trip to the cool mountains

Escape big cities and urban life for a retreat to America’s best mountain towns. From the East Coast’s Poconos in Pennsylvania to the Western mining towns of Telluride, Colorado and Park City, Utah, there’s an adventure-ready destination made for your next vacation. So pack your bags and book a trip to enjoy the best mountain getaways in the USA.

Once the “Honeymoon Capital of America,” Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains are today an outdoor mecca catering to skiers, hikers, and boaters that’s just two hours from New York City. With over 65,000 acres of outdoor space to explore, you can go rock climbing, snow tubing, skiing, horseback riding, ice skating, hiking at the Delaware Water Gap, or simply launch a boat on Lake Wallenpaupack.

And when it comes to where to stay, the best basecamp for families is Great Wolf Lodge. This massive resort is home to an indoor waterpark that’s a balmy 84 degrees inside all year long. Admission included with your stay, and you can ski the slopes of nearby Shawnee ski resort by day before sliding down waterslides at night.

The resort also offers free activities like Story Time and Yoga Tails in the lobby. Bowling, mini-golf, a ropes course, and even a Build-a-Bear workshop are available for an additional cost. Beyond the lodge, explore the Poconos by whitewater rafting or hiking around Big Pocono State Park.