Rocky Mountain High
Having already come to love Colorado, John Denver’s song, Rocky Mountain High released in 1972 made me yearn for the Rocky Mountain state all the more. The Rocky Mountains stretch from Canada’s border with Alaska through New Mexico to nearly Mexico. The Rocky Mountains are a rather young mountain range, geologically speaking, compared to the Appalachians on the east coast, but it contains some on the best scenery and recreation activities. Skiing, hiking, camping, trail riding, boating, fishing, hunting, and rafting are just a few of the favored activities. It is the ancient home of several Native American tribes and the natural habitat for bear, wolves, big horned sheep, buffalo, moose, elk, and deer.
The Rocky Mountains presents a wide range of natural features and habitats. You have the high sierras, mesas, plateaus, deep canyons, & gorges. It is the home for the best in outdoor activities in the states. It is also a place for exploitation of raw materials; uranium, copper, petroleum, & other resources needed for the modern economy. So, a balance between economics and nature is always an issue.
Utah is home to the most breathtaking natural rock formations such as Arches National Park & Natural Bridges National Monument.
You will see that snow still covers many Colorado valleys a in March. Likewise, during Spring Break roadways are often very
treacherous .
Purgatory Ski Area, just north of Durango, is the perfect winter wonder land and is usually fully open during Spring Break. This area affords the advanced skier a plenty of challenge. Likewise, this ski area offers the beginner an array of opportunities to grow to the more difficult slopes.
Snow can already be seen on the high elevations in October. However, the fall colors on Colorado mountain back roads are unmatched.
The Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers opportunities for awesome pics anytime of year.
