The United States is a vast tapestry of natural wonders, from volcanic islands to towering alpine peaks and ancient deserts. Ranking the most beautiful states by scenery is inherently subjective, yet certain states stand apart due to the sheer diversity, grandeur, and iconic nature of their landscapes.
At Top 10 America, we base our criteria on a blend of geographical variety—coasts, mountains, forests, deserts—and the presence of globally recognized landmarks, drawing on the most updated travel and environmental data available. As of late 2025, our focus remains on the raw, unspoiled beauty that defines the American wilderness.
This list is our reasoned analytical perspective, weighing the impact of dramatic features against accessibility and overall ecological significance. We prepare to explore the states that truly embody the spirit of American natural greatness.
Overview: Top 10 Best Scenic States in the USA
| Rank | State Name | Origin (Region) | Signature Landscape |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Oregon | Pacific Northwest | Rugged Coastline, Volcanic Peaks, Canyons |
| 9 | Maine | New England | Rocky Shoreline, Dense Forests, Lighthouses |
| 8 | Arizona | Southwest | Grand Canyon, Red Rock Deserts, Canyons |
| 7 | Montana | Mountain West | Glaciers, Big Sky Country, Rocky Mountains |
| 6 | Washington | Pacific Northwest | Temperate Rainforests, Snow-Capped Volcanoes |
| 5 | Colorado | Mountain West | High-Altitude Alpine Peaks, Aspen Forests |
| 4 | Wyoming | Mountain West | Geothermal Wonders, Jagged Mountains |
| 3 | Utah | Southwest | Red Rock Canyons, Geological Arches, Hoodoos |
| 2 | Alaska | Non-Contiguous West | Massive Glaciers, Tundra, Untamed Wilderness |
| 1 | California | Pacific West | Coastal Cliffs, Giant Sequoias, Diverse Ecosystems |
Top 10. Oregon
Oregon’s inclusion is secured by a trifecta of coastal drama, volcanic majesty, and inland wonder. The iconic sea stacks and accessible public beaches along the Oregon Coast define its oceanfront character, a distinctively moody and rugged alternative to its southern neighbor. Further inland, the Cascade Range hosts stunning peaks that feed lush forests and alpine lakes, providing a contrast that few other states can match.
In Top 10 America’s view, Oregon provides one of the most consistently scenic road-tripping experiences in the country. The state’s commitment to public beach access—codified since 1967—means that its most valuable natural asset is open to all. We suggest the stretch of U.S. Route 101, where every turn reveals an epic vista, from crashing waves to hidden coves.
A unique feature of the state is the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, where layers of colored earth create an otherworldly, striped landscape. Did you know that the deepest lake in the USA, Crater Lake, is located in Oregon, formed by the collapsed volcano Mount Mazama?
Key Highlights
- Over 1,400 miles of coastline, virtually all publicly accessible.
- Home to Crater Lake National Park, the deepest lake in the U.S. (1,943 feet).
- Features significant Cascade volcanoes like Mount Hood and Mount Bachelor.
Top 9. Maine
The state of Maine, situated in the far northeastern corner of the country, brings a unique, maritime beauty to our list. The scenery here is defined by the rocky, jagged coastline known as the Down East region, dotted with historic lighthouses, quaint fishing villages, and harbors lined with lobster boats. Inland, the landscape transitions into the deep woods and vast wilderness of the North Woods, offering pristine lakes and endless forests.
Our analysis puts Maine’s strength in its concentrated, quintessential New England aesthetic. The grandeur of Acadia National Park—where granite mountains meet the sea—is an unparalleled jewel on the East Coast. We respect the personal taste of those who prefer the rugged beauty of a cold-water coast over sun-drenched beaches, and Maine delivers this distinct atmosphere perfectly.
The state is the largest producer of wild blueberries in the U.S., a testament to its fertile, northern land. For a true insider detail, visit the remote area around Baxter State Park, which is home to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Key Highlights
- Home to Acadia National Park, the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River.
- Features nearly 3,500 miles of tidal coastline (more than California).
- Highest peak is Mount Katahdin (5,268 feet).
Top 8. Arizona
The foundational reason for Arizona’s placement is its undisputed claim to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But the state’s scenery is more than just the Grand Canyon; it is a riot of desert colors, from the red rock formations of Sedona to the towering saguaros of Saguaro National Park. This southwestern state provides a profound connection to ancient geology and the stark beauty of the arid landscape.
Arizona’s beauty is objectively rooted in monumental geology. According to scientific measurements, the Grand Canyon is up to 18 miles wide, over a mile deep, and stretches for 277 river miles, a geological marvel that demands inclusion. The breathtaking slots canyons like Antelope Canyon further cement its standing as a must-see destination for landscape photography.
A specific detail often overlooked is that Arizona contains the largest stand of ponderosa pine forest in the world, around Flagstaff, proving that not all of the state is desert. This northern forest provides an incredible ecological diversity that counters the popular image of endless arid land.
Key Highlights
- Home to the Grand Canyon National Park, visited by approximately 4.7 million people annually.
- Features the unique, photographed sandstone formations of Antelope Canyon.
- Contains one of the “Four Corners” of the US.
Top 7. Montana
Affectionately nicknamed “Big Sky Country,” Montana’s sheer scale contributes massively to its scenic appeal. This state is defined by its sweeping, uninterrupted horizons and the dramatic presence of the northern Rocky Mountains. It is home to portions of two of the country’s most spectacular protected areas, providing an unparalleled sense of wilderness and untamed nature.
Our team at Top 10 America ranks Montana highly for its magnificent alpine terrain and pristine water systems. We suggest that the area around Glacier National Park, with its massive U-shaped valleys and brilliantly colored, glacially-fed lakes, represents the pinnacle of Rocky Mountain beauty. The relative lack of light pollution here also contributes to its scenic rating, offering incredible dark sky viewing opportunities.
An interesting fact is that Montana is a major hub for wildlife viewing, boasting a healthy population of grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier is a National Historic Landmark, renowned as one of the most challenging and scenic mountain roads in the world.
Key Highlights
- Home to parts of both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
- Features the “Big Sky” phenomenon due to its high altitude and wide horizons.
- Covers approximately 147,000 square miles, making it the 4th largest US state by area.
Top 6. Washington
Washington State captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest with a stunning array of ecosystems in close proximity. The western side is dominated by the Olympic Peninsula’s temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and the glaciated peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The eastern side, though drier, is marked by rolling hills and dramatic river gorges, with the towering presence of the Cascade Range splitting the state.
Washington’s scenery is characterized by its powerful, moody atmosphere, often shrouded in coastal fog and mist. We find the combination of the rainforest’s lushness (in Olympic National Park) and the scale of Mount Rainier—which dominates the skyline of the Puget Sound region—to be an extremely compelling and diverse display of natural power. The state boasts an impressive 3,026 miles of shoreline, including numerous islands in the Puget Sound.
The state contains the lowest point (the Pacific Ocean shoreline) and some of the highest and most glaciated peaks in the contiguous US. Did you know that the North Cascades National Park, a hidden gem, is often referred to as the “American Alps” due to its hundreds of jagged peaks?
Key Highlights
- Home to three major national parks: Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades.
- Features one of the few temperate rainforests in the continental US (Hoh Rainforest).
- Contains the highest non-volcanic peak in the contiguous US outside of California (Mount Rainier, 14,411 feet).
Top 5. Colorado
Colorado is the undisputed king of the High Rockies, a state where the mountains are both an economic engine and the defining feature of the landscape. It is a state of extremes, boasting 58 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet, known as “fourteeners.” The scenery is defined by alpine tundra, vast evergreen forests, and iconic sites like the Maroon Bells near Aspen and Rocky Mountain National Park.
The facts show that Colorado is one of the most consistently high-elevation states in the union, guaranteeing epic mountain scenery. In Top 10 America’s view, the seasonal change—particularly the stunning gold of the Aspen groves in the fall—places Colorado among the top five. The state offers an accessible alpine experience that makes its beauty available for hiking, driving, and winter sports enthusiasts alike.
A detail to appreciate is the contrast between the snow-capped mountains and the unique formations like the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Historically, Colorado’s high passes were critical routes for miners and explorers, and the legacy of these trails remains in the stunning scenic byways today.
Key Highlights
- Home to 58 peaks over 14,000 feet (fourteeners).
- Contains Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the highest-altitude national parks.
- The highest point is Mount Elbert (14,440 feet).
Top 4. Wyoming
Wyoming’s relatively high placement is a testament to the raw, concentrated beauty found within its borders, home to the majority of two of the most iconic natural wonders in the US. The state is a visual symphony of geothermal activity, jagged peaks, and immense prairie that embodies the spirit of the American West. Its low population density ensures much of its landscape remains pristine and untouched.
The scenery here is objectively spectacular, centered on Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. The facts show that Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, protecting an array of geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife found nowhere else. We suggest the iconic, steep, glacier-carved peaks of the Teton Range are arguably the most dramatic mountain front in the country.
For an insider detail, remember that the high, rolling plains of Wyoming offer some of the clearest night skies in the country, making it a prime destination for astronomy. The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone is the largest hot spring in the US, known for its brilliant rainbow colors caused by microbial mats.
Key Highlights
- Contains nearly all of Yellowstone National Park and the entirety of Grand Teton National Park.
- Highest peak is Gannett Peak (13,809 feet) in the Wind River Range.
- Low population density preserves vast stretches of natural prairie and wilderness.
Top 3. Utah
Utah is a geological wonderland, a state where natural artistry takes the form of immense sandstone canyons, delicate arches, and surreal amphitheaters of hoodoos. Its scenic glory is concentrated in its “Mighty Five” national parks, all easily accessible in the southern half of the state. The landscape is dominated by the red and orange hues of the Navajo Sandstone, creating vistas that feel utterly alien and magnificent.
The state’s high ranking is due to the sheer concentration of unique geological formations. The official data supports that the five national parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands—feature thousands of arches and the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. This dramatic, accessible beauty is why Top 10 America places it in the top tier for scenery.
The contrast between the towering, sheer sandstone cliffs of Zion and the labyrinthine, eroded canyons of Canyonlands provides a continuous visual surprise. A specific detail is the Bonneville Salt Flats in the northwest, a vast, flat expanse of white salt that creates an optical illusion of a reflective sheet of water, providing a completely different type of striking natural beauty.
Key Highlights
- Home to the “Mighty Five” National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.
- Features thousands of natural sandstone arches, the highest concentration globally.
- The highest point is Kings Peak (13,534 feet) in the Uinta Mountains.
Top 2. Alaska
Alaska, the Last Frontier, provides the most immense and untamed wilderness in the entire country. Its scenery is defined by raw, epic grandeur: massive, active glaciers, countless fjords, endless stretches of tundra, and the continent’s tallest peak, Denali. Its landscape is an unparalleled expression of size and power, untouched by the hand of development.
The facts show that Alaska is nearly 2.5 times the size of Texas, offering a scale of natural beauty that simply cannot be matched in the Lower 48. We consider it the ultimate destination for pure, rugged wilderness, ranking it number two only because its sheer remoteness makes its most spectacular vistas less accessible to the average American traveler. We use the Variable Stance Rule here to acknowledge the objective, overwhelming size of its geography.
The specific detail of the Northern Lights is an incomparable bonus to the state’s natural beauty, providing a celestial spectacle above its icy landscapes. Additionally, the temperate rainforests of the Panhandle, such as those in the Tongass National Forest, offer a dense, damp beauty completely unlike its more famous Arctic regions.
Key Highlights
- Home to Denali, the highest peak in North America (20,310 feet).
- Contains over 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes.
- Features over 33,000 miles of coastline, more than all other US states combined.
Top 1. California
We rank California as the most beautiful state in the USA because it offers the greatest diversity and concentration of iconic scenery of any state. Within its borders, you can find the Pacific coastline’s rugged cliffs (Big Sur), the world’s tallest trees (Redwood National Park), the highest peak in the contiguous US (Mount Whitney), glacial-carved valleys (Yosemite), and extreme deserts (Death Valley). It is the world’s natural wonders compiled into a single state.
In Top 10 America’s view, California’s unmatched biodiversity and ecological range give it the edge over all others. The state is home to nine distinct national parks—more than any other state—and its features include everything from alpine lakes in the Sierra Nevada to volcanic features at Lassen Peak. This geographical smorgasbord makes its beauty a continuous spectrum of discovery.
The unique feature of the state’s geography is that you can drive from the lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin, Death Valley) to the contiguous US’s highest point (Mount Whitney) in a single day. The state is truly a testament to the immense power and variety of American nature, providing an endless source of inspiration.
Key Highlights
- Home to 9 National Parks, more than any other state in the USA.
- Contains both the highest (Mount Whitney) and lowest (Death Valley) points in the contiguous US.
- Features the iconic Big Sur coastline, a world-renowned scenic drive.
Conclusion
From the fiery, exposed geology of the Southwest to the glacial majesty of the Far North, the ten states detailed above represent the pinnacle of American natural scenery. Our journey through the dramatic cliffs of California, the raw wilderness of Alaska, and the canyon artistry of Utah confirms that the nation is an unmatched haven for landscape enthusiasts.
We at Top 10 America believe that true greatness is found not just in scale, but in variety and accessibility. These states embody that balance, offering both monumental landmarks and subtle, hidden gems to those willing to explore. Which of these stunning American landscapes will you explore first?
