Plan a Secluded Escape to One of These Beautiful Mountain Towns Across the United States

Mountain towns have garnered a reputation for combining charm and grit with world-class views. And while the world is still rebounding from the novel coronavirus pandemic, it's important to remember that there are places to go where you can experience culture, top notch dining, and lavish lodging, all while feeling safe. For all of the above and more, the remote locales ahead are a true breath of fresh air.

Book your stay at one of the town's rustic cabins, luxury glamping under the stars, or slopeside stays. Venture down Main Street where the mountain view is so close you could seem to touch the peak. Vertical terrain entices you to explore its switchbacks and wide-open trails from skiing in the winter to leaf-peeping in the fall and hiking in the summer. Gushing geysers, whimsical waterfalls, lush forests, wildlife, rushing rivers, are all part of the scenery.

When planning a staycation of sorts, the mountains offer a much-welcomed reprieve from the hustle of the daily grind, city confinement, and overwhelming air and noise pollution. What's more, they offer a juxtaposition between humble and grandiose—the quaint town and the sky-high peaks. Long days skiing or hiking, white water rafting, or four-wheeling, lead to relaxing nights warming up by the fire and stargazing. Days off from thrill-seeking permit slow walks along main streets, enjoying the colorful foliage.

While it's hard to narrow it down to just a handful, with so many American mountain towns to explore, we rounded up some of the best to inspire your next trip.