Hello Sesquashtoo,
Thanks for posting your experience! I just went there in the default Baron 58, and I agree with you, the scenery is amazing. It was a very scenic and picturesque flight, I enjoyed the view from takeoff to landing! It is indeed very fun to just fly around exploring the rich scenery features there, something that I think that most of us don't usually do.
Nice strategy too, listening to AI clearances, and going to those airports. I'm sure I'm gonna discover lots of new airports and sceneries to fly around, and admire the view.
Cheers!