America's Best Mountain Towns Have Beauty, Adventure, and a Frozen Dead Guy Festival

Quintessential mountain towns tend to conjure sweeping imagery of snow-capped peaks and shimmering lakes, of Black Diamond slopes and high-desert hikes, and of rustic saloons or après-ski happy hours by a crackling fireplace. Clearly, mountain towns come in all manner of shape and size, from winter wonderlands to vibrant summer oases, and from the granite stylings of New England to the glacial backdrop of Alaska.

Natural beauty and adrenaline aside, what distinguishes a great mountain town from a good one is a sense of evergreen allure. Not confined to seasonal attractions, these are places with amenities and activities year-round, be it leaf-peeping in the fall or camping in the spring. They’re places of staggering beauty, where hardcore hiking trails may share turf with luxury lodges, folksy general stores, world-class wineries and restaurants, and gay bars. Suffice to say that no two mountain towns are quite the same, but each offers its own unique charm. Here are 15 of our favorite towns in the shadows of giants.

Flanked by the La Sal Mountains in the high desert of eastern Utah, Moab is the ultimate destination for adrenaline-junkies, nature-lovers, and according to all the time he spent filming his new Western movie saga, Kevin Costner. The mountains, which loom in the distance, perpetually snow-capped, provide a striking juxtaposition against the red rocks, arches, canyons, and mesas that populate the town—a community of just 4,000 that teems with tourists, particularly in the spring and fall. The big draw here is Arches National Park, a place that’s become so popular that it requires timed entry and draws lines large enough to rival Disney World. There’s also Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park, both of which are higher elevation (read: cooler temps than Arches) and lower visitation (read: less of those Disney-esque lines). A hike to the famous Delicate Arch is worthy of any bucket list, but for something a bit more chill, book a leisurely rafting trip down the mighty Colorado River with Moab Adventure Center, and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and Costner’s Western movie sets. Red Cliffs Lodge, a historic cabin-clad property on the river, looks like something plucked from a Western movie itself—complete with its own on-site Museum of Film and Western Heritage, and real-deal mountain cuisine at The Cowboy Grill, where diners can pair pecan-crusted red trout with red cliff views.

Hot take: New Hampshire is the most underrated state in New England. It doesn’t have the national park or the lobster rolls of next-door Maine, nor the bougie ski resort or Bernie Sanders fanfare of Vermont. To the south, Boston absorbs all the air in the room, while Rhode Island’s seaside mansions and Connecticut’s clammy (in a good way) pizza provide some regional clout, along with closer proximity to the rest of the mid-Atlantic. But you’d be remiss not to spend time in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, which are low-key the tallest and gnarliest peaks in the northeast. Here, amidst a slew of cute mountain towns, North Conway is a bustling community that feels utterly preserved in time, where tourists line up to explore Zeb’s General Store, feast on char-grilled steak tips at Horsefeathers, and putt their way through pirate-themed mini-golf courses. North Conway is also conveniently proximal to some of the state’s star attractions, including the stunningly scenic Kancamagus Highway, which practically glows orange in the fall, Polar Caves Park for Ice Age-era caving, and the mighty Mount Washington—the tallest peak in the northeast has a scenic train that’ll chug you to the summit, so long as you’re not visiting during the coldest wind chill in the history of the US.

Taos is probably best known for its wintertime skiing (and its martinis literally buried in snow). But once summer thaws the slopes, Taos takes on a whole new hue. What the Sangre de Cristo Mountains surrounding this New Mexico adventurer's paradise lack in size, they more than make up for in character. And whether you’re fly fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, river rafting, hot springing, or llama (yes, llama) trekking, a stunning mountain view is almost always in sight. The town itself is an artists’ colony replete with the adobe-hut charisma of Santa Fe and more than 80 art galleries. But at any time of year, plan to people-watch while sipping margaritas at the lively Adobe Bar at Taos Inn, or savor a New Mexico green chile flight at El Monte Sagrado’s Anaconda Bar, where a replica anaconda literally dangles from the ceiling.

We could have dedicated an entire list to Rocky Mountain towns in general (we have), or loaded this article with an abundance of great Colorado towns. But if we were to choose one representative from the Rocky Mountain State, our hearts remain in Estes Park. And if The Stanley hotel’s influence is any testament, Stephen King would agree. The historic, castle-like hotel is a marquee attraction in this gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park—equally famous and infamous as the inspiration for The Shining (and the hotel even offers Shining-themed tours, if you’re so inclined). Beyond those hallowed grounds, Estes Park ticks all the boxes for a quintessential mountain town: taffy shops for days, chili served on just about every menu in town, wild elk roving the streets, and of course, hundreds of miles of hiking trails in one of America’s most iconic national parks. Visit in late-winter to experience one of the wonkiest festivals around: Frozen Dead Guy Days. The on-the-nose affair, which includes everything from a Zombie Bar Crawl to Shining-themed jazz brunch, is an annual celebration of the cryogenically frozen corpse of Norwegian man, “Grandpa” Bredo Morstoel.

No self-respecting list-maker would omit Lake Tahoe from a compilation of top mountain towns, so of course you should enjoy everything that makes the area a magnet for revelers (give our regards to Reno). But if you seek a reprieve from the packed ski lodges and gaming floors that steal a bit of South Lake Tahoe's soul, you can keep your chakras clean in the locals-friendly North Lake Tahoe town of Truckee. While it's one of the world's premier ski/snowboard destinations, what really makes Truckee a top mountain spot is the lively-yet-laid-back action in the historic downtown area—a chilled-out drink at Moody’s or a bite at Jax At The Tracks diner both offer a bird's-eye view into the fine art of clean mountain living.

Some argue that CDA isn't close enough to the hills to be a true mountain town. Those people, we suspect, just don’t want to share. The deep-blue waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene combined with vibrant pine forests, colorful sunsets, lazy beaches, and a chill vibe conspire to make this a perfect mountain/lake getaway, especially in the quiet, relaxed bubble when summer crowds have already peaked but the weather’s still lovely. You can also hike the Northern Idaho Centennial Trail, grab a burger (no fries) at the iconic Hudson’s Hamburgers, or golf one of the world's top courses with a floating green on the 14th hole. Just be sure to also take time to explore quirky Wallace, a town that claims to be the center of the universe—a claim we were having much too fun to dispute last time we went to visit.

Further proof that it’s always a good idea to take mountain town advice from Kevin Costner, this Yellowstone-adjacent town of 8,000—which aptly serves as part of the backdrop for the Yellowstone series—exists at the intersection of rustic western mystique and artistic expression. Here, free spirits and nature lovers converge, drawn to the area’s unparalleled fly fishing, rafting, and more spoils offered by the stunning Absarokas Range. Sidle up to the de facto town center—the perpetually humming Murray Bar—before exploring a densely packed collection of saloons and eateries on the walkable Main Street. Or, venture out under the big sky. Maybe you’re off for a soak at nearby Chico Hot Springs, or to brave the river and embrace your inner Jim Harrison. Just outside of town, the Old Saloon lives up to its name with a rustic, woodsy motif that dates back to 1902, while the nearby Under Canvas offers more modern amenities in the way of stargazing glamping tents, bison burgers, and guided adventure excursions, like fly fishing on the Yellowstone River.

Whether you call it the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” or the “Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea,” there is no denying the strong pull of this delightful little town on the southern terminus of the Kenai Peninsula's Sterling Highway. Take in views of the massive Kenai Mountains by boat or plane, or drive out onto the Homer Spit (the world's longest road into ocean waters) to eagle-watch and drink at the iconic Salty Dawg Saloon. A boat ride to Alaska's only state wildlife park, Kachemak Bay State Park, will have you mingling with whales and sea otters or, if you prefer to stick closer to home, explore the funky town's hippie vibes (at places like Ptarmigan Arts) and knock back a few with local fishermen at Homer Brewing Company.

Lewisburg has a fantastic arts scene, but not the kind that is code for “there’s nothing to do here if you’re not into gallery-hopping and poetry readings.” There is everything to do here. History buffs love the show full screen North House Museum & Archives, which offers guided tours as well as Black history and cemetery walks. Tour the Lost World Caverns, or go for an early morning hike and get lunch at the Stardust Cafe. Wind down with a hand-crafted cider at Hawk Knob. Go antiquing, then, if it's summer, hit the Saturday farmers market, whose bustle belies the fact that the town houses under 4,000 residents. On the first Friday of every month, starting at 5pm, you can find food and art vendors and live music downtown (the event is helpfully called First Fridays After Five). Oh, and when you’re here you’re also an hour from one of America’s newest national parks, New River Gorge, which makes Lewisburg a great base camp and a rightful destination unto itself.

Frankly, it’s time South Dakota gets its just due. Along with robust Indigenous history and culture, sweeping national parks, and totally bizarre roadside attractions, this utterly underrated state boasts some of the best mountain scenery not just in the Midwest, but in the entire country. Take, for example, Lead-Deadwood, a duo of former mining hubs that sit amongst the peaks and forests of the Black Hills. Aside from the draw of the area during the colder months—come winter, nearby Terry Peak turns both cities into great jumping-off points for skiers and snowboarders who like their slopes uncrowded and serene—you’ll find a bunch of unusual goodies: one of two neutrino reactors in the world, the saloon where Wild Bill Hickok was killed, haunted opera houses, and more Wild West fun. You’re also an easy drive to bucket list attractions like Crazy Horse Memorial, Sylvan Lake, and Custer State Park. Suffice to say, the likelihood of a boring conversation ‘round these parts is incredibly low.

With historic Victorian architecture, rainbow stairs, and winding streets, you'd be hard-pressed to find a town as distinct as this little Ozark gem. The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means you can consider your burger and Bloody Marys at the Balcony Bar or the drag shows at Eureka Live a lesson in history. And when you're done "learning" and are ready to explore, there's zip-lining, cave tours, boat excursions on the lake, and postcard-perfect foliage in the fall. Eureka Springs also holds the distinction of being the queerest mountain town on this list, as evidenced by its surplus of queer-owned businesses (like Wanderoo Lodge), omnipresent Pride flags, its clothing-optional gay resort, and the fact that about a third of its residents identify as LGBTQIA+. Just don't pass up a trip to Quigley's Castle, the “Ozarks Strangest Dwelling,” that features a zany stone-clad manor surrounded by more than 400 varieties of flowers.

With its namesake 1,500-foot-deep waterway cutting a stunning 50-mile swath through the impossibly lush Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Lake Chelan is at once a stunning mountain town and central Washington’s best lake town. The hamlet is equally appealing for summertime boaters as it is for powder hounds hitting the slopes of Echo Valley. It’s also, low-key, one of the best wine destinations thanks to the more than 30 tasting rooms showcasing a taste of the unique mountain terroir. Add in a quintessentially Pacific Northwest Main Street full of mom & pop restaurants and bars and you’ve got an all-seasons stunner.

At the gateway to the Grand Tetons and not far from mighty Yellowstone, people often ding Jackson as a playground for the rich and indulgent. Fair. But that also means this tiny town has a stellar food and drink scene that caters to all tastes. Here, restaurants like Gun Barrel serve fantastic steaks for the white tablecloth-averse, while Persephone slings twee turmeric lattes and truffled prosciutto sandwiches from a cottage-like space, and the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is what would happen if somebody reimagined the Old West saloon as a multi-tiered theme park. Meanwhile, beer lovers flock to the legendary Snake River Brewing. If you don't want to rub elbows with anyone, at least you can grab a great beer and a meal in a cute town before going full Grizzly Adams in the wilderness nearby.

With its so-adorable-it’s-almost-hokey western facades and small-town earnestness, Sisters shines brightly even as nearby mountain metropolis Bend steals the spotlight. Spend the day browsing indigenous art and antiques among the city’s many galleries in the shadows of the towering Three Sisters mountains and be sure to grab a pint and burger at the exceptional Three Creeks Brewing. Then explore the Deschutes National Forest, where rubble fields of volcanic rock point to an explosive legacy, roaring rivers are waiting to be swum and rafted, and those soaring peaks are a magnet for hikers. If you’re here in the summer, don’t sleep on the Sisters Rodeo, which might not be Oregon’s most iconic roundup (that’s in Pendleton), but nonetheless offers a rootin’, tootin’ good time paired with fresh mountain air.

Itty bitty Stowe is probably the Vermont that you’re thinking of everytime you smell maple syrup. Thanks to the powder-perfect slopes of Mount Mansfield, the surrounding cross-country/snowshoe trails, and the wealth of great lodges, the town of 600 or so is heralded as the “Ski Capital of the East.” But even if you hate snow, you’ll fall in love with this postcard-ready New England town’s requisite covered bridge, charming eateries, and incredible breweries including Heady Topper creator at The Alchemist. It’s also a destination for leaf-peepers thanks to the annual explosion of colors—best observed via gondola—and home to some of the most spectacular hiking and nicest darn people in the region… both of which you can experience during a maple syrup open house because, again, this is the Vermont you were thinking of.

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