Rocky Mountains, famously known as Rockies and is on bucket list of most hikes. You wont be wrong in thinking they are in Colorado, as out of the 100 highest major peaks of the Rockies, 78 (including the 30 highest) are in Colorado but they stretch most of North America. It is a year round destination with miles of trails and ski resorts.
Rockies are the second longest mountain range in the world after Andes.
Key details
Location on Map:
Countries: US & Canada
Length: 4,828 km (3,000 mi)
Area: 991,690 km2 (382,894 sq mi)
Compare key features with other mountain ranges here.
Elevation
The highest point is Mount Elbert at 4401 m (14,440 ft). Below chart displays the relative elevation of Rockies compared to Himalayas, Andes and Alps.
One can visualize elevation differences with other ranges with this tool.
Highest peaks in Rocky mountains
| Name | Elevation m (ft) | Prominence m (ft) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Elbert | 4401 (14,440) | 2772 (9,093) | USA |
| Mount Massive | 4398 (14,429) | 2772 (9,093) | USA |
| Mount Harvard | 4395 (14,421) | 719 (2,360) | USA |
Subranges
Teton Range
They make most of the Grand Teton National park in Wyoming, US. Unlike most mountain ranges, the Tetons are ride steeply from the valley floor with no foothills making for a spectacular view. Tetons are among the youngest range in the world.
Highest peaks in the Teton
| Name | Elevation m (ft) | Prominence m (ft) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Teton | 4,199 (13,775) | 1,990 (6,530) | US |
| Mount Owen | 3,940 (12,928) | 210 (688) | US |
| Middle Teton | 3,903 (12,804) | 343 (1,124) | US |
There maybe other sub ranges that are not listed here.
Cities
Denver, Colorado (USA): Known as the “Mile-High City,” Denver is a major hub and gateway to the Rocky Mountains, offering convenient access to various parts of the range.
Salt Lake City, Utah (USA): Situated to the west of the Rockies, Salt Lake City provides access to the northern and central regions of the Rocky Mountains.
Calgary, Alberta (Canada): Located to the north of the Rockies, Calgary serves as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies, offering access to stunning national parks.
Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA): Positioned to the south, Albuquerque provides access to the southern stretches of the Rocky Mountains.
Bozeman, Montana (USA): A city located near Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman serves as a gateway to the Northern Rocky Mountains.
Jackson, Wyoming (USA): Nestled in the valley between the Teton Range and the Gros Ventre Range, Jackson is an excellent starting point for exploring the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming.
Banff, Alberta (Canada): A charming town within Banff National Park, Banff is a gateway to the Canadian Rockies.