Published 30th Sep. 2024
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The world is full of legendary landscapes, and the rugged Rocky Mountains are no exception. Carving incredible views from North America’s New Mexico to Canada’s British Colombia, no trip to either country is complete without visiting the Rockies. Providing enviable views, adventurous activities and heaps of history year-round, their mountainous national parks shine in every season. So, read on to discover some of the best places to lace up your boots and explore an ancient rocky world.
Dominating the skyline north of Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park contains the babies of the Rockies’ ranges. Sprouting around six to nine million years ago (yes, that’s considered young here), the Teton Mountains have seen American Indian tribes and early explorers call their granite landscape home. Today, its 480 square miles contain over 60 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, 1,000 species of plants and over 200 miles of hiking trails to spot them along. Kayaking and fishing enthusiasts can while away the hours at Jenny or Jackson Lake and budding photographers can aim their lenses at iconic sunsets from Snake River Overlook.
Established in 1872 and spanning almost 2,500 square miles, Yellowstone National Park is North America's oldest and largest national park. Founded to protect and preserve the mountains that popped up around 150 million years ago, when visiting the Rockies today, visitors are invited to make the most of this slice of wilderness (a must on USA trips). Think bubbling mud pots, the colourful Grand Prismatic Spring, cross-country skiing, scenic drives along the Grand Loop Road and tremendous trout fishing. As for the sleeping super volcano that lies beneath the park, fear not. Scientists monitoring its hiccups have determined that steam and water are the only things Yellowstone will erupt for a long, long time.
When visiting the Rockies, don’t skip a trip to Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. The toothlike mountain range cuts through 2,500 square miles of glistening glacial lakes and alpine meadows, providing the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking and hot spring soaking. Attached to the park’s hip is bustling Banff, a town that acts as a launching pad for discovering its UNESCO World Heritage site neighbour. Lake Louise also sits a breezy 40-minute drive from the town, a brilliantly blue body of water surrounded by a world-renowned ski resort.
Banff might’ve been Canada’s first national park, but Jasper National Park is the largest in the Canadian Rockies. Boasting over 4,300 square miles of land punctuated by waterfalls, canyons, lakes and forests, it’s no surprise that 2.5 million people flock to visit each year. However, the park’s biggest spectacle comes at night. Jasper is the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, meaning no artificial light is visible. The result? A night sky exploding with colour that must be seen to be believed.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Thomas Linkel/LAIF-REA.
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