The Rocky Mountains are a broad mountain range in western North America. The range's northernmost point is in British Columbia, Canada, and its southernmost point is in New Mexico. The Rockies are significantly larger than the United States's other major mountain range, the Appalachians, as it is much younger, geologically speaking.
Rocky Mountain History
Though inhabited for thousands of years by Paleo Indians and then Native American tribes, Western explorers started investigating the ranges beginning in the 16th century. Spanish explorers came from the south and east, and French fur traders came to it from the west across the Great Plains.
"Mountain men" explored the region further in the 18th and 19th centuries, looking for furs and mineral deposits. Those crossing to the west of the continent via the Oregon Trail in the mid 1800s had to cross the formidable Rockies.
Today, tourists and outdoors people explore for fun what the early settlers had to conquer through force of will and luck. Skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, and water rafting are enjoyed along the entire 3000 mile range.
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Rocky Mountains Travel
- Mahalo's guide to Colorado | Colorado Outdoors | Montana | Montana Outdoors | Wyoming | Wyoming Outdoors | Utah | Utah Outdoors | Idaho | Idaho Outdoors | New Mexico | New Mexico Outdoors | British Columbia | Alberta
References
Fast Facts
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Called the Rockies for shortPeakbagger.com: Rocky Mountains
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January is the coldest month in the RockiesBlue Planet Biomes: Rocky Mountains
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Weather can change quickly on the mountains, so be preparedBlue Planet Biomes: Rocky Mountains
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