Where can I vacation in the USA with great hiking and mountains????

Hi everyone! I’m an avid hiker and I’ve done a lot of hiking around the midwest. But, I haven’t done much sight seeing anywhere else.

I have a flexible work schedule and I can take time off whenever I want (I’m super lucky). I’d like to take 4-5 days off to go sight seeing somewhere. But, where should I go??

My plan is to hop on a plane, buy a tent when I land, take a bus out to the campsite, then when I’m done I’ll donate the new tent to a local goodwill (if I can’t bring it on the plane). I’m hoping this would save me some money in hotel stays, though I know the price of paying for camping fees are still a factor. At the very least it just sounds like a fun idea and I’ll be doing some camping trips around where I live by myself to get comfortable with the idea.

But first, where should I go???????

If I’m going to fly all the way out somewhere, I would love for it to be other wordly. Any ideas?

I’d love to see some big ass mountains if possible! 🙂 I’d also be great to go swimming if there’s any rivers or lakes.