Denali State Park, Alaska

If you’re a mountain-lover, you’re going to adore Denali State Park (not to be confused with its larger and more well-known national park neighbor, Denali National Park and Preserve)—this state park packs an impressive punch full of scenery. While you won’t have access to the former Mt. McKinley, the views from the park are pretty damn excellent. Climbing North America’s tallest peak (20,320’) is a noble goal; gazing at it from afar is much less strenuous. That doesn’t mean you can’t break a sweat here, though! There are tons of outdoor recreation opportunities for nature- and adventure-lovers, ranging from roadside camping to deep, backcountry exploration. Just be sure your camera is charged and your memory card is empty—trust us, you’ll be snapping pics like crazy.