15 Must-see Mountain Ranges in the U.S.

By: Grant Virellan  | 
. Daniel H. Bailey / Getty Images

From the Arctic Circle to the warm climes of the southern border, the mountain ranges in the U.S. offer some of the most stunning, geologically diverse landscapes in North America.

These major mountain ranges have played pivotal roles in the continent’s formation, cultural history and ecological evolution.

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1. Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains stretch from northern British Columbia in Canada to New Mexico in the United States. As the longest mountain range in North America, they are home to towering peaks, dramatic valleys and wildlife like grizzly bears, mountain goats and white-tailed deer.

The Continental Divide runs through this range, dictating the flow of rivers toward the Pacific or Atlantic oceans.

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2. Appalachian Mountains

Among the oldest mountains in the world, the Appalachian Mountains run from Newfoundland in Canada to central Alabama. Known for their rounded and smooth appearance, these mountains include subranges like the Great Smoky Mountains, Green Mountains and White Mountains.

They were vital during early frontier days and are now home to several national parks and parts of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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3. Sierra Nevada Mountains

Located primarily in eastern California, the Sierra Nevada is famous for Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.

This range features sweeping glaciers, granite peaks and deep valleys shaped by tectonic activity in the Earth's crust. It played a key role in the California Gold Rush and continues to offer habitat for black bears and other diverse wildlife.

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4. Alaska Range

This dramatic range in south central Alaska is home to Denali (previously Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America.

Within Denali National Park, the range features sweeping glaciers and rugged natural resources shaped by the movement of tectonic plates. Wildlife includes grizzly bears, moose and wolves.

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5. Brooks Range

Located in northern Alaska, just south of the Arctic Coastal Plain, the Brooks Range is one of the most remote mountain ranges in the US. Extending into the Arctic Circle, it's home to caribou and forms a key barrier for weather systems and ecosystems in the north.

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6. Cascade Range

Running from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California, the Cascade Range is known for its volcanic peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.

These mountains are an integral part of the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, where natural resources and geological activity abound.

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7. Olympic Mountains

Located on the western United States’ Olympic Peninsula, the Olympic Mountains rise between the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound. The area is rich in diverse wildlife, dense forests and alpine meadows. It's a haven for hikers and a centerpiece of Olympic National Park.

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8. Ouachita Mountains

These east-west-running mountains in western Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma are unusual in their orientation. Magazine Mountain, Arkansas's highest point, is located here. The Ouachita Mountains were once folded into shape during ancient continental collisions.

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9. Adirondack Mountains

In upstate New York, the Adirondack Mountains are part of the larger Adirondack Park, a region celebrated for its natural beauty and recreation opportunities.

The range is home to many historical events, particularly in the context of Native American tribes and early U.S. history.

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10. San Juan Mountains

A subset of the Colorado Rockies, the San Juan Mountains are rich in mining history and scenic beauty. Found in southwestern Colorado, they feature jagged peaks, high mountain passes and are a hotspot for outdoor adventure.

11. Klamath Mountains

Straddling the border between northern California and Oregon, the Klamath Mountains are geologically complex and support a high level of biodiversity. Their isolated ridges and valleys make them a refuge for plants and animals that don’t occur elsewhere.

12. Coast Range

Running along the western edge of the continent, the Coast Range follows the Pacific Ocean from California through Oregon and Washington. It features a moderate elevation but high rainfall, supporting forests, rivers and diverse wildlife.

13. Sawatch Range

Part of the central Colorado Rockies, the Sawatch Range includes several of the highest peaks in the contiguous U.S., making it a mountaineering magnet. It’s home to rugged terrain, alpine lakes and key portions of the Continental Divide.

14. Longfellow Mountains

In Maine, the Longfellow Mountains are an extension of the Appalachian chain. They form the backbone of some of the state's most scenic wilderness and are named after poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

15. Ozark Plateau

Though not a traditional range of towering peaks, the Ozark Plateau in Missouri and Arkansas includes rugged hills and bluffs often grouped with major mountain systems. Its unique geology and biodiversity make it a key destination for geologists and hikers alike.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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