America is a land of great natural beauty, but it is also a place of extremes - a sprawling expanse of battered, violent coasts, searing red rock deserts and some of the wildest and most dangerous high country on the planet. This region is one of the most extreme. After all, it took over a billion years of geologic upheaval to create the Rocky Mountains.
Must-See List
- First stop: Pike's Peak on the Colorado side. It has a reputation for unpredictable weather, but those brave enough to hike the 13-mile Barr Trail will feast their eyes on the breathtaking landscape that inspired the song, "America the Beautiful." Don't worry, you can also bike, drive or take a train to the top.
- A visit to the Rockies isn't complete without a stop at Glacier National Park. Located 1,000 miles north of Colorado's Pike's Peak in Northwest Montana, Glacier boasts some of the cleanest air and water in the world. The glaciers in the park have not fared as well. In 1910 there were over 150 glaciers in the park, but today, mostly due to greenhouse gases, that number is below 30.
- A must-stay is the Glacier Park Lodge. Huge Douglas-fir pillars soaring over 50 feet support the cavernous lobby that welcomes visitors.
- See the famous Rio Grande. This mighty river is born high in the San Juan Mountains of Southern Colorado. Be sure to stop by the town of Creede, Colorado, where the Old West can still be felt.
- The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is a moving museum that starts in the small town of Chama, New Mexico, and runs 64 miles to Antonito, Colorado. This trip back in time shows how Americans traveled over a hundred years ago. It also offers great views of the stunning landscape and soaring aspen pine trees.
- Yellowstone National Park is part of the Rocky Mountains and is the world's original National Park, marking the first time in history a people set aside wild country to protect it forever. Today Yellowstone is known as one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. Click here to learn more about places to visit in Yellowstone.
