Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a broad mountain range in western North America. The Rocky Mountains stretch more than 3000 miles (4800 km) from British Columbia to New Mexico, extending through Canada and much of the breadth of the contiguous United States. The highest peak is Mount Elbert, in Colorado, which is 14,440 feet (4401 m) above sea level. Mount Robson (12,972 feet/3954 m) is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountain System is a United States physiographic region.

Tourism

Every year the scenic areas and recreational opportunities of the Rocky Mountains draw millions of tourists. The main language of the Rocky Mountains is English.

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People from all over the world visit the sites to hike, camp, or engage in mountain sports. In the summer, main tourist attractions are

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• Pikes Peak
• Royal Gorge
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Glacier National Park (U.S.)

Canadian National Parks in the mountain range are

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• Banff National Park
• Glacier National Park (Canada)
• Jasper National Park
• Kootenay National Park
• Mount Revelstoke National Park
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Yoho National Park

Glacier National Park (U.S.) and Waterton Lakes National Park border each other on the U.S./Canadian border and collectively are known as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. (See also International Peace Park.)

Related Topics:
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park - International Peace Park

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In the winter, skiing is the main attraction. The major ski resorts are:

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• Colorado:
• Aspen
• Vail
• Keystone
• Breckenridge
• Utah:
• Alta
• Snowbird
• Park City (Host of the 2002 Winter Olympics)
• Sun Valley, Idaho
• Montana:
• Big Mountain
• Big Sky
• Alberta:
• Lake Louise
• Sunshine Village
• Fernie, British Columbia

The adjacent Columbia Mountains in British Columbia and Idaho contain major resorts such as Schweitzer, Panorama and Kicking Horse.

Related Topics:
Columbia Mountains - Schweitzer - Panorama - Kicking Horse

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See also: List of U.S. Rocky Mountain ski resorts, List of Alberta ski resorts, List of B.C. ski resorts

Related Topics:
List of U.S. Rocky Mountain ski resorts - List of Alberta ski resorts - List of B.C. ski resorts

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