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The 24 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S., Ranked

From Lake Placid to Cordova and some select places in between, here’s our (highly subjective) list of the nation’s best mountain towns. Before telling us where we went wrong, please take a moment to acknowledge the courage and gall it takes to attempt such an impossible feat.

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What makes the perfect mountain town? Quick access to adventure, of course, but how about the less obvious attributes? Does it have solid breweries and après food? Can an abundance of bike parks outweigh a lack of taco joints? Maybe. We explored such criteria in this highly subjective list, weighing each town against its peers in an attempt to rank the best mountain outposts in the U.S., from the southern Appalachians to the Chugach. There’s a good chance we’re going to piss you off with our picks. We probably left off your favorite town. Or worse, we included a place you wish we’d never written about. Some of the towns on this list are so damn awesome that they’re  suffering from side effects  like crowded trailheads and ridiculous home prices. For that, we’re sorry. We’re only human and maybe we put too much stock in an empty trail, a tasty IPA, and a great breakfast burrito. Tell us where we went wrong in the comments.

24. Cordova, Alaska

No roads connect this fishing hub with other towns in Alaska, so you’ll have to catch a seaplane or boat to get here. But once you’ve arrived, the best of the state is just out your back door. The community (population 2,800) sits at the mouth of the Copper River on Prince William Sound, surrounded by glaciated peaks that are protected by  Chugach National Forest . The Copper is both a means of transportation and entertainment. Catch a boat upriver to see Childs Glacier, which drops ice chunks into the water with alarming regularity, or cast a line and try to hook some salmon. Kayakers can paddle between icebergs in Orca Inlet, and skiers based downtown can walk to Mount Eyak , where 800 vertical feet and an average 120 inches of snow are served by a historic single chairlift. A lifetime of hiking trails are scattered throughout this corner of Chugach Mountains, many leading to alpine lakes and other glaciers.

23. Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke gets overshadowed because of its blue-collar bones, but its adventure chops are the real deal. The Blue Ridge Mountains rise directly from downtown, offering immediate access to rigorous road-bike climbs that top out at the Blue Ridge Parkway and 400 miles of flowy singletrack, while the Appalachian Trail skirts the edge of town if you’re interested in a 2,000-mile jaunt or a short, scenic stretch of it. It’s even home to one of the toughest tests of distance running in the country, the Blue Ridge Marathon, putting it to you with more than 7,000 feet of elevation gain. And the food? Unpretentious farm-to-table fare with a Southern accent, washed down with something from the burgeoning craft-beer scene. Deschutes Brewery liked Roanoke so much, it opened an outpost here.

22. Terlingua, Texas

The Texas Hill Country is adventure packed and all, but the peaks that define the far western corner of this state are the real deal. The Chisos Mountains hit 8,000 feet, rising from the dusty Chihuahuan Desert, and the entire stretch is contained within the one-million-acre Big Bend National Park . The tiny town of Terlingua, with a population of 50 or so, sits on the boundaryof the park and has a killer bar in the Starlight Theatre Restaurant , a couple of other dining options, and some beloved stone ruins. There’s mountain biking galore in nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park , road and gravel cycling throughout the national park, and some of the best overlanding you could imagine. And we haven’t even mentioned the Rio Grande, which flows just south of town, carving tall, dramatic cliffs that define the edge of America.

21. Spearfish, South Dakota

Perched on the northern side of Black Hills National Forest and hugging the Wyoming border, Spearfish is an hour and a half from Badlands National Park in one direction and an hour from Devils Tower , one of the country’s finest trad-climbing destinations, in the other. But you don’t need to get in your car to get radical; Spearfish Canyon, with its thousand-foot-high limestone walls, begins just outside downtown and runs south for 20 miles through the Black Hills, offering endless climbing, mountain-biking, and hiking options. During the winter, those trail systems become a hotbed of cross-country activity. As for the town itself, expect a college-educated-cowboy vibe, thanks to the presence of Black Hills State University.

20. Davis, West Virginia

Davis is not large. Its population hovers at 600, and its downtown is just a few blocks, but it has everything you need: a pizza place, a burrito joint, and a brewery. Then there’s the wild and rugged Monongahela National Forest  on the outskirts, stacked with some of the most challenging singletrack on the eastern seaboard. The nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness is a prime pick for backpackers looking to traverse rocky outcroppings, meandering creeks, and high-elevation bogs. The town itself is located just minutes from two downhill ski resorts, Canaan Valley and Timberline Mountain , and one cross-country-skiing hub, Whitegrass Ski Touring Center , all of which enjoy some 200 inches of lake-effect snow each year.

19. Durango, Colorado

Durango has everything more famous towns in Colorado have, except the crowds. A former mining town and railroad hub, it has since expanded to 25,000 residents, who relish the four seasons of adventure in their backyard. Rafting the Class III–V Animas River, which cuts through the small city center, can be a multiday excursion on the Upper Animas or a post-work session at the Durango Whitewater Park . Mountain biking is ingrained in the culture—a shocking number of Olympic bikers grew up here—while hikers hit the 17-mile Highline Loop Trail or a section of the Colorado Trail. Durango doesn’t register as a ski destination, but locals have Chapman Hill, a two-rope-tow affair that rises from downtown, and Purgatory , a 1,605-acre resort that boasts the largest cat-skiing operation in the lower 48. The town is also just 45 minutes from Mesa Verde National Park , easily one of the most interesting units in the park system. All this exploring will no doubt work up your appetite, and you’ll find Durango stacked with surprisingly eclectic food (get the Southwestern sushi roll at Rice Monkey ), while the brewery scene is exactly what you’d expect from a world-class mountain town and includes one of the O.G. craft breweries, Ska .

18. Taos, New Mexico

It’s easy to get caught up in Taos’s history—people living here for centuries, starting with the ancestors of the Pueblo, who settled in the area around 900 A.D. Since then it has seen a rotating cast of characters, from Spanish conquistadors to artists like D.H. Lawrence and Ansel Adams. The dining scene is also pretty spectacular for such a small town—where green chile is found on many a menu—but it’s what lies just outside town that has us swooning: the trails of Wheeler Peak Wilderness , Taos Ski Valley ’s winter powder and summer flow trails, and the 800-foot granite cliffs of the Rio Grande Gorge . No, Taos isn’t a secret, and you’re going to have to share the goods with a few other people (though not as many as some of the other towns on this list), but can you blame them for showing up? Summiting 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak in summer is a must, as is pedaling the high-altitude singletrack on the north side of the ski valley, followed by the mixed-sausage plate (bratwurst, Nürnberger, and Debrezinar in one serving!) and a 32-ounce stein of Spaten Lager at the aptly named Bavarian . Fishing for cutthroat in the Rio Hondo is up there, too.

17. Leavenworth, Washington

OK, Leavenworth has a bit of kitsch to it, thanks to a Bavarian-style downtown complete with copious German beer gardens. It also has the riches of the Cascade Mountains beckoning from nearby, starting with the Icicle and Wenatchee Rivers, where whitewater paddling and fly-fishing are favorite pursuits, and the powdered peaks of Stevens Pass Ski Area , which can see an astounding 425 inches of snow a year. In between you have rock climbing in Icicle Valley, mountain biking in Freund Canyon, and a community that’s committed to the outdoors, supporting a local ski hill with two rope tows, a robust ski team, and the only ski jump on the West Coast. And did we mention all of the beer gardens?

16. Stanley, Idaho

If you can’t make the jaunt to Alaska, Idaho will do. The state is as wild as it gets in the lower 48, and Stanley, in the center of the Sawtooth Valley with its 10,000-foot namesake peaks, is the ultimate tiny base camp. The Salmon River helps carve the town’s boundaries, offering immediate access to fly-fishing and Class IV rapids. Fishing and paddleboarding on alpine lakes, like the 1,500-acre Redfish Lake, are common practice within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area , as is wildlife watching for bighorn sheep and elk. Come winter, Galena and Banner Summits are quick getaway options for backcountry powder, while endless stashes are hidden amid the 40 peaks surrounding Stanley. Downtown is delightful and supports its small population of 100 (make like a local and grab a breakfast burrito from Stanley Baking Company ), but if you want some glitz or lift-served downhill, Sun Valley Mountain Resort is just an hour south.

15. Bentonville, Arkansas

The Ozarks aren’t known for towering peaks, but don’t mistake their muted summits for humble terrain; the landscape is rugged, especially if you’re on a mountain bike. And Bentonville (population 49,467) has taken advantage of that feature, building more than 300 miles of singletrack in the past decade. One result is a downtown renaissance: its historic main street has come back to life with restaurants and boutiques that pay homage to Southern charm, with a nod toward changing times. (Case in point: this speakeasy in the basement of a former church.) The town has also seamlessly married culture with adventure: more than 100 pieces of public art can be found along the trails. Make a pit stop at the world-class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art , a destination in itself, housing pieces by numerous icons, including Warhol and Rockwell.

14. North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway might be best known as a ski town—and that’s a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort ’s steeps and glades just a mile from downtown and six more alpine resorts within an hour’s drive. But winter is just part of the draw. The storybook village (population 2,179) is nestled in Mount Washington Valley, surrounded by the  White Mountains , and ideally located near some of the best trad climbing and hiking in New England. Climbers flock to Cathedral Ledge for long multi-pitch routes, and hikers have 800,000 acres of national forest to explore outside town.

13. Chattanooga, Tennessee

This outdoor outpost of 179,690 residents has been a rock-climbing mecca for decades, thanks to the towering sandstone bluffs and boulders that define the Cumberland Plateau, to the west. Hundreds of sport routes traverse the Tennessee Wall, while Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain is a center for trad. But in the past ten years, mountain biking has taken prominence, with more than 100 miles of singletrack creating a prime network for cyclists, earning Chattanooga a silver-level Ride Center recognition from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Hikers have 150 miles of trails to choose from, including the 200-mile-long Cumberland , which begins outside town and runs north along the plateau. The broad but mellow Tennessee River carves an arc around the city center and begs paddleboarders and rowers to spend time in its currents, while the Class IV rapids in the Ocoee, an hour east, beckon hardcore whitewater enthusiasts.

12. Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish has the distinction of being both a ski hub ( Whitefish Mountain Resort ’s 3,000 acres are minutes north of downtown) and a national-park gateway ( Glacier is 30 miles east). Either of those outdoor attractions would be reason enough to call Whitefish home for a weekend or a lifetime, but it’s the nuances between the obvious gems that make this area of the northern Rockies so damn compelling. The Flathead River and its tributaries are a hotbed of native trout, while the glacier-fed Whitefish Lake offers picture-perfect paddling. As for biking, the Whitefish Trail is 43 miles of flowy singletrack, with a trailhead two miles from downtown.

11. Copper Harbor, Michigan

As far as you can get from major centers of civilization in the Midwest, this former mining outpost (population 100) sits on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, flanked by the largest of the Great Lakes on one side and the rocky ridgeline of Brockway Mountain on the other. It’s five hours from the nearest interstate, and cell service is nonexistent unless you hike to the top of Brockway. You can even occasionally catch the aurora borealis from this latitude. Summer is about mountain biking, with some of the most impressive singletrack starting in town. Or hop a ferry to explore Isle Royale National Park  in the middle of Lake Superior . Meanwhile, an average winter sees more than 250 inches of lake-effect snow, turning the tip of the peninsula into a playground for fat bikers and cross-country skiers, and nearby Mount Bohemia runs the only cat-skiing operation east of the Rockies.

10. Lake Placid, New York

Is Lake Placid a tad too touristy? Maybe. But there might not be a more complete winter destination in the lower 48. There are only a couple of places in the U.S. where you could try out an Olympic-size ski jump or go bobsledding, and Lake Placid is one of them, thanks to the 1980 Olympic facilities that still welcome tourists and athletes alike. You can also spend time dogsledding, ice skating, or cross-country skiing on 12 miles of groomed trails just outside town, or just run laps on what is arguably the most badass toboggan chute in the country. Then there’s Whiteface Mountain for downhill turns. Lake Placid is surrounded by the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, home to hiking trails galore as well as Wallface, an 800-foot granite cliff with some of the best climbing in the state, located in the deep wilderness of Indian Pass. This town is serious about mountain biking, too: old ski hills have been turned into new systems of singletrack at Craig Woods Trails , where a defunct slope from the seventies has been transformed into some serious flow trails.

9. Sedona, Arizona

Don’t let the New Age crystal shops fool you—Sedona is a town that’s grounded in its surroundings. The hub of 10,000 sits at 4,350 feet in the center of almost two million acres of national forest, a landscape of high-elevation pine-filled peaks and stunning red-rock formations. There are more than 400 miles of trails to choose from, many of which start on the edge of town and feature an array of buttes, arches, and caves to explore. Scrambling up Bell Rock is a must, as is traversing Devil’s Bridge and spending time at the pools and caves of Devil’s Kitchen. But maybe mountain bikers have it best, thanks to the variety of smooth slickrock and technical descents mixed with purpose-built dirt paths. The double-black Hiline Trail could be the highlight, full of clifftop views (and clifftop exposure) and a descent that’s equal parts flowy and sketchy.

8. Bozeman, Montana

It’s tough to say if Bozeman is a fishing town or a skiing town, a boating town or a mountain-biking town. The truth is, it’s all of those—and a college town to boot (go, MSU Bobcats!). Located in a flat valley, Bozeman is bookended by Bridger Range to its north and the Spanish Peaks to the south. Anglers can head to high-alpine lakes or movie-set-worthy rivers; the Lower Gallatin offers world-class trout close enough for a happy-hour cast. For skiers, Big Sky Resort is nearby and famous, but Bridger Bowl  is the more convenient home hill, with 2,700 feet of vertical drop and a lively après parking-lot scene. But Bozeman’s true gem is Hyalite Canyon, a multisport, four-season destination just 15 miles from town, where trails lead from easy-access campsites to mountain meadows in the summer. In winter, Hyalite becomes one of the best ice-climbing  spots in the country. Need to tick off a bucket-list adventure? Yellowstone National Park , 70 miles south, can been seen on a day trip.

7. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe might be too perfect. First, you have the quaint village, loaded with New England charm and underpinned by a farm-to-table ethos. Then you have Stowe Mountain Resort , which consists of two peaks, including the tallest mountain in the state, and pulls down 300 inches of snow a year. It boasts over 485 acres of skiable—and, in the summer, bikeable—terrain. Add in access to some of the best beer on the East Coast, a local land trust that’s preserved more than 4,000 acres for the public, rugged adventures at nearby Smugglers Notch State Park , and more groomed nordic trails and singletrack than you could possibly explore, and you have the recipe for perfection. Just be prepared to sit in traffic if you want to ski Stowe Mountain on a Saturday.

6. Asheville, North Carolina

Cyclists, take note: Asheville sits in a bowl surrounded by 5,000-to-6,000-foot peaks and offers a sturdy mix of two-lane blacktop, gravel, and singletrack traversing those mountains in every direction. The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway , arguably the best road-cycling destination in the country, cruises by the edge of town, and getting to  Pisgah National Forest ’s legendary singletrack only requires a quick warm-up or cooldown from your home base. Meanwhile, kayakers look to the Class V Green River, and hikers have the highest mountains on the East Coast to explore. Everybody comes together for a beer downtown, blessed with too many breweries to count. And when we say everybody, we mean everybody–because the secret is out, and outdoorspeople have come to appreciate its amenities; the downside of all this is that traffic jams are common on highways that feed Pisgah National Forest, and housing prices continue to escalate.

5. Bend, Oregon

Forget the stereotypes of copious rain overwhelming all parts of the Pacific Northwest. Bend sits on the dry side of the Cascade Range, so the powder is fluffy during the cold months and the trails are buff in the warm ones. Mount Bachelor, 20 miles away, affords more than 4,300 acres of lift-served terrain during the winter and a state-of-the-art bike park when the snow melts. Roadies love the 20-mile climb up to the resort, while mountain bikers have more than 300 miles of singletrack to tackle. Some trails traverse through town, and others take in the 10,000-foot peaks on the horizon, home to alpine lakes, waterfalls, and dormant volcanoes. Pilot Butte, an urban park popular for recreation, offers seven miles of trails and a summit with stunning views. Deciding how to spend your time downtown may be the biggest challenge: galleries, good food, better beer, and a whitewater park where you can tube, kayak, or surf the Deschutes River are just a few of the excellent options. Naturally, such attributes have led to the quintessential problem facing mountain towns—everyone wants to move here. With so much to keep you happy and healthy in Bend, it’s hard to blame them.

4. Truckee, California

The bustle of Lake Tahoe can be overwhelming, but Truckee, 12 miles north, has managed to retain itslow-key vibe. The western character of its historic downtown still shows through and through, and if you’re looking for a beach scene that’s quieter, head to Donner Lake instead. During the summer, the mountains in this section of the Sierra Nevada are lousy with climbing, notably the tall granite slabs seen at Donner Summit and closer to Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe. Truckee happily hosts cyclists with 22 miles of paved bike paths as well as a bike park and the world-class singletrack of Tahoe National Forest  just out its back door. Alternatively, make a beeline to the Tahoe Donner Trail System, with 60 miles of multi-use trails, or hit the famous Flume Trail at Lake Tahoe. Come winter, local families flock to the Tahoe Donner resort, with 3,170 skiable acres.

3. Telluride, Colorado

The conversation about Telluride starts with the ski resort of the same name, which drops 4,000 vertical feet across 2,000 acres just upslope of downtown (a gondola connects the town center with the resort’s mountain village). Seriously, you can ski right into town here—and not just some manufactured ski-resort village but an actual community. With with all the love Telluride receives (don’t bother searching for real estate; if you have to ask, you can’t afford it), it can feel a bit cramped considering Telluride itself is tucked into a box canyon within the towering San Juan Mountains. Fortunately, there’s plenty of room to spread out, as those mountains are home to the densest concentration of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks in the nation. Hiking and mountain biking take over come summer, with singletrack that begins where side streets end. But the unique culture it evinces is as vibrant as the adventure. Its architecture is more Victorian than mining camp, the food scene is legit, and the summer is punctuated by big events like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Telluride Blues and Brews .

2. Jackson, Wyoming

Yeah, you know about the antler arches, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar , and Corbet’s Couloir at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort . There aren’t a lot of secrets in Jackson anymore. But that doesn’t make the town or its corner of the Tetons any less stunning. The resort gets all the love (and rightfully so), but don’t overlook Snow King , which serves as a pre- and post-work ski workout for locals, or Grand Targhee , 45 miles away, which has just as much to offer mountain bikers during the summer as it does skiers in the winter. You might not know that you can ride your bike to Grand Teton National Park . And there’s never a bad time to visit  Bridger-Teton National Forest , pass some enjoyable hours fly-fishing the Snake or Firehole Rivers, or hitting the gondola-served singletrack. And what would a mountain town be without proximity to wild animals? The  National Elk Refuge  is minutes away.

1. Park City, Utah

Park City is a ski town, sure, with Deer Valley and Park City Mountain looming on the horizon, but it’s so much more than just downhill turns and champagne powder here. The Wasatch offers the picture-perfect frame for this former silver-mining boomtown, delivering adventure beyond the lifts. There are 450 miles of trails surrounding Park City, earning it one of the few gold-level Ride Center designations from IMBA. A tandem of blue-ribbon rivers (the Provo and the Weber) keep anglers entertained, while every hiking trail seems to lead to a different high-alpine lake. Back in town, High West is producing some of the best whiskey in the country, a free trolley is an excellent means of alternative transportation, and the food scene is far more eclectic than you’d expect of a place with 8,000 full-time residents.

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• Mountain Towns
• Snow Sports

Top 20 Mountain Trips

Find a high-altitude escape for every season at these scenic adventurelands

Move over, Vermont. In fall, the red maples, yellow aspens, and green pines light up the hills in this college town, 1 1/2 hours north of Salt Lake. For epic autumn hues, try the Wind Cave hike (2 miles each way) on the northern end of Logan Canyon just outside town, with its acres of blood orange big-tooth maples. Before you go, get color updates from the Forest Service ( 435/755-3620 ).

Stay: The six-room Riter Mansion ( theritermansion.com ) bed-and-breakfast serves apple pancakes with views of maples. From $99.

Bald Mountain, ID

Idaho’s ski paradise, 2 1/2 hours east of Boise, is Bald Mountain (aka Baldy), known for its steep pitch and bone-dry powder. For a hangout alternative to the town of Sun Valley, head to nearby Ketchum for its stylish indie shops, saloons, and restaurants rivaling what you’d find in the big city.

Stay: Wake up in one of the three ski-in yurts at Galena Lodge ( galenalodge.com ), with your order of freshly baked breakfast muffins delivered to your front flap. From $125.

Palomar Mountain, CA

Most famous for its namesake observatory, this mountain, 1 1/2 hours northeast of downtown San Diego, is a lush springtime playground, with 10+ miles of hiking trails through meadows, creeks, and forests.

Stay: In the Gold Rush town of Julian, the Craftsman-style Orchard Hill Country Inn ( orchardhill.com ) has a hammock and cookies waiting for you. From $195.

The white-knuckle drive to Jerome, 50 minutes northeast of Prescott, won’t quickly be forgotten. It ascends to above 7,000 feet, then descends to the old mining town, reenergized with galleries, historic inns, and wine-tasting rooms. At 15° to 20° cooler than Phoenix, Jerome is a fine place to beat the heat.

Stay: Main Street’s 1898 Connor Hotel ( connorhotel.com ) has a dozen rooms, some with gas-fired woodstoves and windows framing red-rock mountains. From $95.

Estes Park, CO

More: Explore Estes Park

There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain Park, but one of the prettiest is to Mills Lake, framed by pine trees and snowcapped peaks. It’s a 2- to 3-hour hike from Estes Park on a well-marked trail. You'll make several river crossings over wooden bridges. Stop partway for the roar and spray of Alberta Falls. Afterwards, return to the historic town for a ghostly tour and good eats.

Red River, NM

The hikes are strenuous, but the rewards sweet in Red River, the tiny ski burg 36 miles from Taos in the heart of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Brave your way up Wheeler Peak ( fs.usda.gov/carson ), the state’s highest mountain, at 13,161 feet, in a rigorous 16-mile round-trip excursion. (Hike starts about 8 miles southeast of downtown at the Horseshoe Lake/East Fork Trail.) Or stay in town and let the Platinum Chairlift whisk you up Red River Ski Area ($15; redriverskiarea.com ) past 10,000 feet, then follow easy marked trails or just fan out along the mountainside.

Stay: Cozy up in the forested riverside cabins at Copper King Lodge ( copperkinglodge.com ), where a river-facing hot tub and fishing holes are just steps from your door. From $79; 3-night min.

Jackson Hole, WY

You hardly even need to pedal on most of the beginner trails at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Bike Park ( $35/day; jacksonhole.com )—you just glide. Access the park’s six trails via the Teewinot Lift, then speed down 4-foot-wide, luge-track-smooth paths. Don’t miss the Lucky Charm trail, where you’ll pedal over a 377-foot-long wooden bike bridge. You'll find plenty to be thrilled about off the mountain, too. For a small town, Jackson packs big-city punch when it comes to lodging and dining—at places like the Kitchen, where Wagyu flank steak is topped with pecan butter and served with foie gras Yukon Gold potatoes ( $$$; 155 N. Glenwood St.; 307/734-1633 ).

Stay: Tour the collection of cowboy paintings before turning in at down- town’s Wort Hotel ( worthotel.com ). Not sleepy? The hotel’s Silver Dollar Bar has killer jalapeño margaritas, live bluegrass, and more than 2,000 coins inlaid in its bar top. From $389.

More: Warm Salida weekend

Situated in Colorado’s "Banana Belt" and surrounded by three mountain ranges, Salida gets only a fraction of the snow that blankets the surrounding high country―and milder temperatures too. But if you're really looking to get warm, the 100° pools at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort ( pool use $15; 20 miles from Salida at 15870 County Rd. 162, Nathrop; 888/395-7799 ) are just the place to take the edge off the winter chill. Take in views of snow-shrouded 14ers while you warm up in the two manmade thermal pools overlooking Chalk Creek, and over a dozen natural creekside pools winding through the valley below . If you're still itching to work up a sweat, head to nearby Monarch Mountain ski area ( skimonarch.com ). Located 20 miles west of town, with 63 ski trails ( 22720 W. U.S. 50 ).

Whistler, B.C.

At the West’s biggest ski resort, you can live it up or find some Olympic-sized deals. Want to hit the slopes? Fresh Tracks ( whistlerblackcomb.com ), the get-on-the-mountain-first breakfast ticket program, is just $18 with a $95 lift ticket—a heckuva lot cheaper than a helicopter ride. For that, you get a hearty breakfast at the Roundhouse Lodge and first crack at the slopes. Not an alpine skier? Tour 34 miles of cross-country trails at Whistler Olympic Park in Callaghan Valley ( $22; 5 Callaghan Valley Rd.; whistlerolympicpark.com ), or sign up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Blackcomb Sleighrides ( $54; blackcombsleighrides.com ).

Stay: For ski-in/ski-out convenience without Whistler Village prices, find some buddies and split a comfy two-bedroom condo at Legends Whistler ( lodgingovations.com ) , at the base of the Creekside gondola. It’s only $395 a night and offers quick mountain access, plus a full kitchen. 2-night weekend min.

Crested Butte, CO

Hiking is plentiful here, but two wheels are the true star: At this birthplace of mountain biking, you’ll find more bikes than people. Grab one from the Alpineer for a spin on the Lower Loop, a 10-mile network of single- and double-track trails and dirt roads. Or jump on the Upper Loop, a track east of town that takes you along Mt. Crested Butte ( $20/day; alpineer.com ). Leave the wheels behind as you whiz through a canopy of dazzling aspens on the Crested Butte Zipline Tour, a two-hour adventure that spans five connected lines and three suspended bridges ( from $59; 970/349-2211 ).

Stay: Even inns here get in on the bike love, like the Ruby of Crested Butte ( therubyofcrestedbutte.com ), a luxe but low-key B&B with 1,000-thread-count sheets, Frette robes, and loaner cruisers in a rack out front. From $229; 2-night min.

Glacier National Park, MT

More: Glacier National Park guide

The 1,600-square-mile park―dubbed by explorer George Bird Grinnell as “The Crown of the Continent”―Glacier National Park can let its numbers speak for themselves. The park features 185 named mountains, 762 lakes, 25 glaciers, 68 species of mammals―including black bears and grizzly bears―277 species of birds, and 700 miles of hiking trails. However, the numbers, staggering though they may be, don't do the magical scenery justice. Glacier is a must on any Western traveler's bucket list.

Laramie, WY

More: Explore Laramie

This college town with mountain spirit and cowboy characteristics makes for a fantastic fall getaway, as scorching summer temps have cooled at 7,165 feet, and there’s a grab bag of outdoor adventures. Hike the granite hoodoos in Medicine Bow National Forest (pictured), and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife: elk, moose, and rock climbers.

Big Sky, MT

More: Big Sky winter escape

Fresh powder and no lift lines? It’s just another day at Big Sky. It may not share the glory of the glitzy resort towns in Colorado and Utah, but with more snow and open space, this undersung skiing nirvana can rest on its own laurels. Between the town's two ski resorts--Big Sky and Moonlight Basin--there are three mountains used by an average of only 2,500 skiers per day ... it works out to 2 acres per skier. Combine uncrowdedness and lots of fluffy powder with a laid-back cowboy culture, and you've got the perfect winter weekend.

Boulder, CO

Mix the start-up energy of Silicon Valley with the craftiness of Portland and gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery, and you’ve got Boulder: the most-inspired town in the West. These days, as you cruise along Pearl Street east of the Mall on a cherry red ride from B-cycle, Boulder’s nonprofit bike-sharing system, every other storefront begs you to slam on the brakes: an artisanal cheese shop, coffee roaster, craft-driven bar, DIY workshop selling handmade everything, and on and on, until every new stop leads to the question: Is this the next Portlandia ? There’s something for every type of dreamer here, whether you’re an entrepreneur or hobbyist, local or tourist. Boulder could be the place that feeds your desire to try something new, as long as you listen to that creative calling and pull over.

More: Tap into Boulder's creative side

Sawtooth Mountains, ID

More: Escape to the Sawtooth Mountains

Imagine a national park-level wilderness without national park-level crowds. No bus tours. No traffic. No entrance fees. Just drop-to-your-knees gorgeous land full of hiking trails, hot springs, trout-filled streams, and some of the best lemonade you've ever tasted.

Flagstaff, AZ

Sunshine, great dining, and golden leaves: “Flag” is Arizona's capital of autumn. In fall, the air in Flagstaff is crisp as a Winesap, the skies are the dictionary definition of blue, and the return of 18,000 NAU students gives "Flag" a Red Bull–swigging, outdoorsy zing. Explore the historic downtown or head to the hills for some seasonal hiking. Also, don't miss Coconino National Forest, located north of town, for the state's most spectacular aspens set against the backdrop of dormant volcano Humphreys Peak.

More: Experience Flagstaff's fall

More: Find the best in Bend

A reinvented logging town populated by skateboarding students, Cali refugees, and athletes-in-training (all of whom care deeply about what they eat and where it comes from—the closer, the better), Bend is experiencing a flood of locavore dining and nouveau food carts. But the area's crowning jewel is located just 22 miles west, rising out of the Deschutes National Forest: solitary Mt. Bachelor . It’s a challenging ski area: 3,683 acres of exhilarating, windswept runs with a 3,365-foot vertical drop.

Stay: The boutiquey Oxford Hotel (from $179; www.oxfordhotelbend.com ) puts you in the heart of downtown’s buzzy small-plates scene—and one of the stars is the hotel’s own 10 Below restaurant.

Snowbird, UT

Summer in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon means miles of easygoing hikes with jagged granite scenery and knee- deep wildflowers. Let the tram zoom you from Snowbird’s village to the top of Hidden Peak (11,000 feet!), then hike into Mineral Basin before taking a free ride down on the Peruvian Express lift. For an even easier tour, hop on the Alpine Slide (above), a high-speed chute that winds 1,300 thrilling feet from the top of the Chickadee Chairlift back to the village. Tram $16, slide $11; snowbird.com

Stay: At the Inn at Snowbird ( from $99; snowbird.com ), which greatly reduces rates in summer, your condolike room—complete with kitchen and wood- burning fireplace—is just steps from the slopes. Next door, the Lodge Bistro ( $$$; 801/933-2145 ) has comforting classics like American Kobe bavette steak with mashed potatoes and housemade steak sauce.

Steamboat Springs, CO

Head to Howelsen Hill—just a short walk from downtown—and let the horse do all the work at Sombrero Ranch, where guides trot you through miles of shaded, pine-studded trails overlooking the lush Yampa Valley ( 1-hour tour $35; 970/879-2306 ). It’s a water wonderland at downtown’s Old Town Hot Springs ( from $18; oldtownhotsprings.org ), where eight mineral pools (feeding off the naturally bubbly Heart Spring), two twisty water-tube slides, and an in-pool climbing wall await.

Stay: Opened in 1948, the Old West–themed Hotel Bristol ( steamboathotelbristol.com ) is complete with saloon and Native American quilts in the bedrooms. From $96.

Mammoth, CA

More: Meet Mammoth

Surrounded by a 360° kingdom of Swiss Alps–style peaks, and conveniently located between the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, Mammoth is an ideal choice for a California ski weekend. The mountain is king, but plenty of off-slope adventures can be had, like full-moon snowshoe hikes, natural hot springs, and dog-sledding.

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• Outdoor Adventure

The Viral Grocery Shopping Method That Can Save You Time and Money

These Birthday Cake Recipes Are Worth Celebrating

This designer did something very controversial to her eichler home—but for a good reason, this is exactly what to order at the best ice cream shops in the west, sign up for our newsletter.

Mountain Top Campground (formerly Mountain Top Bluegrass Festival & Campground)

Hours above shown for Central Time Zone

Features & Amenities

Connectivity, park features, hookups & connectivity, mountain top campground review & ratings overview.

Based on 63 Reviews

Rating Spread

• Excellent 21

Reviews by RV Type

• Motorhome 33
• Travel Trailer 22
• Fifth Wheel 8

These reviews are the opinion of RV LIFE's members and not the views of RV LIFE

“Awesome views in a nice campground”

Getting to this campground is a chore. As the campground name says, it is on top of a mountain (hill really). This is a medium sized family run campground. Nice spacing between spots and full services. We camped at Mountain Top Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

The drive up is a little narrow. We recommend you definitely following the hosts email instructions for getting to the campground. The trip was worth it....

“What a View !”

We stayed here for one week (late October) while visiting family in Pittsburgh. Follow the directions that the campground sends you a few days before check-in. There are several mountain towns that We camped at Mountain Top Campground in a Travel Trailer.

We spent all of our time in Pittsburgh so we didn't check out the local area....

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“Indeed on a Mountain Top”

Lovely campground, a mix of full timers and overnighters. We stayed in a pull through spot in the center of park. All sites look well maintained. Close proximity to Pittsburgh, about 30 minutes out. We camped at Mountain Top Campground in a Travel Trailer.

Visit PNC Park and watch a Pirates baseball game. Park has amazing views of the downtown area in their outfield and sits right on the river....

“Way to visit Pittsburgh”

We wanted to visit relatives in Pittsburgh and found this to be the perfect spot. Easy access to Pittsburgh and still far enough away to enjoy the quiet of the woods. Spaces were nicely spaced. Our We camped at Mountain Top Campground in a Travel Trailer.

Had a dinner at JG Tarentum Stations Grill with family, was only 15 minutes away. Also cooked in campsite at the provided fire ring....

Top Question about Mountain Top Campground

These questions & answers are the opinion of a RV LIFE' member and not the views of RV LIFE

Do you have ice and wood for sale on grounds?...

1 Answers Answer Question

“Large campsites and great cell service”

Campground is tucked away up a mountain road. Make sure you follow their directions. We have a 40 foot Motorhome towing a truck and had no issues getting to the campground following the directions. We camped at Mountain Top Campground in a Motorhome.

There is a Walmart 5 miles away and pretty big. Doesnt look like much to do in the park. Seems like this is just a home base to explore Pittsburgh....

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11 Top-Rated Hikes In The Appalachian Mountains

• Discover breathtaking views and diverse hiking trails in the Appalachian Mountains, home to some of the top-rated hikes in the US!
• From Clingmans Dome to Old Rag Mountain, explore the beauty of the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest trails in the world.
• Whether beginner or expert, enjoy a variety of scenic hikes in the Appalachian Mountains, showcasing stunning landscapes and fall foliage year-round.

Whether novice or experienced, adventurers of all kinds are fascinated with the Appalachian Mountains, an area home to many bucket list US hikes . This mountain range can be found on the East Coast, spanning several states from north to south. If you're wondering where to hike in the Appalachian Mountains, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to find the best trails!

There are a ton of top-rated hiking trails in the Appalachians, many of them providing incredible views of the mountains. Autumn is a popular time to explore these mountains because there are so many fall getaways in the Appalachians that showcase the changing colors during the foliage season. That said, the great outdoors of this region can be enjoyed any time of year.

The Appalachian Mountain Range is one of the oldest in America, even older than the West's Rocky Mountain Range. The Appalachian Trail National Scenic Trail has a long history and is one of the longest hiking trails in the US (actually, it's even considered one of the longest trails in the world !). It's a 2,190-mile trail that traverses through most of this range, and every year, thousands of hikers travel to walk this trail from Georgia to Maine (or vice versa).

Luckily, hikers don't have to commit to such an intense endeavor if they don't fancy it; there are hundreds, if not thousands, of much shorter hikes in this mountain range without having to trek over 2,000 miles. This list explores a number of different yet top-rated day hikes in the Appalachians, each of which has stunning views of the native wilderness.

Sourced from AllTrails and chosen based on their high ratings and number of reviews, these are some of the top-rated hikes in the Appalachians that feature amazing views of the mountains and other stunning sights for which this scenic part of the East Coast is world-renowned.

10 Top-Rated Hikes (According To AllTrails) In The Adirondacks

Clingmans dome, north carolina, alltrails rating: 4.5 /5.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a great place to get incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains, and there is one peak in particular that consistently delivers beautiful views to its visitors: Clingmans Dome, which can be accessed via the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail .

After parking in the lot, hikers will find a neat, paved path that leads up to the summit. Hiking Clingman's Dome is easier than some might think , even if it is a little steep!

Adventurers are rewarded with incredible views when they reach the top, though. Clingman's Dome has a 360-degree observation deck where hikers can take in the majesty of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Torne Trail In Bear Mountain State Park, New York

Alltrails rating: 4.7 /5.

This incredible hike is within driving distance of New York City! Bear Mountain State Park is home to an excellent trail system, where visitors can enjoy many different hikes through the forest. This park provides a well-loved natural area for city-dwellers to escape to, and a favorite is the Torne Trail , thanks to its attainable distance and rewarding views.

In just one hour, hikers can escape the bustle of the city and experience beautiful views of the northern Appalachian Mountains.

The view at the top of the trail includes a stunning panorama of the Hudson Valley, showcasing this New York section of the Appalachian Mountains!

Mount Willard, New Hampshire

Looking for a top-rated hike in New Hampshire? Take a walk on the Mount Willard Trail , a moderate trail that's accessible for all skill levels and gives incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains.

This is one of the many scenic Appalachian hiking trails for anyone visiting New Hampshire in the fall! At the viewpoint, hikers can see a sprawling valley full of colorful leaves, making it one of the most beautiful fall foliage hikes in New Hampshire .

Totaling 3.1 miles, Mount Willard is a great hike for everyone in the family. The trail has a gradual incline that eventually delivers hikers to a massive view of the mountains and valley. Adventure into the northern Appalachia and witness the expansive beauty of this mountain range.

These 10 New Hampshire Campgrounds Offer Plenty Of Scenic Mountain Hikes

Peregrine peak via alum cave bluff trail, tennessee, alltrails rating: 4.8/ 5.

This popular hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a no-brainer for those looking for excellent views of the Appalachian Mountains. This 4.5-mile trail takes hikers through the iconic Alum Cave to the top of Peregrine Peak , where visitors can eat lunch and enjoy the view.

The Alum Cave Bluff Trail is a favorite of many. This well-marked trail takes adventurers along a creek before ascending to the Alum Cave and on to Peregrine Peak.

Hikers will cross log bridges, see native flora, and be rewarded with a sprawling view of the Appalachian Mountains at the end. This hike is one of many top-rated trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , so there are lots of options for day hikes for those staying in the area for a few days.

Breakneck Ridge, New York

Alltrails rating: 4.8 /5.

Challenge yourself with this incredible loop in the Hudson Valley area of New York. The Breakneck Ridge Loop is a 3.2-mile trail that gives incredible views of the surrounding mountains and river.

The Breakneck Ridge Loop is a challenging route due to the rock scramble near the summit. However, for the entire ascent, hikers will be delighted by the stunning views of the northern Appalachian Mountains!

This area is bustling with outdoor recreation opportunities throughout all the seasons. It's a great, scenic place to go rock climbing in the warmer months. In the fall, it provides gorgeous views of the changing foliage.

Knife Edge, Maine

This 8.1-mile loop will take hikers on a breathtaking, unforgettable hike. The Knife Edge Trail in Baxter State Park is a one-of-a-kind hike that teeters along the edge of the northern Appalachian Mountains in Maine!

Knife Edge is not for the faint of heart, though. This unforgettable trail takes people over the ridge line of a mountain, delivering jaw-dropping views. Hikers will enjoy not only panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains but also bragging rights after completing it.

For those in Maine and looking for an excellent hike, explore this loop in Baxter State Park, and don't forget to take pictures!

This trail includes extremely technical sections. It also traverses across an exposed ridge, and hikers should be aware of wind speeds and weather forecasts before departing. Hikers should check in with rangers and heed their advice before embarking on this challenging Appalachian hike.

This Is The Most Scenic Town In Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains

Blood mountain, georgia.

Blood Mountain is an incredible hike to see the sprawling Appalachian Mountains in Georgia. This 4-mile route is a top-rated Appalachia trail because it's well-maintained, immerses hikers in the wilderness, and rewards challengers with amazing views at the top!

This trail takes hikers through the lush forests of southern Appalachia and intersects with the Appalachian Trail. Along the hike, make sure to listen for grouse! While hikers might not be able to see these well-camouflaged birds easily, they will probably hear the sound they make from clapping their wings against their sides.

After ascending all the switchbacks, hikers will find amazing views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains at the top. Blood Mountain is a popular trail in Georgia, so trekkers will likely run into other hikers and nature lovers on the trip!

Billy Goat Loop Trail, Maryland

The Billy Goat Loop Trail in Maryland is a scenic route that provides city-dwellers with a way to enjoy the nature found in southern Appalachia. Less than an hour's drive from Washington D.C., hikers can find this luscious park with incredible views of the Potomac River and the surrounding wilderness!

The Billy Goat Trail is a popular trail in C&O Canal Historic Park , so you'll probably run into other nature lovers. While this trail is definitely accessible for most hikers, there are some technical sections.

The Billy Goat Trail is a great choice for those looking for a natural escape from the city that will provide a physical challenge. Experience natural Appalachia in Maryland on this excellent trail!

10 Hikes In The U.S. Where It's Tough To Get Permits

Wilburn ridge via the appalachian trail, virginia.

This top-rated trail in Grayson Highlands State Park is a great place to see the Appalachian Mountains and get up close and personal with wildlife. That's right - you can hike with wild ponies on the Wilburn Ridge Trail !

This is a family-friendly trail in Virginia that can be shortened based on a hiker's skill levels or needs, making it a great option for kids and adults. Grayson Highlands State Park is home to many scenic trails of varying difficulty, but this one is a favorite because it's attainable, scenic, and takes visitors right through the wild ponies' stomping grounds.

The Wilburn Ridge Trail is a can't-miss trail if you're looking to get amazing views of the Appalachian Mountains in Western Virginia.

Fall is a great time to visit Grayson Highlands State Park, and not only because of the amazing foliage views. The state park holds a 2-day festival with music, food, and activities the whole family will love! Get a taste of southern culture at this mountain festival.

Hawksbill Mountain Trail, North Carolina

Hike this popular trail in Linville Gorge to see incredible views of North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains! The Hawksbill Mountain Trail heads to the top of a 4,000ft mountain and provides breathtaking views of the rolling mountains found in Southern Appalachia.

This 2.1-mile hike is rated as moderately challenging because it includes a fairly steep climb toward the summit. But since the trail is fairly short, it is an attainable hike for most skill levels! This is a great option for kids, giving them the opportunity to see incredible 360-degree views of the mountains.

Linville Gorge Wilderness is an excellent location to explore North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains without having to pay any additional fees. Experience southern Appalachia like a local and hike Hawksbill Mountain!

Depending on the season or your comfort level, a hike in the wilderness might not be your cup of tea. Luckily, there are many spots to see incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains without having to hike at all.

Old Rag Mountain, Virginia

Alltrails rating: 4.9 /5.

Experience the hike of a lifetime going up Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park! This is a top-rated hike that should be on every adventurer's bucket list.

The Old Rag Mountain Loop Trail gives excellent views of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia in addition to well-earned clout for completing a difficult hike.

This beloved trail is often described as "brutally awesome," according to AllTrails . It is exceptionally challenging, but is also one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park - and for good reason! The Old Rag Mountain Trail takes hikers along a beautiful winding river, up gradual switchbacks, and through several false summits before reaching the stunning 360-degree views at the top.

For those looking to do one of the best hikes in Virginia, Old Rag Mountain is the trail promising precisely that!

While Old Rag Mountain is a challenging trail not suited for four-legged friends, there are plenty of other amazing dog-friendly hikes in Shenandoah National Park that showcase the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in this region.

Best Mountaintop Backpacks Review – Affordable & Durable

This review is all about Mountain Top backpacks and we are going to look at all the different styles of backpacks they offer that you may find useful for your travels. We’ll dive into materials, functionality, size, and value for money. But why are we focussing on Mountain Top as a brand in this review?

Mountain Top has been around the block and has earned a place as one of the top outdoor gear companies. In the last thirty years, they have produced quality products that are relied upon by hikers, mountaineers, fishermen, and pretty much any other form of outdoors person.

At A Glance: Our Top 3 Mountaintop Backpacks

• Best Mountaintop Hiking Pack MOUNTAINTOP 40L Camping Backpack Jump To Review
• Best Work Pack MOUNTAINTOP 22L Unisex Backpack Jump To Review
• Best Camping Backpack MOUNTAINTOP 70L/75L Internal Frame Backpack Jump To Review

What makes Mountain Top stand out from the crowd is its ability to make high-quality, durable products that are affordable. Mountain Top make day packs, hydration packs, travel bags, sleepings bags, and more but today we are going to focus purely on their range of backpacks.

Top Product Overview

Mountaintop backpacks, mountaintop 40l unisex backpack.

The Mountaintop 40L Unisex Backpack is a great place to start specifically if you’re looking for a hiking daypack, overnight camping pack, or a sturdy pack for taking to work. It’s not quite big enough for long camping trips but there are some later in the review that is great for that.

To start off with this backpack is made from water-resistant polyester with durable YKK zippers and buckles. It comes with over 3 different compartments to help you keep things organized as well as a slot for either a hydration pack or a laptop.

There’s one main compartment, a secondary smaller compartment, side pockets, and a hip belt pocket for things you need to access quickly on the fly. It has all the space and organizational features you might need from a daypack/overnight pack.

The outside also has numerous straps, ties, and bungee webbing for you to attach any other accessories you may need but it is missing base straps where you could potentially put a tent or sleeping mat.

The pack features adjustable hip and sternum straps to distribute weight evenly while the breathable back panel and padded shoulder straps keep you comfortable. There’s also a built-in waterproof rain cover to keep your gear safe in downpours.

Overall it’s a great pack at a great price but suited to day hikes more than anything else.

• Water-resistant
• Waterproof cover
• Comfortable
• Great price
• Could have better storage options
• Short treks only

Product Information

• 3 + compartments
• Laptop Sleeve
• 90-day warranty

MOUNTAINTOP 40L Camping Backpack

The Mountaintop 40L Camping Backpack is ideal for those of us who like to camp light. It has enough space on the inside for all your regular gear while the outside is covered with so many straps that it can hold your tent, sleeping bag, camping mat, and walking sticks. Quite impressive.

It’s made from water-resistant polyester to keep all your gear dry during light showers but also has an in-built waterproof rain cover for when the weather really comes in on the mountains. The last thing anyone wants is wet gear, and this pack will ensure it all stays dry.

The back is durable like all Mountaintop products and features YKK zippers and buckles. It comes with a main compartment that can be accessed from top or bottom, a front and middle zipper pocket, side pockets plus a hidden pouch.

Inside the main compartment is a laptop sleeve which can also be used as a bladder compartment. The main compartment can’t be separated in this bag which is a shame.

The pack comes with a breathable back panel to stop you from overheating, comfortable shoulder straps plus hip and sternum straps to help you manage the weight on long walks.

Overall it’s an awesome camping pack for summer/those who travel light. It looks awesome and you can’t beat the price.

• Awesome style
• Ok storage options

MOUNTAINTOP 35L Unisex Backpack

The Mountaintop 35L Unisex Backpack is the perfect size for day hikes, overnighting (not camping), or was a work travel bag. It has the perfect amount of space for everything you might need for a day and a night, is comfortable, and has some useful storage options.

Like all the Mountaintop packs so far, this one is also made from water-resistant polyester to keep your things safe from a bit of drizzle plus an in-built waterproof cover for those bigger showers.

The shoulder, sternum and hip straps are comfortable and keep you supported while you hike around. While the SBS zipper and YKK buckled keep your gear safe.

This pack has some great storage options with a front pocket, front zipper pocket, side pockets, hip pocket, and of course the main compartment.

The main compartment has a mesh zipper pocket for valuables as well as a slot for a bladder pack or laptop. The outside also has some base straps for attaching a tent/sleeping bag if you wanted but the bag is overall a little small as a camping option.

If you love to day-hike or travel a lot for work, this might just be the bag for you.

• Integrated rain cover
• Day pack only

MOUNTAINTOP 22L Unisex Backpack

The Mountaintop 22L Unisex Backpack is another example of a great day/work pack but with some extra storage options compared to other daypacks in the review. The extra storage options, in my opinion, make it the best work pack in the review.

This backpack features a main compartment that has a section for a bladder pack if your hiking. It’s large enough for clothes, lunch, and other personal items, so if you like to go to the gym on your way to work, this compartment is ideal.

The second compartment is perfect for holding your laptop, organizer, diary, and has a clip for your car keys. And to top it off, there is a small front pocket for small things you need to access quickly and side pockets for your water bottle. The side pockets are a bit narrow though.

The bag comes with comfortable shoulder straps and a sternum strap but it doesn’t have a hip strap. This makes it more of a work/overnight bag in my eyes.

It’s made of durable water-resistant nylon & polyester fabrics to keep your belongings safe in a shower but it doesn’t have the in-built waterproof rain cover like the others in the review.

Overall a great day/work/travel bag that has all the options you need.

• Good storage options
• Side pockets are narrow
• No waterproof rain cover

MOUNTAINTOP 55L/65L Backpack

If you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight backpack for camping/hiking then look no further than the Mountaintop 55L/65L Backpack . In terms of functionality, durability, and price, it can’t be beaten

It’s made from water-resistant polyester to keep your belongings safe and dry on those damper days plus it comes with an in-built rain cover. The rain cover isn’t that effective though so if you’re on a long camping trip I’d pack your gear in plastic bags just to be safe.

The buckles and zippers are YKK and built for durability. You can rest assured that once you’re all packed up and hiking your gear will remain secured and accessible.

The size of this backpack is perfect for backpacking around Europe or long hiking/camping trips. The main compartment has ample room for all your gear and can also be separated into two compartments each with its own access.

A base compartment for your sleeping bag and other gear and a top compartment for your clothes and other things. The top compartment has a slot for a bladder pack which you could use for your laptop if you’re traveling.

The backpack also has an array of other pockets and storage options to keep your gear organized while on your travels. The outside is also covered in straps to attach tents, sleeping mats, etc.

The best thing about this pack is that it can be easily adjusted to fit your torso length. There are 8 different adjustment levels to choose from and once you get this right, the hip, should, and sternum straps make for a comfortable trek.

Overall a solid backpack with a great price for the size. It won’t be as comfortable as some more expensive ones out there but for the price, it certainly does compete on quality.

• The rain cover isn't very effective
• Not super comfortable
• 5 + compartments

MOUNTAINTOP 70L/75L Internal Frame Backpack

If you’re looking for a bit more space and endless comfort on those long treks, the Mountaintop 70L/75L Internal Frame Backpack is probably the one for you. Just a little larger and a little more expensive than the previous 55/65L, this pack is infinitely more comfortable to wear and is still less than $100.

Again it’s made from water-resistant polyester, has a splittable main compartment accessed from the bottom and top, great storage options like the others but also some special ones that have yet to be featured.

The top main compartment has a bladder/laptop pouch as you’d expect but it also comes with an extendable top to give you an extra 5L of storage. Not only that, but it’s also accessible from the top as well as through a sneaky side pocket on the front to give you quick access to the middle of the compartment.

The outside is again, covered in straps to hold on to your camping gear/walking sticks. The zips, straps, and buckles are top quality and will keep all your gear secure throughout your journey.

One thing this backpack is known for is how comfortable it is. The adjustable back, shoulder, sternum, and hip straps combine have somehow made this bag a delight to carry on long journeys even when it’s full. The only drawback is that it doesn’t suit taller hikers and if you’re over 6ft, you should probably look elsewhere.

Overall an awesome backpack though, if you’re not 6ft tall. Sorry, you taller people.

• Excellent storage options
• Not for taller people
• Laptop sleeve

MOUNTAINTOP 50L/60L Hiking Backpack

This is a very similar backpack in style to the 55/65, but a little smaller. Again, with the Mountaintop 50L/60L Hiking Backpack , you’re getting unbeatable quality and comfort for the price.

This is an ideal bag if you want a smaller backpack that can fit all the essentials and your camping gear. It’s probably more suited to summer treks than winter as you can afford to leave quite a lot of gear behind.

It’s made from water-resistant, durable fabric to ensure it’ll handle all your adventures. The zippers and buckles are quality and there is a built-in waterproof rain cover for those stormy days we’ve all been caught out on.

There are multiple storage options including a bladder/laptop pouch and a secret zipper pocket behind it in the main compartment. It also features a top pocket, side mesh, and hard to use hip pockets. It is missing the separation feature of the main compartment though.

The outside has enough straps to hold most of your camping equipment but it could do with some more loops.

Overall a great summer trekking backpack of great quality at an awesome price. The only drawback is the hip pockets are hard to use and the waist strap is a little short for larger hikers.

• Waist strap not for larger hikers
• Not many external loops
• Hard to use the hip pockets

Mountaintop Kids School Backpack

The Mountaintop Kids School Backpack is the perfect bag for your kids to take to school, slumber parties, on scout trips, and for family camping trips.

It’s the perfect size to hold enough while ensuring it doesn’t get too heavy. It’ll fit lunch, water, and a change of clothes and more, making it light enough to carry.

The bag fits children from 4-8 years old and is made child-friendly. The zippers and buckles are super easy to slide or pop open. It’s made from durable, water-resistant polyester and will survive everything your kids can throw at it.

There are 2 compartments so you can separate the dirty from the clean and there’s a mesh pocket in the main compartment for important things like keys, sweets and pocket money.

It’s been made to give the same comfort levels as any other Mountaintop backpack with similar shoulder/sternum straps and a breathable backrest. If you’re looking for a quality backpack for your kids, this is a good bet.

The only setback is that it’s too small to fit a folder in.

• Easy for kids to use
• Doesn't fit a folder
• 15"X 11.4"X 5.9"

Mountaintop Kids Toddler Backpack

If you didn’t think Mountaintop had thought of everything, well here’s the Mountaintop Kids Toddler Backpack for ages 2-4. Now it is very small, only really holding a change of clothes and a few snacks but it’s nice to give those youngsters the feeling of independence.

If you’re looking for a bag for a toddler then this should be it. It’s water-resistant, ‘toddler friendly’ to use, has just enough space for a few things and it still retains Mountaintop’s amazing quality.

It comes with a main compartment, front pocket, and two mesh side pockets. Please be aware this bag is very small.

Mountaintop Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

Last but certainly not least is the Mountaintop Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag . Traveling with organized toiletries is something of a challenge for most of us.

The bag is either too small or doesn’t have good storage options. Or you find the right bag but the zippers break off. Well, enough is enough and Mountaintop thought so too.

This toiletry bag has 3 separate compartments to help keep your things organized. It has a back zipper pocket, a mesh zipper pocket in the lid, and the main compartment with two more mesh slots. There is somewhere for everything in this.

It’s also a great size, you can fit all the toiletries you need in this without having to give up some, ideal. It also opens and hangs from a clip, making any bathroom feel like your own with everything you need just hanging there.

It’s made from durable, rip-stop, dustproof, water-resistant nylon with high-quality zippers. If you need a great toiletry bag, buy this one, now.

• Hook is a bit flimsey
• 8.69 x 7.87 x 1.97 inches

What To Look For

Mountaintop backpacks are all made from durable, quality, rip-stop, water-resistant nylon/polyester. This makes them stand the test of time and means they’re easy to wipe clean. Most of the packs also come with quality SBS or YKK zippers for the compartments and YKK buckles.

The backpacks Mountaintop makes are pretty much impossible to beat when you look at quality for the price.

All of the Mountaintop backpacks in the review feature great straps that make wearing the bag comfortable. The majority come with shoulder, sternum, and hip straps. But there are a few that don’t include the hip strap so be aware of this.

The Mountaintop backpacks in this review vary greatly in size from 5-75L and each size backpack suits a specific purpose. If you’re looking for a daypack/overnight pack (no camping) I’d stick to 35L and under. If you’re traveling light on a camping trip then 40-50L is about right while 60L and above is great for long treks or backpacking around the world.

Compartments

It’s important that the pack you’re looking for has the compartments you need. Each pack reviewed has a different compartment set up along with a different size capacity. Make sure to get both the capacity and the right amount of storage options for your requirements.

Pretty much all the packs in this review feature multiple compartments with a few more internal pockets too. Some have multiple access points as well, so make sure you pay attention to these too.

There is everything from daypacks, camping backpacks to even toddler backpacks in the Mountaintop range. It’s pretty much guaranteed they have something that will suit your needs. There is a pack in every size and color that’ll work for everyone.

As you can see, all Mountaintop backpacks come with a 90-day warranty, not that you’re likely to need it. They are made so well that the warranty is mostly there for any quality issues that slip through or if you simply don’t enjoy the bag.

Best Mountaintop Backpacks: Our Favorites

Here are our top choices from the review.

The best hiking pack is the MOUNTAINTOP 40L Camping Backpack . This is the perfect day pack while being versatile enough to take camping if you pack light. It can hold all your personal gear on the inside while the straps on the outside take care of all the camping gear, ideal in my eyes. Not only that it’s comfortable, durable, water-resistant with a waterproof rain cover, and great value.

The best work pack is the Mountaintop 22L Unisex Backpack . This pack is the ideal size and has the perfect amount of storage options for all your daily needs whether it’s carrying your laptop, lunch, gym kit, and something for drinks after or carrying what you need for a night away.

• FRONT POCKET- The spacious front pocket has organization slots for tools, cards, pens and your smartphone.
• WATER-RESISTANT COATING- Water-resistant nylon & polyester fabrics do not allow water to easily penetrate.

The best camping/hiking pack is the Mountaintop 70L/75L Internal Frame Backpack . This pack if big, durable, well-made, and comfortable as can be while still being under $100. It’s the ideal camping backpack for the money.

• 【MATERIAL】 The internal frame backpack uses nylon fabric and is equipped with YKK zippers, which is durable; the size is 33.5''*13.8''*11.12'', and the capacity is 70L. Its large capacity and high quality can meet your outdoor needs!
• 【INTERNAL FRAME】 This backpacking backpack is designed for long-term travel and mountain hiking, with a lightweight aluminum alloy frame plate on the back to provide maximum load-bearing capacity.
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Mountaintop Backpack Reviews

Here is my personal Mountaintop Backpacks review. Now Mountaintop Backpacks have been around since 1986. Now they are not a big name, yet. They supply not only day time hiking and camping backpacks they also have school backpacks, Trekking backpacks, toiletry bags, sleeping bags and more. The best part about them is they are a lot cheaper than your big name bags. Now these backpacks are not just for hikers. They are great for anything outdoors, fishing, hunting, a day at the beach and even a great school backpack. Today I am going to talk about their backpacks. The 28L, 35L, 40L, 40L camping, 50L, 60L, and the toiletry bags. They also carry kids school backpack and even a Toddler backpack.

Mountaintop 28L Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Day pack

Overall Review

Mountaintop 28L Packable Travel Hiking Backpack is a great office backpack or study group bag. Or maybe you are a writer like me and you want to bring your material with you to a beach. I like the separate compartment in the main part of this mountaintop backpack to keep anything from scratching the notebook.

I am not a big fan of polyester however it is still durable. This is probably not a bag that I would go hiking with but I do like that there is an area for the hydration bag and that it is water resistant. Most places I hike are damp and I usually get rained on so I would be looking for something that is more waterproof. Overall I like it for casual, not Hiking. It is stylish.

Some features of this Hiking backpack are

• 【Durable and Comfortable】Made from ultra-strong rip-stop nylon fabric. Adjustable breathable straps and chest strap can fit your body properly and comfortable all-day use. Durable two-way YKK metal zippers are abrasion-resistant and ensure secure closure.
• 【Multiple Compartments】Though this packable backpack is ultra lightweight, it still provides a generous storage capacity. It features one roomy main compartment, even can hold a 15.4″ laptop. Two mesh side pockets work well for a water bottle or umbrella. The front zipper pockets and internal zippered pockets for smaller items.
• 【Lightweight (0.75lb) and Roomy (28 Liter)】Was used as a overnight packs or multiple-day packs. Good for day trip, overnight trip, camping, day hiking and vocation. Great daypack for women and men.
• 【Foldable and Portable】Fold this backpack into its own zip pocket for storage and unfold it when you reach travel destination. Pull it from luggage and use it as a carry-on bag for excess items to avoid overweight-baggage charges. Collapse size only 6.7 x 8.3 x3.1 inches. Unfold size is 18.5 x 11.8 x 7.1 inches.
• 【Water Resistant and Puncture Resistant】Rip-resistant nylon construction sheds rain and resists wear, provides extra strength and long-lasting performance with the lightest weight possible.

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Mountaintop 35L Outdoor Camping – My #1 Pick

Mountaintop 35L Outdoor Camping is the perfect overnight hiking medium duty backpack. Holds 2 days of clothing 5 liters of water with the hydration pack area. Has the straps on the bottom for a sleeping bag. Best of all it has a rain cover. The full length padded backside as well as the straps and including 3/4 hip coverage.

This is a bonus as some bags don’t cover a lot of the hip area. To keep your things from not getting ruined it comes with SBS zipper and YKK buckled as well as the water-resistant vinyl/polyester. There is a separator in the main compartment so you can also use it as a school or day pack backpack.

I love this backpack not only for hiking but for weekend travels which brings me to another reason this is my number 1 pick.

This is also the perfect spirit bag. What is a spirit bag? Well I fly Spirit Airlines for my girls weekend trips which are 1 night 2 days. This is the perfect size to fit everything for the weekend and Spirit Airlines allows this size as your personal bag, meaning no charge. Now don’t think you can have this and a purse, no. But your purse will fit along with your pjs, makeup (in the Mountaintop toiletry bag and next day clothing. It is also a great carryon for any airline.

• 🏃【Durable & Water Resistant】MOUNTAINTOP 35L Hiking Backpack is made of highly water-resistant 400D polyester fabric, with SBS zippers, which provides strength and long-lasting performance. What’s more, included a rain cover in the bottom, ensure your items dry in light drizzle, while not in heavy rain.
• 🏃【Large Capacity 】The backpack for men women is very spacious, 20.1 x 12.6 x 7.1 inches, with a capacity of 35 liters, which applies to 15.6-inch laptop, lightweight for only about 0.89kg (1.96lbs) .
• 🏃【Multi-Compartment】: 1 front pocket is easy access for you to put maps, notepads and more; 1 main compartment with a hydration bladder and tube, (Hydration Bladder is NOT INCLUDED). 2 side pockets and 1 belt pocket are convenient enough to help you further organize things and easy access.
• 🏃【Comfortable and Breathable】: This backpacking backpack is padded for a comfortable fit ,design of thick shoulder straps relieve weight on the shoulder, and mesh ventilated back panel in the back part, which will can keep your from the directly touching with the backpack in summer, so you will not feel sweaty or hot at all.
• 🏃【Outdoor Companion】Suitable as a camping daypack or travel backpack because we make this hiking backpack with hydration system (Hydration Bladder is NOT INCLUDED), signal whistle and various compression straps can carry trekking poles, sleeping bags, tents and other camping equipment. A must have for sports , hiking, camping and traveling.

Mountaintop 40L Hiking Backpack

So there are “3” 40L Mountaintop hiking backpacks that they carry I will review 2 of them in this one and the third will be on its own next.

So to start the first one is basically the same as the picture above the thing that is missing is the hip strap. For me that was a no seller. This size backpack is perfect for a day hike, but not for me. Here is why. I like to have a lot of water with me, so I need that extra support to handle the weight. To keep your things from not getting ruined the SBS zipper and YKK buckled will keep your gear safe as well as the water-resistant vinyl/polyester.

The thing I love about both is the padding and ventilation. The padding for the shoulder straps and the hip straps is amazing. The ventilated padding on the back saves the backside from getting sweaty. The other great feature is the front strap, it sits higher then some of the backpacks I have used. This for us ladies is great. An added touch is the whistle. Now you may have read my Alaska hike and yes there were bears and no I did not have a whistle, so this a great accessory.

• 🌵【Durable Backpack】:This 40L hiking bag is suitable for weekend vacations or three-day excursions, which is made from tear and water-resistant polyester fabric.Rugged good looks make this excellent backpack for all kinds of adventures, great choice for hikers, hunters, and fishermen. The dimensions 13.0 “L x 7.9” W x 21.7 “H.
• 🌵【Storage Space】: With multiple pockets and storage compartments, and the large main compartment for a 15.6 ” laptop, side and hip pockets are perfect for keeping smaller items while the built-in rain cover in bottom pocket will keep your gear dry whatever the weather.
• 🌵【Comfortable and Breathable】:With breathable mesh padding and a ventilated back system, this camping pack will not only keep your items dry but will also prevent unwanted sweat when the temperature gets hotter. The ergonomically-designed structure helps to evenly disperse the weight when full, making it a comfortable carry even when hiking.
• 🌵【Well thought-out details】:There is a compartment in the main pocket designed for putting Hydration Bladder, and the Bottom compartment has direct access to main compartment so you can easily take out the items. In addition, various compression belts can additionally carry trekking poles, sleeping bags, tents and other camping equipment. (※Hydration Bladder is NOT INCLUDED).
• 🌵【Ideal & Outdoor Companion】:The women men backpack is perfect for urban explorers and outdoor adventurers alike. It’s also a great gift for your family and friends because we have plenty of color options to pick from, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a MOUNTAINTOP 40L Hiking Daypack you like.

Mountaintop 40L Camping/Hiking Backpack

So for overnight camping Mountaintop 40L Camping Backpack is my go-to backpack. Everything you need is with this backpack. Extra storage at the bottom of the bag for shoes is a seller for me.

I like to be able to take the hiking boots off for the night and put on some flips or comfortable runners. It comes with all the padding and straps that the other 40L bag has and a little bit larger storage.

Straps at the bottom to carry your sleeping bag and side straps for poles. To keep your things from not getting ruined the SBS zipper and YKK buckled will keep your gear safe as well as the water-resistant polyester/vinyl.

This is also great for backpackers. It is perfect carryon size for most airlines and if you know how to pack this can pack enough clothing to last you 2 weeks.

Yes you will need to use space saver bags but as a worldly backpacker you should be doing this anyway. So this means no checked bags, no waiting at the baggage area, right to the bus.

Mountaintop 50/60L Hiking & Camping Backpack

Now I am not a long term camper or hiker. I am a day time, maybe an overnight kind of girl. But just like the other bags these are built well. Waterproof polyester with rain cover and with 55L capacity. Great air circulation padding on the shoulder and hip straps as well as the back. Aluminum Pole support system which helps distribute the weight of the pack. To keep your things from not getting ruined the SBS zipper and YKK buckled.

Now even with the support system the only real complaint I have seen is with comfort. I have seen a few bad reviews on that aspect. Now maybe it was a design flaw with the weight distribution, could be they are not aware how to move the multiple straps around, I am not sure.

Mountaintop 55L Hiking Backpack

Mountaintop 55L hiking backpack is great for lots of gear such as your winter weather gear. It is also great for long trips with camping gear, such as tents, food cooking material. Hang your sleeping bag and pad, heck even a hammock. It also has straps that you can put your hiking poles, ice ax, even a camera tripod.

The extra on this bag that I like is of course the bottom compartment which you can open that and the top to make one large. There is also a rain cover and hydration compartment.

To keep your things from not getting ruined the SBS zipper and YKK buckled. Waterproof Polyester material.

• Drawstring closure
• 🏃Hip-belt adjustable length: 76-145cm/29.9-57.1in. It’s not typically worn at the waist, but somewhat lower, on the hips. It’s often beneficial to comfort and balance to adjust belt position while hiking, so plan to occasionally use less than the full 57″ as you reposition.
• 🏃Hydration Compartment: Separate bladder sleeve in the main compartment.Big enough or a 3 liters hydration bladder.
• 🏃Top Lid: An extension collar with two drawstrings on the top allows you to expand the pack and increase the main compartment capacity by 5 liters.
• 🏃Hip Pockets: There are also a pair of small hip pockets on the belt for storing snacks, sunglasses, etc.
• 🏃Walking on a Rainy Day: There is a waterproof cover in its own zippered compartment at the top of the pack. It covers the entire backpack.

Mountaintop 70L Internal Frame Hiking Backpack for Men Women with Rain Cover

Mountaintop 70L Internal Frame Hiking backpack is great for multiple day camping, hiking or mountaineering. It allows for 50 or more liters of capacity. Top and Bottoms access as well as a zipper access from the side.

Full rain cover protects the backpack and your belongings. Hang your sleeping bag and pad, heck even a hammock. It also has straps that you can put your hiking poles, ice ax, even a camera tripod.

To keep your things from also not getting ruined the SBS zipper and YKK buckled will keep your gear safe.

• Nylon lining
• Zipper,Buckle closure
• 🌐Comfortable and Breathable: We specialize in designing ergonomically designed bracket structures. The backpack features breathable mesh padding and a ventilated back system, giving you more comfortable feeling and easily performing outdoor activities.
• 🌐Large Storage Space: A loading capacity of upto 70 litres, great for traveling or outdoor sports adventures. Product Size: 33.5 *13.8 *11.8 inch. You can store the items you need for long outdoor adventures with many pocket.
• 🌐Rain Cover: The bottom zipper of the backpack has a waterproof rain cover. Your perfect backpack with rain cover for hiking, camping, backpacking, traveling, hunting, climbing and other outdoor activities.
• 🌐Side Zippered Pocket & Zippered Access: One side of the pack has a side pocket, big enough for your jacket or umbrella. The other side has a zippered access which can easily access to the main compartment.
• 🌐Customizable Comfort: Multi-position torso adjustment fits wide range of body sizes. Adjustable shoulder straps, so you can make the backpack fit you perfectly and keep the pack from moving

Mountaintop Kids Backpack / Toddler

I have talked so much on how durable the Mountaintop Product is and this Mountaintop toddler backpack, is no different.

So just like all the other Mountaintop Backpacks the quality continues. The size 24 x 9.5 x 31 cm, they have SBS zipper and are YKK buckled. Kids are the true test to any product. They are rough, and toss there things anywhere. I don’t have kids but I have seen the reviews. “Just what I was looking for”, “I love this bag, it is so cute and fits my three year old well” and “this bag is perfect for my sons daycare bag”

Mountaintop Toiletry Bags

Mountaintop toiletry backpack is another great choice. One piece with 2 small mesh areas with zippers. Has an small strap so easy to hang. This is great for a weekend trip or if you don’t have a lot of makeup. It holds carryon size shampoo, conditioner, soap bar, deodorant and razor. For the ladies you can also fit, blush, coverup, mascara, eyeliner and small to medium eye shadow. If you pack a lot of toiletries I would suggest the next bag which can handle more and is nicer for longer trips.

Toiletry Bag #2

So for me personally. If I am going on a longer vacation I do like this. However with that said if it is a longer flight I prefer the other. The hanging feature for this one I like because it keeps you organized. Both bags hang but the other is more bulky against the door. This one is straight down flat. But that is why I am not a fan of it for long flights, rolling it out is a pain.

Most love the quality. Kids are rough on their belongings so this is a great test for durability. It is light weight and has good storage areas.

Best Mountaintop Backpacks – Verdict

I am a big fan. They have a 90 day warranty, even if it is because you don’t like it. I like that the zippers and buckles are made of quality material. For someone who has a hard time staying on her feet due to clumsiness, this is a true test. Finding a good quality bag is easy. But finding one that won’t break the bank and has great quality is hard to do.

I like these bags. Now I am not expert wilderness girl. More of a day hiker, one night camper. I do love to travel and having good gear is important.

The Mountaintop 35L “spirit bag” this is a seller for me. This is not only a good daytime hiking bag it is the perfect carryon.

The Mountaintop 40L camping bag is ideal for my kind of hiking and camping and like I said I love the bottom compartment for the shoes.

Mountaintop Backpack Durability

I believe this is the most important part. Nothing I hate more than wasting money. Now each of these mountaintop backpacks are reasonably priced and the quality is quite good.

There is a reason people love them. Mountaintop backpack are made well and the costs are low to average since you see so many same type backpacks going for well over 100 USD.

Read more : Teton sports oasis 1100 review

Final Verdict

There are only two things I wasn’t a fan of, one personal preference the other was general . I really prefer a zipper that goes from top to bottom. I like the bag to open and fold down in front. Now this is personal preference as it is easier to get things out instead of having to pull everything out to get to something at the bottom. Who knows maybe if they (Mountaintop) see this they can make one, hint hint. The general one is that if you are too tall it is not a right fit for you, even on the site they tell you.

So I Will Leave You With This

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Any nice village near Moscow with mountains, etc? - Moscow Forum

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Any nice village near Moscow with mountains, etc?

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Hello to everyone,

We are going to stay in Moscow 5 days or so, but we were wondering if there are nice villages nearby (2-3hrs with public transport from Moscow) where we could stay 3 days or so, enjoying the snow and nice mountains view.

Russia its such a huge country, and its famous for its beatiful landscapes among many other things, so maybe you could recommend us a nice village/small city that is 3 hrs away max from moscow, and where we could spend 3 days with nature around us.

We wont have a car , so transportation should be posible by train/bus.

Thanks a lot!

The nearest mountains are >1000 km away. You can fly to , say, Sochi and that would be within 2-3 hours but forget train/bus.

> Russia its such a huge country

As much as I hear you on mountains, you can see them anywhere (Russian mountains with snow will look pretty much like any), BUT...the suggestion above to take in one or more of the Golden Ring cities will show you things (some on UNESCO list of protected world heritage sites!) you will not see anywhere else. Kind of like going to India and not getting to see the Taj Mahal...

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g445046-Vladimir_Vladimir_Oblast_Central_Russia-Vacations.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g580269-Suzdal_Suzdalsky_District_Vladimir_Oblast_Central_Russia-Vacations.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g2538781-Gavrilov_Posad_Ivanovo_Oblast_Central_Russia-Vacations.html

Pablo P, hi

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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Travel Guide

Moscow's opulence and high culture is a sight to be seen. Forget what you learned about Russia in grade school. This lavish capital of a formerly communist nation has fully embraced the luxuries, excesses and decadence of Western capitalism. Like many former Soviet countries, Mother Russia struggles to successfully confront issues of widespread poverty, alcoholism, failing healthcare, and environmental protection. But Moscow has burgeoned into one of the most expensive, exclusive and largest travel destinations in the world. It comes complete with world-class museums, magnificent palaces, $1,000-a-night hotels, "face-control" nightclubs and internationally-renowned restaurants. Don't think you can afford Moscow? Don't be afraid. You can still find affordable deals if you are vigilant. This metropolis has a big and bold character and grandiose setting that's definitely worth getting to know.

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