Let's Go Travel: The 5 Best Views in America

09-11-2015

By Brigham Madden-Cox

The United States is home to some of the best views in the world, hence why I spend most of my holidays in the USA, and have ever since I was a wee lad. And that isn’t just blatant patriotism, either. I’ve been to a variety of majestic locations in Central America and across Europe, as well, but nothing quite compares to what we’ve got right here on American soil, whether you’re out West, in the South, or on the East coast.

Open Your Mind in Sedona, Arizona

First on the list is Sedona, AZ, a mecca of pink skies, red rocks, and spiritual energies. “Spiritual energy, you say?” Yup! The Sedona vortexes dot maps of the area and are, according to New Age gurus, locations where the Earth’s energy is relatively strong and uplifting. I don’t know if it helped me any closer to enlightenment, but my various trips to the vortexes have been pretty inspiring, simply due to the beauty of the views.

Though it’s become much more touristy in the past 15-20 years, Sedona is still an amazing destination and there are plenty of fun things to do there. My personal favorite? The Sedona Pink Jeep Tours. They are a blast for anyone from young kids to full-fledged adults—trust me, I’ve experienced the ride at both ages!

Stand in Awe of the Crazy Horse Monument

Located in the Black Hills in Custer County, SD, this monument to Lakota Chief Crazy Horse has been under “construction” since 1948. Can’t find any good, real-life pictures of Crazy Horse? Don’t worry—you can see his head rendered in rock 87 feet high. And that’s just his head. The planned dimensions of the sculpture are 641 feet by 563 feet. Even partially completed, this is a sight that you just need to see.

Yellowstone National Park: Home of the Best Views in America

There’s too much to say, too many things to do in Yellowstone, so I’m just going to list a few words that encapsulate its essence: geysers, bison, bears, wilderness, waterfall, volcano, wonder. Not convinced? Just visit the website! Camping in Yellowstone is one of my fondest memories from my childhood; if you’re going to one of these five places, go to Yellowstone!

The View from Mt. Washington (Pittsburgh, PA)

So one of these things is not like the other, and it’s this one. The view of Pittsburgh from Mt. Washington is one of my favorites in the US, even though it’s of a city, not of lush valleys or wild collections of magnificent hues. There’s something about the way that the three rivers meet around the city that is just breathtaking.

If you can make it out for the Fourth of July, you should definitely take the Duquesne Incline up the face of the mountain to view the fireworks over the water. Just don’t plan on getting out of the city quickly after the celebration ends. Your best bet would be to stay somewhere in the city so you don’t have to drive!

The Blue Ridge Mountains (NC, GA, TN)

I left this one for last because it’s the one on the list that I haven’t officially “been” to. I have driven along the mountain range on my way to Nashville, but it’s just not quite the same as getting out of the car to breathe in the air and take in the view.

If I have my druthers, I’ll be there soon, and will sing “Country Roads” at least ten times along the way. After that will have to be the Shenandoah River! And if one of you MobileRVing readers could settle a bet for a friend and I, that would be great: which location wins in a smackdown, the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains or the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains?

Maybe I’ll see you out there on the road. Until then.