Prime Locations to Explore in the Mountain West

The Mountain West is a region of the U.S. defined by its stunning setting. Not only does this area boast abundant breathtaking natural settings, including its high, jagged mountains, but also found here are some of the best outdoor recreational activities in the world. In recent years, this factor has played a significant role in drawing new residents to the region. As the Mountain West continues to be a popular relocation option, new residents will find many locations that are ideally situated to take advantage of all that this area has to offer. Let’s look at some of these prime locations.

Park City is known for its exquisite mountain setting and is one of the premier ski destinations in the country. Every winter, people come from far and wide to enjoy its world-famous resorts, including the Park City Mountain Resort. This unique community also boasts incredible hiking options in the summer and a bustling, quaint downtown lined with historic buildings and delicious dining options.

Heber City is a gorgeous small town of 17,000. Surrounded by mountains, it is an all-season hub for outdoor fun. In the winter, the many surrounding ski resorts are filled with tourists and locals. In the summer, Heber City is popular among golfers and hikers. It is located between Sundance Mountain Resort and Park City Mountain Resort and is just a short drive from Salt Lake City, so many of Utah’s best attractions and big city amenities are within reach. 

Salt Lake City, Utah’s biggest city, is set at the foot of some of the state’s famed peaks. This scenic metropolis has everything, from a busy downtown with excellent shopping and dining to unmatched outdoor recreation. Its proximity to numerous world-class ski resorts was a significant factor in the decision to have Salt Lake City host the 2002 Winter Olympics. It also has many offices of notable companies in its downtown, and all the amenities of a major metropolis, such as farmer’s markets and entertainment destinations, including the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.

Donnelly is an intriguing option for those seeking a quiet, small-town home in the Mountain West. This tiny city lies along the shores of Lake Cascade near the Boise National Forest, making it a hotspot for fishing, boating, and camping. Main Street in Donnelly’s charming downtown area includes several appealing local businesses.

Coeur d’Alene is one of Idaho’s more popular tourist hotspots due to its range of outdoor activities. Located along the Canfield Mountain Natural Area and Coeur d’Alene National Forest, and situated on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this city is popular for boating and camping. It is a city that offers beaches, mountain trails, and lush forests to explore. Its bustling downtown is situated along the water and includes more than 100 trendy boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment hotspots. Coeur d’Alene is also just a short drive from Post Falls—Idaho’s River City—and is less than an hour from Spokane, Washington.

Hamilton is a small, scenic Montana town south of Missoula. It is near another small, picturesque community, Corvallis, both in the Bitterroot Valley. Hamilton is a central location for many farmers and agriculture workers, so fresh food is abundant. It has terrific golf courses and breweries nearby and is only a short drive from the Bitterroot Mountains, an idyllic area for hiking and outdoor fun. Hamilton’s downtown has a gorgeous mountain backdrop and is lined with local businesses.

Frenchtown is a peaceful community in Montana that is a suburb of Missoula. It has a small population and is steeped in the magnificent surroundings that define the state. Frenchtown is located along the Clark Fork River and houses Frenchtown State Park, which includes a large spring-fed lake, making it popular for fishing, boating, swimming, and sunbathing. There is easy access to Missoula, so members of this small community can enjoy the perks of big city living with just a quick drive.