>>2826063 (OP)>>2826083Also as far as places it depends what you're after. Do you want mountains west or west coast west? Honestly if you just want to get into the mountains go straight over to Colorado, Utah, Idaho (maybe), Wyoming, and Montana then loop back down. So many places in those 5 states alone with incredible views that are worth going to. Most of the national forests / blm will be empty or very little traffic. The national parks will be insane though since it's summer. Tetons in Wyoming for example had people overflowing from all the parking lots in late may already, but the national forests right nearby it were practically empty and just as good of views if you hike in.