Rocky Mountains Overview

Created by immense tectonic forces some 65 million years ago, the Rockies mark a vast wrinkle in the North American continent. Sculpted by eons of wind, water, and glaciers, their weathered peaks extend some 3000 mi. from northern Alberta (in Canada) down to New Mexico, soaring to altitudes exceeding two miles at some points. The highest peaks of the Rockies are accessible only to veteran mountain climbers and wildlife adapted for scant air and deep snow. Although the Rocky Mountain area supports less than 5% of the US population, each year millions flock to its spectacular parks, forests, and ski resorts, while extreme hikers follow the length of the Continental Divide. Nestled in valleys or springing from the surrounding plains, the region’s mountain villages and cowboy towns welcome travelers year-round.

Hike along the Gunnison Route through the Black Canyon or geyser-side paths in Yellowstone National Park .
Crawl through ancient Puebloan dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park .
Peek at marmots and majestic elk in Rocky Mountain National Park .
Careen down the ski slopes in Sawtooth , Vail , or Jackson .
Cruise the unforgettable Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park .

Colorado

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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.