Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain chain in western North America running for several thousand kilometres from the southwestern United States into western Canada. They form a continental backbone with high peaks, deep valleys and extensive alpine terrain.

Key visitor attractions include large national parks such as Banff and Jasper in Canada and several U.S. parks and forest areas, with activities ranging from multi-day backpacking routes to alpine skiing. Many peaks exceed 3,000 metres and the highest named summit in the contiguous United States is about 4,401 metres above sea level.

The range is also hydrologically important, containing headwaters for rivers that flow to both the Atlantic and Pacific basins and creating distinct climatic zones on its flanks. Road corridors and scenic byways cross the mountains at passes and provide access to trailheads and lakes.

Formed primarily during the Laramide orogeny between about 80 and 55 million years ago, the range has been sculpted by subsequent glaciation that created the present-day valleys and cirques. Human use has included indigenous inhabitance, mineral exploration, and the creation of national parks from the late 19th century onwards.

Geographically the Rockies run roughly northwest-southeast across several U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with the range’s core spanning from New Mexico and Colorado north through Wyoming, Montana and into Alberta and British Columbia.

• Extent: The range extends roughly 4,800 kilometres from northern New Mexico in the United States into western Canada, forming a major continental divide.
• Protected parks: Contains several major national parks and protected areas that are focal points for hiking, wildlife viewing and winter sports throughout the year.

What to See #

• Canadian Rockies: The Canadian portion includes the national parks of Banff and Jasper, with jagged peaks carved by glaciation and extensive alpine lakes.
• Colorado and U.S. Rockies: The range in the United States that encompasses high peaks, major national parks and the headwaters of several large rivers feeding the interior plains.
• Mount Elbert: The highest peak in the range within the contiguous United States, rising to about 4,401 metres and located in the Colorado Rockies.