The Rocky Mountains run through this region from Southeast to Northwest, creating the continental divide, a boundary that separates the river systems that drain into the Pacific from those that drain into the Atlantic. Much of the region is at an elevated altitude, often above 6000 ft, and reaching higher than 14,000 ft in Colorado on 53 separate occasions.
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What does this mean? That hikes here can be tough. Even the flattest of trails will feel more demanding than that found in other regions. But the views are just reward for your efforts. Rocky Mountain National Park is filled with beautiful lakes and raging waterfalls, and the Tetons are perhaps the most photogenic peaks you can find!
This region is possibly the best preserved of all, with both Yellowstone and Grand Teton making up the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the Northern Hemispheres last remaining near intact environments. Bears are plentiful, and even lucky observers can see Wolves in Yellowstone following their reintroduction in 1995, making it as important as ever to follow 'leave no trace' principles and not drop any of that tasty trail mix...
