The Rocky Mountains are known across the world as a hub for hiking, skiing, biking, climbing, and many other outdoor activities. But how much do you actually know about the region’s physical geography? FactSpark broke down the fascinating geography of these iconic mountains.
Physical Geography
The Rocky Mountains, part of the American Cordillera, stretch from New Mexico to Canada’s Alberta and British Columbia, spanning over 2980 miles. This vast range, comprising over 100 smaller ranges, features peaks rising 6,500–14,400 feet above surrounding landscapes. The Rockies’ width varies, narrowing to 60 miles in British Columbia’s Rocky Mountain Trench and expanding to 370 miles in Wyoming and Utah. Bordered by the Interior Plains, the range is full of diverse geological features, with many areas serving as prime destinations for mountaineering and outdoor activities.
Inside the Rocky Mountains
The Canadian Rockies, sitting between the Canadian Prairie and Rocky Mountain Trench, birth major rivers like the Columbia and Fraser. Banff, a resort town, attracts 4 million tourists annually to its five national parks for skiing, hiking, and exploring glaciers. Southward, Yellowstone National Park captivates with its volcanic features, including 62% of global geysers and hot springs, driven by a massive magma plume. Colorado and Utah host 53 peaks over 4,200 meters, challenging mountaineers. The Rockies, from New Mexico to British Columbia, offer diverse landscapes, attracting outdoor and winter sports fans.
The Continental Divide
The Continental Divide, running through the Rocky Mountains’ tallest peaks, separates North America’s watersheds and directs rain to the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. Exceptions include endorheic basins where water evaporates and unique sites like Isa Lake and North Two Ocean Creek. The latter, in Teton Wilderness, splits at the divide, sending water via the Snake River to the Pacific and the Yellowstone River to the Atlantic. This split allows fish migration, solving a trout species mystery and underscoring the Rockies’ critical role in continental hydrology.
