The Seven States of the Rocky Mountain Region

The U.S. Census Bureau and most federal agencies define the Rocky Mountain Division as these seven states:

1. Colorado — Highest mean elevation; 58 fourteeners; Denver metro.
2. Idaho — Northern Rockies, Sawtooths, Salmon River, potatoes.
3. Montana — Glacier NP, Yellowstone (north), Big Sky, "Big Sky Country."
4. Nevada — Only part (Great Basin ranges: Ruby, Snake, Toiyabe). Most of NV is Basin & Range.
5. New Mexico — Southern Rockies (Sangre de Cristo, San Juan), Santa Fe, Taos.
6. Utah — Wasatch, Uintas, Wasatch Front (SLC), 5 national parks (mostly Colorado Plateau).
7. Wyoming — Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Wind Rivers, Bighorns, Powder River Basin.

Notes

• Arizona sometimes included (Mogollon Rim, White Mts) but usually Southwest.
• Canada continues the Rockies through BC, AB (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay).
• Mexico — Sierra Madre Occidental is southern extension, not typically "Rockies."

These seven states share high elevation, orographic precipitation, mineral wealth, public lands dominance, and outdoor recreation economies.