The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain range on the North American continent and stretch across the United States and Canada. This article focuses on the Rockies of the USA and only touches on aspects of the Rocky Mountains in Canada.
Colorado is a vibrant Western state
known for its stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes, including
majestic peaks like Pikes Peak and Longs Peak that attract
hikers, skiers, and adventurers year-round. Home to bustling
cities such as Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, it boasts
a thriving economy driven by technology, aerospace, tourism, and
energy sectors, while its high-altitude climate offers over 300
days of sunshine annually, making it a haven for outdoor
enthusiasts and craft beer lovers alike.
Idaho,
often called the Gem State, features dramatic natural beauty
ranging from the rugged Sawtooth Mountains and vast forests to
fertile agricultural valleys that produce famous Idaho potatoes.
With a growing population centered around Boise, it balances a
strong outdoor recreation scene—think whitewater rafting on the
Salmon River and world-class skiing at Sun Valley—with emerging
tech and manufacturing industries, all underpinned by a
friendly, independent spirit rooted in its pioneer heritage.
Montana, dubbed Big Sky Country,
captivates with its expansive wilderness, from Glacier National
Park’s pristine alpine lakes and grizzly bear habitats to the
rolling plains of the eastern prairies. Sparsely populated yet
rich in history, it draws visitors for Yellowstone National
Park’s geothermal wonders, legendary fly-fishing on rivers like
the Madison and Yellowstone, and a resilient ranching culture
that continues to shape its economy alongside mining, energy,
and tourism.
Wyoming, the least
populous U.S. state, embodies the spirit of the American West
with iconic sites such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National
Parks, where geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and
towering granite peaks create unparalleled scenery. Its economy
thrives on energy production, particularly coal, oil, and
natural gas, while cowboy culture, historic trails like the
Oregon Trail, and wide-open ranchlands define a lifestyle
centered on independence, rodeos, and conservation of its vast
natural resources.
1 Aspen
Aspen, Colorado, is a world-renowned mountain town
nestled in the heart of the Rockies, famous for its legendary
ski resorts like Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Buttermilk that
attract celebrities and adventure seekers alike. Beyond winter
sports, the town pulses with a vibrant cultural scene featuring
world-class art galleries, music festivals, and fine dining, all
set against a backdrop of stunning aspen groves that turn
brilliant gold in the fall. In summer, visitors flock to the
area for hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting along
the Roaring Fork River, while the historic downtown streets
lined with Victorian-era buildings offer upscale shopping and a
relaxed yet sophisticated alpine atmosphere.
2 Boise
Boise, Idaho’s capital and largest city, sits along the Boise
River at the edge of the high desert and the foothills of the
Rocky Mountains, offering a perfect blend of urban energy and
outdoor access. The city boasts a thriving downtown with a
bustling Basque Block, craft breweries, and a vibrant arts
community, while the renowned Boise River Greenbelt provides
miles of paved paths for biking, running, and enjoying scenic
views. Known for its friendly community spirit, mild four-season
climate, and proximity to world-class skiing at Bogus Basin and
endless hiking in the Boise National Forest, Boise has become
one of the fastest-growing cities in the Mountain West.
3
Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, is a progressive college town at
the base of the Flatirons, iconic red rock formations that
dominate the skyline and serve as a gateway to the Rocky
Mountains. Home to the University of Colorado, the city vibrates
with youthful energy, outdoor enthusiasm, and a strong
commitment to sustainability, evident in its pedestrian-friendly
Pearl Street Mall filled with shops, street performers, and
farm-to-table restaurants. World-class rock climbing, trail
running, and cycling routes draw athletes from around the globe,
while the city’s innovative tech scene and craft beer culture
make Boulder a dynamic place where nature and modern living
coexist seamlessly.
4 Denver
Denver, Colorado, known as
the Mile High City, serves as the vibrant urban gateway to the
Rocky Mountains with its stunning views of snow-capped peaks
just beyond the skyline. The city blends historic charm with
modern development, featuring a revitalized downtown, the lively
16th Street Mall, and world-class museums like the Denver Art
Museum. Sports fans cheer for the Broncos, Nuggets, and
Avalanche, while the city’s renowned craft beer scene and
diverse food offerings reflect its growing international
population. With easy access to skiing, hiking, and mountain
towns just an hour away, Denver perfectly balances big-city
amenities with Rocky Mountain adventure.
5 Jackson
Jackson, Wyoming, often called Jackson Hole, is a quintessential
Western mountain town sitting at the entrance to Grand Teton
National Park and near Yellowstone. The town square with its
famous antler arches captures the spirit of the Old West, while
luxury shops, galleries, and restaurants line its streets,
catering to both cowboys and high-end travelers. World-class
skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, wildlife viewing,
rafting on the Snake River, and summer rodeos make Jackson a
year-round destination where rugged wilderness meets
sophisticated hospitality.
6 Park City
Park City, Utah, is
a historic mining town turned premier mountain resort
destination, best known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival
and the 2002 Winter Olympics. Its charming Main Street is lined
with colorful Victorian buildings housing boutiques, galleries,
and acclaimed restaurants, while three major ski resorts—Park
City Mountain, Deer Valley, and Canyons—offer some of the finest
skiing and snowboarding in North America. In summer, the town
transforms into a hub for mountain biking, hiking, and hot air
ballooning, with abundant cultural events and stunning alpine
scenery that make it a favorite year-round getaway.
7 Salt
Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital, sits in a stunning
valley surrounded by the towering Wasatch Mountains, offering
unparalleled access to outdoor recreation and a rich cultural
heritage. The city is home to Temple Square, a global landmark
for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alongside a
surprisingly vibrant arts, music, and food scene that reflects
its diverse population. With world-class skiing at nearby
resorts like Alta, Snowbird, and Brighton, plus hiking and
biking trails just minutes from downtown, Salt Lake City
beautifully combines urban conveniences, natural beauty, and a
unique mountain-city lifestyle.
The attractions here are not the least bit urban. With the
exception of Denver, there are no large cities. Wyoming has a
smaller population than Alaska and prides itself on being the
least populated state in the US. Colorado is the highest
elevation state in the United States. For wildlife and
spectacular scenery in the national parks, go to Colorado. Many
of North America's most famous parks are located here, including
the geysers of Yellowstone, the glaciers of Montana, and the
moose and bighorn sheep that roam the high peaks of Rocky
Mountain National Park. Black and grizzly bears, wildcats, and
buffalo also inhabit the region.
Also of interest are the
old mining towns and cowboy frontier towns that once made up the
majority of the region's population. Many of the old gold mining
towns have been transformed into destinations for the tourist
economy, with tours leading into the old gold mines. But the
cowboy towns remain, and their way of life has not yet died out.
A good example is Leadville, Colorado. In addition, the local
culture, which includes indigenous Hispanic and American Indian
peoples, has a long and proud history in the mix.
Outdoor adventure is the main dish in the Rocky Mountains. There
are great hiking trails throughout, including valleys in the
eastern plains, canyons in the west, and alpine trails along the
spine of the Rocky Mountains. The trails are managed by the
National Park Service, State Park Service, and National Forest
and Grassland Service. Camping is widely available throughout
all wilderness areas of the Rocky Mountains. Outside of the
national parks, there are not even any regulations, and you can
drive into any national forest and pitch your tent wherever you
want. Hunting and fishing are strictly regulated by the Fish and
Wildlife Service to protect local animals from overfishing, but
these activities are widespread and there are several beautiful
areas to enjoy them.
The main attraction of the area is
the great downhill winter sports. Ski resorts such as Aspen and
Vail are among the best in the world and are moderately priced.
But there are plenty of other options that are more affordable
and still great. The ski season in the Rockies begins early in
late fall and extends into late spring. The snow quality is
excellent and the weather is usually warm and surprising.
Although sporting events are not as prominent as in other
parts of the country (due to the lack of large cities), Denver
has a vibrant sports culture and a great football team, the
Denver Broncos. If you're interested in the cowboy culture of
the Rocky Mountains, look for rodeos. The tourism is not half
bad, especially if you get away from the ski resorts and the
largest national parks.
By Airplane.
Denver International Airport (DEN IATA) is one of the
major hubs in North America, serving as a hub for Frontier Airlines,
Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Domestic flights to other major
cities in the region, such as Cheyenne, Boise, Billings, and Jackson,
can be easily found from the American hub.
By Train.
Amtrak
operates two daily trains on routes through the Rocky Mountains.
Although trains are more expensive than airplanes and only marginally
faster than buses, these routes offer breathtaking views not found
elsewhere, as well as extra legroom and the ability to sleep in a
couchette. For areas with no or little other transportation options,
trains also serve as an important link to the outside world.
California Zephyr Operating between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay
Area, this line is perhaps Amtrak's most scenic, showcasing a variety of
American landscapes. It stops in Denver, the ski resort of Glenwood
Springs (near Aspen), and other smaller communities.
Empire Builder
Running between Chicago and Seattle/Portland, this train runs through
the northernmost part of Montana, stopping in several small communities.
The most famous are Whitefish and Glacier National Parks, popular ski
and outdoor destinations.
By Car.
Route 25 is the main
north-south highway leading out of New Mexico, while I-70, I-80, and
I-90/94 are the main east-west highways. Note that the passes are
sometimes closed in winter due to bad weather (snow), especially on
I-70. There are bus routes around Greyhound, but the distances are so
long that it is often cheaper to fly than to pay for gas and bus fare.
Getting around the Rocky Mountains can be a challenge. In winter,
mountain passes are icy, and many roads are dangerous if not impassable
under heavy snow. In addition, the higher elevations mean that more
gasoline is consumed per mile. Flying is often a very good option in
winter, as the Denver airport offers direct flights to ski resorts deep
in the mountains and to almost every city in the region.
In the
warmer months, however, driving is a wonderful way to explore the
region. Some of the country's most spectacular drives are in the high
mountains and endless wilderness. And because there is not much public
transportation in this vast, sparsely populated region, driving is
sometimes the only way to reach remote destinations.
The region
grew up around the railroad, but today rail travel is even less common
than in other parts of the United States. Nevertheless, the Denver area
has a decent commuter rail/light rail system, and during the ski season
the Winter Park Express runs to the slopes of Winter Park, Colorado.
Where can you find good dining in the Rocky Mountains? Given the vastness of the region, fine dining is generally found in urban areas like Denver, college towns like Laramie and Boulder, upscale, well-established lodges in the most popular national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and terminal destinations like Jackson Hole, Aspen, Telluride and Vail are concentrated in ski resorts in the Fast food, chain restaurants, diners, and bars and grills are the norm in most of the Rocky Mountains. In the countryside, burgers and steaks are the norm, but limited to small, unique restaurants. However, elk and bison are also available.
Drinking, on the other hand, is a traditional Rocky Mountain activity and is often consumed. Colorado in particular has a very large number of microbreweries, and there is no shortage of good microbrews throughout the region. Liquor laws are much more lax than in other parts of the country (in general, there are fewer laws in this region), and you can buy beer at the drive-through counter!
While it is unlikely that you will be the victim of crime in the
Rocky Mountains, you must be vigilant about your safety in the
wilderness. Do not get too close to buffalo. Buffalo will attack your
car if provoked (a bull can smash a car in two if it wants to). Food
should be kept out of mothproof containers and out of reach, and food in
bear bags should be hung far enough away from the tent so nosy bears
don't check both in the same outing.
Winter cold is a most deadly
force. Always research conditions in advance and be well prepared. Many
people lose their lives every year in avalanches. Lightning is the most
common cause of death at high altitudes, and weather conditions at high
altitudes can change within 10 minutes.
If you are going to be
hiking for a few days, be sure to register with the local parks
department. That way they will know you are there and how they can
rescue you should you need help.
Respect private property. If
there is a no trespassing sign, it means it is off-limits. Many rural
residents are usually friendly to outsiders, but they carry firearms and
are not comfortable with unwelcome people trespassing on their land.
Huge mountains had already formed in North America 600-750 million
years ago, but they were almost completely eroded again in the following
400 million years. Only a few rock masses in the south still come from
that past time.
Today's Rocky Mountains were largely formed
during what geologists call the Laramic orogeny, which began about 70
million years ago and ended about 30-40 million years ago. After the
mountains were about as high as the Himalayas are today, parts of
Northwest America began to stretch and large parts of the crust in the
Southwest of the mountain plateau underwent a strong stretching process,
breaking them up into mountain ranges, plateaus and valleys. This area
is now referred to as the Basin and Range Province and includes the
Great Basin Desert and adjacent regions.
Between the late
Pleistocene and the Holocene (70,000-11,000 years ago) the Rocky
Mountains were largely glaciated.
The Rocky Mountains consist
mostly of metamorphic and igneous rock. Younger sedimentary rocks are
also found on the margins of the southern Rocky Mountains, and Tertiary
volcanic rocks are sometimes found in the San Juan Mountains and other
areas.
The width (east-west extent) of the mountain ranges varies
greatly. The Rocky Mountains in the US state of Colorado are the widest
at 500–600 km. From the Yellowstone area to the north, they split into
several mountain ranges, some with narrow widths of 50 to 120 km.
On average, the Rocky Mountains are 2000-3000 meters high. The
highest mountains in the Rocky Mountains are found in the area of the US
state of Colorado and its direct neighbors, where there are many peaks
over 4000 m. From Glacier National Park to the north, the peaks are
increasingly glaciated. Also in the northern half there are partially
extensive plateaus - the largest is the Great Divide Basin - which are
bounded by parallel mountain ranges. In the southern part, the mountain
forms mostly show more rounded erosion forms.
In the Yellowstone
National Park area, the earth's crust is sometimes very thin and
interspersed with magma. Thousands of volcanic objects such as geysers
and hot springs can be found there.
Westerly winds often prevail in the Rocky Mountains, driving clouds
up from the Pacific and causing them to accumulate and rain down. This
has resulted in above-average rainfall for the Pacific coast and drought
for the Great Plains beyond. The weather in the Rocky Mountains
themselves is accordingly mostly cloudy. An exception is the Yellowstone
area, where there can be weeks of fine weather.
The climate of
the Rocky Mountains is typical of the highlands. The average temperature
is around 6 °C. July is the hottest month at 28 °C, while January is the
coldest at −14 °C. The annual precipitation is estimated at 36 cm.
Summers in the Rocky Mountains are warm and dry with 15 °C and 15 cm
of precipitation. In July there are thunderstorms for an average of 18
hours. Especially in August, thunderstorms often lead to forest fires.
Winter, on the other hand, is very cold and wet, with −2 °C and 29
cm of precipitation. Snow layers of five to six meters are not uncommon;
in the north they can even be 15-18 meters. However, warm air masses
sometimes penetrate inland from the Pacific in winter. This wind is
called the Chinook and can cause sudden increases in temperature of 20
to 25°C.
For several years, forest dieback has been taking on alarming
proportions throughout the Rocky Mountains. The reason for this is a
massive increase in pests that benefit from the milder climate.
Coniferous trees, which are attacked by the mountain pine beetle, are
particularly affected. Although this does not kill the trees, it does
introduce a fungus that prevents the transport of water upwards, so that
the trees dry up. In the case of felled trees, the dark tissue areas
destroyed by the fungus can be clearly seen between the light-colored
heartwood and the bark. In the Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado),
the dead trees have already been removed from the campsites for safety
reasons, so that pioneer plants (fireweed, thistles, but also real wild
roses) are spreading there. This attracts z. B. moose and wapiti in the
immediate vicinity of the tourists.
Because of the huge areas and
the known dangers of pesticides on the ecosystem, no countermeasures are
currently being taken.
The vegetation of the Rocky Mountains can be divided into several
altitude levels. Except in the boreal reaches of Canada, where the
spruce-dominated northern plains coniferous forests give way to montane
forests of spruce and pine, the large expanses of lower montane areas of
the Rockies are generally covered with pine forests. Spruce and fir
species characterize the narrower areas up to the tree line.
Elevations of the Southern Rocky Mountains
The first two stages are
characterized by sandy soils and precipitation of around 500 mm. There
are hardly any dense forests, instead there are isolated trees with
strong undergrowth. The lowest mountain forest level at 1500-2200 m is
dominated by various juniper (Utah and one-seeded juniper) and pine
species (Colorado fir, coastal pine), the montane level up to 2700 m by
yellow pine and Gambel oak. Between 1800 and 2400 m one often encounters
rocky mountain larches.
From the third stage (2700–3200 m) the
mountain forest becomes denser and the undergrowth decreases. Therefore,
the northern, higher Rocky Mountains are much more densely forested than
the southern ones, which are often overgrown with grass to the top. The
rainfall at this level is about half that at the bottom two. Douglas
fir, American aspen and Colorado fir are common here.
The
subalpine zone extends to the tree line at about 3800 m. The trees there
grow less tall and the forests are spreading. The most common tree
species at this stage are the Engelmann, blue and white spruce, Scots
fir and Nevada stone pine and bristlecone pine.
On the last
vegetation level, the alpine tundra, small plants such as shrubs,
bushes, flowers and grasses grow. Among the woody plants, shrubby willow
species (e.g. arctic willows) are particularly well represented. The
perennials are dominated by the buttercup family (Ranunculus adoneus),
occupational herbs (Erigeron simplex), borage family (Eritrichum
aretioides) and succulent family (Rhodiola integrifolia); in the case of
the grasses, meadow grass and grass hair tress.
Geological Formation: Ancient Origins and Mountain-Building Events
The Rockies' story begins in the Precambrian Era, over 1.7 billion years
ago. Metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss formed from intense heat
and pressure on ancient sea sediments. Around 1.6 billion years ago,
magma intrusions created igneous rocks, such as the Boulder Creek
Batholith in what is now Rocky Mountain National Park.
During the
Paleozoic Era (about 544–245 million years ago), inland seas deposited
layers of sandstone and limestone. Around 300–285 million years ago, the
Ancestral Rocky Mountains rose during the Pennsylvanian period—likely
due to continental collisions involving Africa and North America. These
earlier mountains were smaller (up to ~2,000 feet high) and eroded over
time, leaving sedimentary deposits that later contributed to the modern
range.
The Laramide Orogeny (80–55 million years ago) created the
current Rockies. This involved flat-slab subduction where oceanic plates
slid under the North American plate at a shallow angle, causing broad
uplift far inland. Volcanism, ash falls, and mudflows followed, adding
igneous rocks (e.g., in Colorado's Never Summer Range). Subsequent
uplift and erosion in the Tertiary period exposed ancient basement rocks
and sculpted the range to its present heights.
Glaciation during the
Pleistocene (last ~2.6 million to 11,000 years ago) profoundly shaped
the landscape. Two major periods—the Bull Lake (300,000–127,000 years
ago) and Pinedale (30,000–12,000 years ago)—carved U-shaped valleys,
cirques, moraines, and alpine lakes. Glaciers polished rocks, created
steep walls, and deposited debris, leaving features like those in Rocky
Mountain National Park (e.g., Glacier Gorge, Moraine Park).
Erosion
by water, frost, and streams continues to wear down the peaks today.
Indigenous Peoples: Thousands of Years of Stewardship
Humans
entered the region at the end of the last Ice Age, around 10,000–12,000
years ago (or possibly earlier). Paleo-Indians, including Clovis and
Folsom cultures, hunted megafauna like mammoths using spear points found
along trails. Archaic peoples followed, adapting to post-glacial
environments.
Diverse tribes inhabited or traversed the Rockies
seasonally:
Ute (Nuuchiu): Oldest continuous residents in
Colorado, using high elevations in summer and plains in winter for
hunting, gathering, and spiritual practices.
Arapaho (Hinono’ei) and
Cheyenne (Tsistsistas): Migrated into the area later (Arapaho around
1790), using valleys for hunting.
Other groups: Eastern Shoshone,
Comanche, Kiowa, Blackfoot, Crow, Nez Perce, Flathead, and more,
depending on the region. Northern tribes included Shuswap, Kutenai, and
Coeur d’Alene.
These peoples developed sophisticated knowledge of
the land, using it for hunting (elk, deer, bighorn sheep), plant
gathering, trade, and ceremonies. They left artifacts, rock art, and
oral traditions. The mountains held deep cultural and spiritual
significance.
European Exploration and Early Contact (16th–Early
19th Centuries)
Spanish explorers entered the southern Rockies in the
16th century, but systematic incursions grew in the 18th–19th centuries.
French fur trappers operated in the region. The 1803 Louisiana Purchase
brought much of the area under U.S. control.
The Lewis and Clark
Expedition (1804–1806) was pivotal. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
crossed the Continental Divide (e.g., at Lemhi Pass in 1805), navigated
the Bitterroot Mountains with Shoshone help (horses and guidance from
Sacagawea’s people), and mapped the Rockies' complexity—revealing they
were not a single chain but a series of ranges. This opened the West to
American interest.
Other explorers included Sir Alexander Mackenzie
(earlier, in Canada) and Stephen H. Long (1820). Fur trappers ("mountain
men") like Jedediah Smith exploited beaver populations in the
1820s–1830s.
Settlement, Mining Booms, and Economic Development
(Mid-19th to Early 20th Centuries)
The Pike’s Peak Gold Rush
(1858–1859) transformed Colorado and surrounding areas. Thousands of
miners flooded in, sparking settlements and conflicts. Boom towns like
Lulu City (in what is now Rocky Mountain National Park) sprang up for
gold and silver but often faded quickly by the 1880s.
Railroads
(e.g., reaching Lyons, CO, in 1881) and roads improved access.
Homesteaders, ranchers, and loggers followed, though harsh winters
limited agriculture. Water became a key resource; projects like the
Grand Ditch diverted Colorado River headwaters for eastern plains
irrigation.
This era brought massive disruption to Indigenous
communities. Treaties (e.g., Fort Laramie 1851, Fort Wise 1861) were
broken as gold seekers encroached. By the 1880s, Arapaho were removed to
reservations in Wyoming/Oklahoma, and Ute to southwestern Colorado/Utah.
Conflicts, disease, and land loss drastically reduced tribal presence.
Conservation and Modern Era (Late 19th Century–Present)
By the
late 1800s, overexploitation (mining, logging, overhunting) prompted a
conservation movement led by figures like John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt,
and local advocate Enos Mills (naturalist, guide, and lodge owner). The
Estes Park Protective and Improvement Association pushed for protection.
Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, by
President Woodrow Wilson—the 10th U.S. national park. Trail Ridge Road
(built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the New
Deal) became a major attraction, making the park accessible by car.
The 20th century saw tourism boom, with lodges, visitor centers (e.g.,
during Mission 66), and infrastructure. The park and broader Rockies
gained protections like UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status (1976).
Challenges include balancing recreation, wildlife management (e.g., elk
populations), wildfire, climate change impacts on glaciers and
ecosystems, and external pressures like oil/gas development.
Today,
the Rockies support tourism, skiing, biodiversity, water resources, and
some resource extraction, while Indigenous tribes maintain cultural
connections. National parks, forests, and wilderness areas preserve vast
swaths for future generations.
Mining and tourism are the main industries in the Rocky Mountains.
There is also livestock, forestry and some agriculture.
Mining
Valuable minerals such as lead, gold, copper, molybdenum, silver,
tungsten and zinc have been found in the Rocky Mountains. The plateaus
in between also contain coal, natural gas, petroleum and oil shale.
The Climax mine near Leadville, Colorado was the world's largest
producer of molybdenum for over 100 years (1879-1986). Molybdenum is
used as an alloying element for heat-resistant steel, for example in
turbines and power plants. The mine at Climax once employed over 3000
workers. The Coeur d'Alene mine in northern Idaho produces silver, lead
and zinc. Canada's largest coal mine is in the Crowsnest Coal Field near
Sparwood and Elkford in British Columbia, and there are also coal mines
near Hinton in Alberta.
In many places in the Rocky Mountains,
the exploitation of mineral resources led to contaminated and polluted
water and soil.
Tourism
With an average of four people per
square kilometer, the population density of the Rocky Mountains is quite
low and there are few cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants.
Nevertheless, the mountains are a popular holiday destination for people
who either want to enjoy the scenery or want to do sports. Millions of
tourists travel to the Rocky Mountains every year. In summer, the most
popular attractions in the US are Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge, Rocky
Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National
Park and Glacier National Park and in Canada Waterton Lakes National
Park, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park,
Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier
National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park. Mount Revelstoke
National Park and Glacier National Park lie west of the actual Rocky
Mountains in the Columbia Mountains, separated by the wide Rocky
Mountain Trench through which the Columbia River flows. In winter, on
the other hand, skiing is the main attraction. The main ski areas are
Aspen, Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain in Colorado;
Alta, Park City and Snowbird in Utah; Sun Valley in Idaho; Whitefish
Mountain Resort (formerly Big Mountain) and Big Sky in Montana; Lake
Louise and Sunshine Village in Alberta, and Fernie and Whistler in
British Columbia.