The Rocky Mountains stretch from the northern reaches of British Columbia in Canada to northern New Mexico. Within this 3,000 miles of jagged peaks, there are many areas that tourists like to seek out and explore because of the natural beauty of the area and the interesting facts about these locations. While anywhere within the Rocky Mountain range will provide guests with incredible views, there are a few places that have their own unique reason why people continue to visit.
Banff is a city in Alberta that is located inside of Banff National Park. The town is located at 4,540 feet above sea, making it the highest altitude city in Canada. The town was established when workers on the Canadian-Pacific Railway discovered natural hot springs in the area in the 1880s.
Eventually, the Canadian government established Banff National Park, which was the nation's first national park and prompted the beginning of the national park system within the country.
Visitors to Banff National Park can enjoy endless outdoor activities, including hiking up the 1,000-foot trail of Tunnel Mountain, known locally as "The Sleeping Buffalo" because of its shape. Visitors can also seek out one of the area's most scenic places at Moraine Lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks. Canoeing, camping and a bevy of other adventures await those who go exploring in Banff.
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho was established in 1872 as America's first national park. The area is home to various forms of wildlife, such as the grizzly bear, bison and elk. But what most people come to Yellowstone to see is the hot springs and geysers like Old Faithful, which erupts predictably throughout the day.
In addition to watching the eruption of Old Faithful, there is a lot to do within this massive park. Hiking and camping are popular activities, and fishing is permitted with a license. Horseback riding, llama packing and picnicking within sight of some of America's most impressive scenery are all popular ways to spend time at Yellowstone.
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190
307-344-7381
http://www.nps.gov
Dinosaur National Monument in the appropriately named Dinosaur, Colorado is the home to America's most significant fossil site. Dinosaur fossils from millions of years ago have been discovered within this rocky area where digs are still carried out by scientists.
Long after the extinction of the dinosaurs that died in this area, the Fremont Indians inhabited the area and left behind rock drawings known as petroglyphs that prove intelligent humans were here long ago.
Visitors here can take a fossil hike to view the dig sites and see actual fossils of dinosaurs. Guests can also camp here and go whitewater rafting on the nearby Yampa and Green Rivers.
Dinosaur National Monument
4545 Highway 40
Dinosaur, Colorado 81610
970-374-3000
http://www.nps.gov
