Why I Chase Mountain Views — How Escaping Into the Mountains Helps Me Reset, Reflect, and Reconnect With What Matters
As someone who spends most of my days buried in code and systems, nature is my way of pressing reset. There’s something about mountains that pulls me in every time. Their silence, size, and stillness remind me just how vast the world is—and how small my worries actually are.
So, I packed my bag, cleared my schedule, and set out to chase some of the most awe-inspiring mountain views across the United States. Here’s what I discovered along the way.
Glacier Point – Yosemite National Park, California
Getting There
I started from Fresno and drove through the Sierra Nevada until Yosemite Valley opened up before me. From there, the road climbed toward Glacier Point—a scenic route that doesn’t require hiking unless you’re up for the Four-Mile Trail.
What I Saw
Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the entire valley stretched out below in a sweeping panorama. At sunset, the granite cliffs turned orange, glowing like embers in the fading light. The quiet was so deep it felt sacred.
My Best Moment
Watching the sun sink behind Half Dome while a few hikers nearby swapped stories in hushed tones. For a brief moment, it felt like we all belonged to something ancient.
Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Getting There
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., and I could feel every bit of that elevation as I drove up from Estes Park through alpine tundra to over 12,000 feet.
What I Saw
Snow-capped peaks, wide valleys, and a surprising amount of wildlife—elk, marmots, even a distant bear. The air was thin, but the views were endlessly rich.
My Best Moment
Pulling over at a viewpoint and sitting quietly as clouds rolled over the peaks like waves. It was the closest I’ve ever felt to flying.
Clingmans Dome – Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
Getting There
From Gatlinburg, it was a short drive to the parking area, followed by a steep half-mile walk up to the observation tower.
What I Saw
The Smokies stretched endlessly in every direction, often cloaked in mist. On clear days, you can see as far as 100 miles across seven states—but I caught it just after a rainstorm.
My Best Moment
As the mist lifted, the forest below turned into a living ocean of green. It was haunting and beautiful all at once—a sight that lingered with me long after I left.
Mount Rainier – Washington State
Getting There
I entered through the Paradise gate and took the Skyline Trail—a moderately challenging hike that pays you back tenfold.
What I Saw
Wildflower meadows, massive glaciers, and the commanding silhouette of Rainier itself. Every step felt like walking through a living postcard.
My Best Moment
Standing on a ridge with marmots nearby, I looked up at the icy summit and couldn’t help but smile. Nature was showing off—and I was lucky enough to be in the front row.
What These Mountains Gave Me
Beyond the breathtaking views, these mountains gave me something deeper: clarity. They reminded me to slow down, breathe, and be fully present. Each one had its own rhythm, its own voice—and for a moment, I got to be part of their story.
Tips for Fellow Mountain Seekers
- Check the weather: Conditions can shift fast up there.
- Start early: Sunrise paints the mountains in ways sunset never can.
- Pack layers: Even summer days can turn chilly at altitude.
- Respect nature: Stay on trails, leave no trace, and treat wildlife kindly.