Rocky Mountains Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, hiking routes, where to stay, and more in the Rocky Mountains.
- Introduction to Rocky Mountains
- List of Places to Visit in Rocky Mountains
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Rocky Mountains
- Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountains: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Rocky Mountains
- Food and Drink Scene of Rocky Mountains
- Where to Stay in Rocky Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Rocky Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Rocky Mountains
- Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountains
- Do’s and Don’ts of Rocky Mountains
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Rocky Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Rocky Mountains
- Where to Go Next from Rocky Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
The Rocky Mountains, located in North America, is a popular destination for adventurers and nature lovers. With its stunning vistas, vast wilderness, and diverse outdoor activities, Rocky Mountains is a dream come true for many travelers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before embarking on your journey to the Rockies.
Introduction to Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains, also known as the Rockies, is a mountain range in the western part of North America, stretching for over 4,800 km. The range covers several US states, including Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Rocky Mountains is home to many national parks, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park, which are known for their natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
List of Places to Visit in Rocky Mountains
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Banff National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Mount Rushmore
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
- Crazy Horse Memorial
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Rocky Mountains, besides being a hub of natural wonders, features several museums and historical places that are worth exploring. Following are some of the culturally-rich attractions in the Rocky Mountains:
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Museum of the Mountain West
- Museum of the Rockies
- Colorado Railroad Museum
- Wyoming State Museum
- Yellowstone Historic Center Museum
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
Natural Attractions of Rocky Mountains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Rocky Mountains is a paradise for adventurers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. There are hundreds of miles of trails ranging from easy hikes to challenging treks that offer breathtaking views of the park. Besides hiking, Rocky Mountains also offers activities such as fishing, camping, canoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing. Some of the top natural attractions in the Rockies are:
- Bear Lake
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Old Faithful
- Hidden Falls
- Glacier National Park
- Garden of the Gods
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Hiking/Biking Routes of Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains is a mecca for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails in the Rockies:
- Longs Peak Trail
- Flattop Mountain Trail
- Mount Elbert Trail
- Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Grand Tetons National Park
- Buffalo Pass Trail
- Medicine Bow Rail Trail
Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountains: Activities and Tours
Rocky Mountains is full of exciting activities, tours, and experiences. Here are some of the most popular things to do in the Rocky Mountains:
- Wildlife Viewing Tours
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Zipline Adventure
- Scenic Rail Tours
- Historic Walking Tours
- White Water Rafting
- Horseback Riding
Week-Long Itinerary for Rocky Mountains
A week-long itinerary for Rocky Mountains can cover all the major attractions in the Rockies. Here is a sample itinerary:
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Denver and drive to Rocky Mountain National Park |
| 2 | Hike the trails around Bear Lake |
| 3 | Drive Trail Ridge Road and visit Grand Lake |
| 4 | Explore Estes Park and nearby attractions |
| 5 | Drive to Yellowstone National Park |
| 6 | Hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and see Old Faithful |
| 7 | Drive to Grand Teton National Park and explore the park |
Food and Drink Scene of Rocky Mountains
The food and drink scene in the Rocky Mountains is a perfect blend of local, traditional, and modern cuisines. Here are some dishes and beverages you shouldn’t miss:
Must-Try Dishes
- Rocky Mountain Oysters
- Bison Burgers
- Cornish Game Hen
- Trout
- Huckleberry Pie
Local Beverages
- Colorado Wine
- Wyoming Whiskey
- Montana Beer
- Idaho Vodka
Where to Stay in Rocky Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Rocky Mountains has a host of accommodation options, from budget hostels to high-end hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in the Rockies:
- Amangani
- The Little Nell
- Four Seasons Resort
- Snow King Resort
- Jackson Lake Lodge
- Fairmont Banff Springs
- Lake Louise Inn
What to Buy in Rocky Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Rocky Mountains is famous for its local products and souvenirs. If you’re looking for a unique gift, here are some things you should consider buying:
- Native American Crafts
- Bison and Elk Jerky
- Handcrafted Jewelry
- Wyoming Soaps and Lotions
- Montana Huckleberry Jam
Local Culture and Customs of Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountains has a diverse culture that includes Native American, Western, and Pioneer heritage. Here are some of the local customs and culture you might encounter during your visit to Rocky Mountains:
- Pow Wow Traditional Dance
- Wild West Rodeo
- Western Cowboy Culture
- Native American Traditions
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountains
The best time to visit Rocky Mountains depends on your interests. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip to the Rockies:
- January to March: Winter Sports
- April to June: Wildflowers Blooming
- July to September: Peak Tourist Season (busy)
- September to November: Fall Colors and Elk Rutting Season
Do’s and Don’ts of Rocky Mountains
Do:
- Pack layers of clothes for changing weather conditions
- Carry sufficient water when hiking
- Respect wildlife and give them their space
- Follow trail rules and regulations
Don’t:
- Feed wildlife or approach them
- Litter or leave trash on the trails
- Hike or climb alone, especially in remote areas
- Ignore weather warnings
Safety and Health
Safety in Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountains is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, there are some precautions you should take while exploring the wilderness:
- Carry bear spray when hiking
- Watch out for lightning storms
- Be mindful of altitude sickness
- Wear proper hiking shoes and equipment
Health in Rocky Mountains
To ensure a healthy trip to the Rockies, it’s important to take care of yourself. Consider the following:
- Stay hydrated
- Apply sunscreen and wear a hat
- Bring insect repellent
- Pay attention to any signs of altitude sickness
Getting to Rocky Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics
The Rocky Mountains are accessible by plane, car, or bus. Here are the options for getting to the Rockies:
Airports Near Rocky Mountains
- Denver International Airport
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- Jackson Hole Airport
- Calgary International Airport
Bus Stations Near Rocky Mountains
- Greyhound Bus Lines
- Bustang
- Peak-to-Peak Transportation
Other Options
- Car Rentals
- Taxi Services
How to Get Around in Rocky Mountains
The best way to explore Rocky Mountains is to drive, as it allows you to access the park’s many attractions. However, local tour and transportation services are available for those without a car.
Where to Go Next from Rocky Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
After exploring the Rockies, there are several nearby destinations that are worth visiting, such as:
- Moab, Utah
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Bend, Oregon
- Glacier National Park, Montana
Conclusion
Rocky Mountains is a natural wonderland that offers numerous opportunities for exploration, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re a nature lover or interested in local culture and history, the Rockies have it all. Follow this guide and embark on an unforgettable journey to the Rocky Mountains.
Rocky Mountains Image Gallery
Saint Mary Lake and Wildgoose Island in Glacier National Park (Montana)
Wildlife viewing comes in all sizes in the Rockies: A Whitelined Sphinx Hummingbird Moth sips nectar from a Columbine (the state flower of Colorado) in the White River National Forest.
A bald eagle soaring above Yellowstone
Jackson Lake at the Grand Teton National Park