Where Are the Rocky Mountains Located?

The **Rocky Mountains** are a major mountain range in **western North America**.

Extent

• Length: >4,800 km (3,000 mi) — from northern British Columbia (Canada) to New Mexico (USA).
• Width: Up to 1,600 km (1,000 mi) at widest.
• Area: ~2.4 million km² (930,000 sq mi).
• Countries: Canada, United States.
• States/Provinces: BC, AB, MT, ID, WY, UT, CO, NM.

Major Subranges & Peaks

• Canadian Rockies: Mt. Robson (3,954 m), Mt. Columbia (3,747 m). Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay NPs.
• Middle Rockies (US): Grand Teton (4,199 m), Yellowstone region.
• Southern Rockies (US): **Mt. Elbert (4,401 m / 14,440 ft)** — highest in Rockies, highest in Colorado. 53 "Fourteeners" in CO.
• Colorado Plateau (southern edge): Distinct geology.

Significance

• Continental Divide (hydrographic apex of NA).
• Headwaters: Colorado, Rio Grande, Arkansas, Platte, Missouri, Columbia, Saskatchewan, Peace, Fraser Rivers.
• Mineral wealth, biodiversity, recreation, water tower for millions.

The Rockies are the backbone of the continent.