The Rocky Mountains, commonly known as the Rockies, stretch more than 3,000 miles from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico in the southwestern United States. This vast mountain range encompasses numerous peaks, valleys, and plateaus, making it one of the most extensive mountain systems in North America.
The Rockies are part of the larger North American Cordillera, which also includes other mountain ranges like the Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, and the Coast Mountains. The range's highest peak, Mount Elbert in Colorado, stands at 14,440 feet (4,401 meters). Other notable peaks include Pikes Peak and Mount Evans.
The geological history of the Rockies dates back to the Paleozoic Era, with significant uplift occurring during the Laramide Orogeny which began about 80 million years ago. This orogeny not only uplifted the mountains but also shaped much of the current topography through folding, faulting, and erosion.
Due to their altitude, the Rockies have a climate that varies significantly with elevation. Higher elevations experience alpine conditions with harsh winters, while lower elevations can have more temperate climates. The mountains create a rain shadow effect, leading to arid conditions on the eastern side, which contributes to the formation of the Great Plains.
The Rocky Mountains are home to diverse ecosystems from montane forests to alpine tundra. Wildlife includes species such as the Grizzly Bear, American Bison, Mountain Lion, and various species of deer, elk, and moose. The region also supports a rich variety of birdlife, including the iconic Bald Eagle.
Indigenous peoples have lived in the Rockies for thousands of years, with tribes like the Ute, Shoshone, and Blackfoot Confederacy having deep cultural and historical ties to the land. European exploration began in the 18th century, with fur trading and later gold and silver mining driving settlement. The Transcontinental Railroad in the 19th century played a crucial role in opening up the region for further development.
Today, the Rockies are a significant area for conservation, recreation, and tourism. National parks like Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Banff National Park preserve vast tracts of wilderness. Activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and camping are popular, drawing millions of visitors each year.