These 15 Epic Mountains Around The U.S. Will Drop Your Jaw

From building soaring skyscrapers to skimming the skies in airplanes, humans have an unquenchable thirst for reaching the clouds. For as long as people have lived in the United States, they have been looking up to the peaks of this country's amazing mountains in wonder. Check out these incredibly epic mountains around the U.S.

1. Mount Shasta, California

Located in northern California, right near the Oregon border, Mount Shasta is actually a volcano that has become quite popular with spiritual believers in the power of "harmonic convergence." All we know is that it's absolutely stunning. At its highest point, the mountain reaches 14,162 feet.

2. Maroon Peak & North Maroon Peak, Colorado

Jointly known as the Maroon Bells, these mountains are two of the most photographed spots in the United States. It's easy to see why people flock to Aspen in order to spend a little time in their shadows.

3. Grand Teton, Wyoming

The jewels of Grand Teton National Park are – you guessed it – the Grand Tetons. These three peaks brush up against the border of Wyoming and Idaho, almost entering Yellowstone National Park. The largest mountain reaches an elevation of 13,775 feet.

Mount Whitney, California

As the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney definitely deserves a spot on this list. It's located about 84 miles from Death Valley, which is the lowest point in the country.

4. Mount Grinnell, Montana

Mount Grinnell stands in Glacier National Park, among such equally impressive giants as Mount Gould and Mount Wilbur. If you don't feel like breaking out your climbing gear, some of the best views of the mountain can be had from the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, pictured.

5. Mount Rainier, Washington

Located in Mount Rainier National Park, this epic peak is the highest in the Cascade Range at 14,410 feet. The mountain is easily reached from Seattle, and is actually an active volcano.

6. Mount St. Elias, Alaska

Because this mountain is right in the middle of the Canada/United States border, it's considered the second-highest peak in both countries. Climbing this mountain is no easy feat, especially as it is notoriously hard to reach.

7. Mount Denali, Alaska

This is the highest mountain in North America. The Athabaskan people named it Denali, meaning "The Great One." In September 2015, President Barack Obama announced that the mountain's name would officially be Denali, rather than McKinley. It's hard to appreciate just how big this peak really is without visiting.

8. Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

Some scientists believe that the Appalachian Mountains were once as tall as the Alps, before erosion wore down the mountain range. Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the Appalachian range.

9. Mount Olympus, Washington

The mountains of the Olympic Range in Washington may not be as tall as some others on this list, but they're just as stunning. Mount Olympus is the tallest in the chain, though Mount Constance is more visible from the Seattle area.

10. Haleakalā, Hawaii

This mountain is actually a volcano that comprises more than three-quarters of the island of Maui. The mountain reaches an elevation of 10,023 at its highest point.

11. Mount Timpanogos, Utah

This mountain's prime location near Salt Lake City makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The sunrises and sunsets across the Wasatch Range are spectacular.

12. Harney Peak, South Dakota

Mount Harney is the tallest mountain in the Black Hills, and the highest summit east of the Rocky Mountains. It's a great spot from which to explore the Black Elk Wilderness area.

13. Mount Baker, Washington

This volcano hasn't blown its top since 1975, but scientists are still keeping a watchful eye on Mount Baker. The mountain's slopes are also some of the snowiest places on earth.

14. Mauna Kea, Hawaii

This mountain is the largest peak on the Big Island of Hawaii. Technically, it's the tallest mountain in the world – if you measure from its roots on the ocean floor to its tip, Kea is taller than Everest.

15. Mount Washington, New Hampshire

This mountain holds the record for the fastest recorded wind speeds in the world; winds at the Mount Washington Observatory clocked in at 231 miles per hour on April 12, 1934.

Have you visited any of these mountains around the U.S.? What was your experience like? Let us know!