The Mountain States

Skiing is the favorite pastime in these great Mountain states. But when the snow melts, the spectacular scenery, with mountains and lakes and many great national parks, are conducive to camping, hiking, fishing and many other outdoor activities. The culture and scenery is diverse and typical of the Old West with its American Indian heritage, residents in cowboy attire and vast open landscapes. Whether you want to visit a national park, enjoy outdoor beauty, attend a film or arts festival, or just sit back and relax, the Mountain states offer ample opportunities.

Utah

A large number of Mormons settled in Utah in 1847 and this pristine state is still their home base today. Salt Lake City is the largest city in Utah and a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The 2002 Winger Olympics were held here because the terrain is perfect for outdoor sports. Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park boast magnificent natural rock formations, hiking trails and natural stone arches. Outdoor adventure can be found wherever you turn in this mountainous state.

Colorado

There’s an “Old West” feeling to this state as well as new, modern cities and forward-thinking philosophies. Its snow-capped Rocky Mountains are impressive and offer all sorts of outdoor recreational activities. Denver, the largest city in Colorado, has a bustling central downtown and excellent restaurants, museums and galleries in restored buildings and warehouses. An old silver-mining town called Aspen is now one of the best ski resorts in the world. Boulder is home to the University of Colorado and Pearl Street, where you can stroll for unique shopping experiences. Telluride, Breckenridge and Vail are also fashionable ski destinations and summer vacation spots. The ski trails are endless, the people are hospitable and the scenery is breathtaking.

Idaho

More open spaces, less hectic pace. The snowy slopes of Mt. Baldy and Dollar Mountain make this state a haven for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. The city of Boise, the state capital, has museums, cultural centers and classic revival architecture. Idaho Falls is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and the home of the Tautphaus Park Zoo where African lions, zebras and camels can be found. Wherever you roam, this great outdoor state is in no hurry to get you there—just enjoy!

Montana

Glacier National Park, with more than 50 glaciers, 200 lakes, waterfalls, cliffs, forests, wildflowers and mountains attracts many a visitor. Infused with wildlife and one of the world’s most beautiful parks, it’s surrounded by many resorts and towns that offer fine dining, shopping and enjoyment of the wide open spaces and beautiful scenery. Billings, the largest city, revolves around agriculture and energy production. Explore scenic trails, drive on formations or head to pictograph caves to see the many prehistoric drawings. Montana offers a big country feeling with many small, picturesque towns to enjoy.

Wyoming

It’s not uncommon to see buffalo, bears, elk, moose and cattle roam this rural state. Many of the country’s most spectacular national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton, are located in Wyoming, which exhibits the tranquility of America in nature’s most beautiful settings. Hiking through the mountains or lounging in the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this rugged terrain with vast trails and open areas offers much to see and do. The University of Wyoming in Laramie has many attractions, including frontier towns, blacksmith shops and replicas of historic towns from years ago. Visit the back roads or just enjoy the pristine wilderness. No rush and no hurry, the beauty is always there.

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