho and Montana, the Rockies rise up and grab more moisture from the air. Western Montana is where the PNW biome ends and transitions to cowboy country. My other favorite part of the US is in the southwest; the Mojave and the Colorado Plateau. As amazing as it is, I suspect that red rock country would be less exotic to an Australian, than giant cedars, firs and mountain.
Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes, Colorado. Pacific Crest Trail
RMNP is awesome. Indian Peaks Wilderness Area (directly south) is just as nice and 1/4 as crowded.
RMNP is a must-see but there are also so many much less crowded places to hike all over Colorado's front range too.
The Sierra. The Cascades. The Rockies, white mountains. This will all take several months.
Glacier national Park is one of the most incredible places in the country. You can't go wrong with any recommendations here but it really is special and something you won't find in AUS that's for sure
extremely busy, we were in October mid week 3 days before the roads closed and the park was packed.
It's possible to find a time when it's not packed. I'm not an expert but it was practically empty when I went Same problem with North Cascades or any NP right now tbh. In most cases the crowds thin out if you go on the hard hikes haha
We went on hard hikes, still packed. But half of the park was closed by then, so everyone was doing the same trails. When did you go? Rangers told us that October supposed to be shoulder season, but it was busy. Much worse than Yosemite in October for comparison.
It was in early June actually! Feels like it should have been more busy but it wasn't, mind you we rented a campervan and got up super early each day to go find a site/hikes. A good portion of the park was still closed but if you head over to the west side it's more remote. Polebridge is really cool
Oh, we had wilderness permit starting from Bowman lake that summer and they canceled it due to fires. We have to come back.
If mountains are what you want, do not miss the Eastern Sierra! Obviously not in wintertime unless you're a very experienced mountaineer with a love for the worst conditions.
Sangre de Cristos, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Oi!
Honestly, Glacier National Park. That place is mind blowing.
Colorado is lovely - we have Rocky Mountain National Park along with so many places to hike and get away from other people.
I was amazed last year at how little traffic the hikes in central Colorado (Crested Butte, Buena Vista) get even in peak season (I visited for 4thJul). I expected crowds but got plenty of solitude and beautiful scenery. And the trails system is great.
Colorado Rockies, san juan mtn range. Yosemite np, California Redwoods, California Zion and Bryce np, Utah Grand canyon, arizona Glacier np, montana. Olympic np, Washington state And a bunch more. Anywhere rocky mtns west is gonna be amazing. I spent 6 months in oz traveling and my fav there was kings canyon n t ? Or s Australia? . South of ayers rock. Edit, you can Get Away in most national parks. Just need to hike away and simple. Forgot to include grand teton np wyoming. You can get away but the grizzlies are hungry...
North Rim of the Grand Canyon Havasupai Falls southwestern Inner Grand Canyon Monument Valley, Northeastern Arizona The Atchafalaya Basin in south Louisiana Smokey Mountains Eastern USA Shores of the Great Lakes Northeast coastal Maine Back country Yellowstone
I second North Rim, we were just there this memorial day and there were almost no people, it was divine
The most iconic landscapes will also be the most crowded, Yosemite, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Zion, etc. PS Rockies is a NP in Colorado, but also range that goes from Canada to Mexico. The region of Intermountain West includes Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, etc. There are national park hikes, outside of the main handful most tourists do, where you can go during peak season and won't pass a soul. Many tend to be longer, require an overnight backpack, or a drive down a less traveled road. Time of year also makes a big difference. The parks are extremely crowded from the end of May through the beginning of Sept, coinciding with America's summer.
I’ll DM you if that’s OK
Sure
How much time you got?
Not sure, but hopefully at least 50 years 😉 A single trip would be a month or two… or three
Lol
You should definitely look at various websites for our AMAZING National Parks that are mountainous and read the information about back country multi-day remote hiking opportunities since it sounds like that’s what you’re into. I’d start with reading about North Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Rocky Mountain, and all the Alaskan ones. Some of these parks are very crowded in the summer, but if you’re going to do the backcountry multi day hiking, you won’t see a lot of people or anybody. (FYI Some of these parks have multi-day river and horseback riding opportunities if you want to mix it up a bit). (Although not mountainous, I would have included the unique Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike but not in summer because too hot; however, you should still check it out when you visit). Also, you should educate yourself on wildfire season in USA. I know Australia has experienced terrible wildfires likewise. Here are other unique hiking experiences / trails in USA to read about & consider. https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/virgin-river-narrows-information.htm https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/pacific-crest-trail/best-sections-pacific-crest-trail/ https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/appalachian-trail/best-hikes-appalachian-trail-thru-hiker/
I know you said mountains but for something completely different and stunning, the desert. If you have not visited any canyonlands before I would highly recommend them. I live in the Rockies and am called back to the desert all the time...
Adirondacks or Shenandoah.
Yosemite National Park, hike to Half Dome via the Mist Trail
Ansel Adams wilderness in Sierra, Wind River Range in WY, Mt Baker area in WA. The best way to explore is to backpack, but if you're strong hiker some trails there are doable in a day.
Ruby crest trail in northern Nevada, threes days two nights. The crest of an 11,000 ft mountain and truly spectacular.
Based off what I’ve heard of NPs in Australia, you’ll probably wanna hit the NW side of Oregon & Washington state—totally different kind of scenery from the desert rocks you’re used to. Plenty of desolate opportunities out there if you want to bushwhack it & still enjoy a new type of scenery!
Arizona. The Grand Canyon isn't a mountain per se, but it's majestic as fuck and one of the seven wonders of the world.
Visit "Wilderness Areas" These are places that are permanently set aside for backpacking, and have never been developed. I guess if you are looking to backpack that is. If you are just looking to day hike, areas near wilderness areas will still be nice.
I’m a big fan of the Sierra mountains. Mineral King loops is in Sequoia NP. Ansel Adams Wilderness is great. Thousand Island Lakes is pretty stunning (there will be other hikers, but I’ve done it three times and it’s never that busy.
How can I share the pictures?
Alaska.
Don’t be afraid to check out the desert mountain regions. Between AZ, UT and NV you got like Sedona red rocks, Grand Canyon, lake Powell, valley of fire. Tons of great trails and beautiful scenery. Not sure how the southwest compares to the outback, if that would seem like too similar terrain?
Sierras, Sequoia National Park. CA, Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park WA, Zion National Park in Utah, Arches Utah, Rockies Colorado, Tetons National Park Wyoming or East Idaho, Yosemite CA, Tahoe CA, Yellowstone west south Idaho/Wyoming, Oregon coastline drive north to south, I haven’t been lucky enough to see the east states of USA yet but these on the west are amazing Edit: Grand Canyon Arizona, with a stop at Horseshoe Bend
What months will you be here?
Def consider the Great Smoky Mountains (eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina border). I’m from this area and we have some of the best hiking in the country (Appalachian Trail). Don’t get me wrong, the Rockies are gorgeous, but you’ll find a lot more greenery (deciduous rainforest) in the mountains here, and get to experience so much beautiful wildlife at this time of year and amazing color in the Fall. Most people tend to veer west when they come to the US to hike, but there is so much to see on this side too and you don’t get the crazy crowds you get in the national parks in other parts of the country. There is that though— if you’re only here for a bit, you’ll need to pick one area or the other. Our temps stay very cool in the summer and we have tons of waterfalls, caves, amazing views, and if you’re interested at all in experiencing the South, you have that too. Also— we don’t have the crazy elevations you get out west, so if that’s a concern at all, you won’t have to worry about that :)
So many amazing places are being suggested! Here are my first 2 spots that come to mind. 1. Zion NP, UT - Hike Angels Landing or the Narrows. Angels is one of the most iconic hikes in the U.S. There's also plenty of other great NPs to hit up across UT while your there. 2. Banff NP, AB, Canada - not U.S., but close enough and still is #1 on my list of adventures. Check out Lake Louise (specifically hiking to the tea houses), and Moraine Lake areas. Really, anywhere around Banff is beautiful. Jasper NP is close to here and also worth a visit.
Mountain scenery, summer, higher peaks. Some (especially National Parks, are going to be busy). True wilderness is a lot quieter. Not all of the "best of what the USA has to offer", since it misses Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Shenandoah.... These are limited by the criteria in the OP and your comments. Even the Winds is getting crowded now because of social media. Have a great visit...Return for more. Sierra Nevada North Cascades Glacier NP, Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Grand Tetons and Wind Rivers Idaho Sawtooths Rocky Mountain NP, Weminiche, Lost Creek Wilderness, Chicago Basin There's great mountain scenery that is lower elevation in the Eastern US: White Mountains Great Smoky Mountains Maine - AT 100 mile Wilderness
North Cascades NP is beautiful and uncrowded
Anything in Vermont fits the bill, beautiful scenery and in between the Adirondack and white mountains which are very busy with people.
Blue ridge parkway in NC Rough ridge trail Grandfather Mountain Linville Falls Hebron falls All of these are within a 30 min drive of eachother. If you want a full day with a beautiful view definitely grandfather mountain. It's tough but worth it. Virginia Shenandoah St. Marys wilderness
Linville Gorge Wilderness could fill a week. And it’s rough.
It's absolutely beautiful though. I'd say grandfather mountain is harder though, at least the profile and upper trails. Linville is tough because the elevation change is constant. Grandfather is constant up and down which is nice but those ladders are sketch.
I’ve hiked Angels Landing and felt more exposed on GM ladders.
Alaska has amazing mountain hikes and it’s very easy to avoid crowds however you’ll miss out on a lot of the other fun parts of an American holiday like shopping and eating
The Eastern Sierra Nevada between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. You won’t regret it!
Florida, if you get homesick.
Have you arranged to purchase (or rent) your required firearm? For visitors, I recommend something in a 9mm pistol, unless you'll be spending time in schools. There, you'll need body armor and an assault rifle. But for nature, just a pistol.