The Rocky Mountains span the landscape of western North America and are approximately 3,000 miles long.
Its range extends from northern British Columbia, Canada, to southwestern New Mexico.
A variety of beautiful glaciers and impressive rocky peaks can be found within the mountain range. You’ll discover pristine, clean water and snowy mountains towering above your head. Don’t forget the wide collection of wildlife that this area calls home.
With so much to see, you need to find the perfect place to start your adventure.
These eight towns are some of the most highly regarded locations in the Rocky Mountains.
Estes Park, Colorado
Head to Estes Park for the Rocky Mountains. Stay in a charming city with an unforgettable spirit of people.
Downtown Estes is the heart of the city and is home to a variety of shopping and dining options. The River Walk winds through downtown Estes His Park, connecting the visitor center with both the Big Thompson River and the Fall Rivers.
The town serves as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the busiest parks in the United States. There’s a good reason for that.
The park has 415 square miles of incredible mountainous terrain to explore. This includes tranquil meadows, hiking trails surrounding alpine lakes, and of course, majestic mountains.
The town is home to the historic and potentially haunted Stanley Hotel, built in 1909. This hotel is famous for its white exterior and reddish roof and was one of the inspirations for Stephen King’s novel The Shining. So stay here if you dare.
banff, alberta
![Scenic street view of Banff with cars and Cascade Shops shopping mall](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/5f/b5/d4/shutterstock-2114985833.jpg)
Banff has long been known as Canada’s premier tourist destination. The town is located within Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a variety of exciting activities in this city, such as climbing to the top of Sulfur Mountain on the Banff Gondola or enjoying the rejuvenating Banff Upper Hot Springs.
If you fancy skiing, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village are just steps away from Banff.
You may have seen photos of nearby Lake Louise. The breathtaking turquoise water stands perfectly still at the foot of snowy mountains, with forests growing freely at its edges. It’s like sitting and looking at a painting.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, look no further than the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The castle-like building towers over the surrounding forest and cuts an imposing landscape into the mountainside. This hotel is also known as the “Castle of the Rocky Mountains.”
jasper, alberta
![The beautiful town of Jasper, Alberta.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/0e/02/64/shutterstock-1983941147.jpg)
When you’re in Jasper, it’s not unusual to wake up in the morning and go outside for coffee and see a herd of elk walking by.
Jasper is less crowded than Banff, but the views and experiences are just as spectacular, as Jasper National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A drive through the Rocky Mountains near Jasper reveals crystal clear lakes nestled peacefully between mountain valleys.
Maligne Lake is located 50 minutes southeast of town, and although it’s pretty crowded these days, the cyan-hued lake is still worth a visit.
A short drive away is the Athabasca Glacier, which is part of the Columbia Icefield. You can take a guided tour of the glacier or walk to the end of the glacier for free.
For a unique alpine experience, head to Pyramid Lake Lodge, just 4 miles north of town. These cabins are built on the edge of beautiful Pyramid Lake, allowing you to enjoy peaceful mornings surrounded by mountains.
aspen, colorado
![Ski resort city urban main street road in Aspen, Colorado](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/52/42/66/shutterstock-2222679749.jpg)
When people think of Aspen, they imagine a luxurious winter stay in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. This is accurate, as the town is famous for its world-class ski resorts and luxury chalets.
Aspen has a different feel than other small towns. There aren’t many mountain towns that have a Prada or Gucci store on their street, but Aspen isn’t your typical small town.
First, the skiing options are incredible. Aspen is home to top ski resorts including Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.
Aspen has impressive Victorian-era buildings, and the downtown area is very walkable. Despite its current opulent appearance, the city’s history is tied to its mining past, and traces of that time still remain.
The town has many festivals and a vibrant cultural scene. Aspen Music Festival and School, Aspen Ideas Festival, and Aspen Film Festival are just a few examples.
Although not cheap, the Little Nell in Aspen is a great hotel located at the base of Mount Ajax. Going skiing has never been easier.
jackson, wyoming
![At a local playhouse in Jackson, Wyoming.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/47/bd/b2/shutterstock-1136619620.jpg)
The area around Jackson is known for its beauty, with both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park nearby.
One of the most iconic landscape photos in this country is an old rustic barn sitting in front of the Teton Mountains.
Jackson is a laid-back community known for its traditional Western theme with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. You’ll recognize it as soon as you arrive at the memorable town square, with moose antler arches at each corner.
There’s a real splendor to this area, and the abundance of wildlife reflects exactly that feeling. Moose, moose, bison, and bears live around town, so get your camera ready.
Just outside of town, the Elk National Refuge is a sanctuary for thousands of elk during the winter months.
For added comfort in Jackson, the historic Wart Hotel, established in 1941, is a famous landmark. This hotel has been an important part of Jackson’s history since it was built.
Taos, New Mexico
![Taos Pueblo, New Mexico.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/d7/69/71/shutterstock-1274124262.jpg)
Taos is a reminder of how far south the majestic Rocky Mountains run.
The town’s mix of Native American, Hispanic, and British cultures is evident as you walk through it.
Recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, Taos Pueblo is a must-visit for everyone. This place is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States.
You can also learn about the history of Taos and famous pioneer Kit Carson by visiting his home. It is now a museum that teaches the history of the area.
Drive to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for stunning views of the Rio Grande and the deep canyon below. It’s especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
For a relaxing stay, El Pueblo Lodge offers an outdoor pool and hot tub to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
whitefish montana
![Street view of Whitefish, Montana](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/07/59/a2/img-1437.jpg)
Simply put, Whitefish is one of the best places to ski in the country. It’s a small town in northern Montana, just 90 miles south of Canada.
Several buildings in downtown Whitefish date back to the early 20th century. This era saw rapid growth with the arrival of the railroad. Some of the buildings have been carefully preserved to preserve their historic charm.
The Whitefish Depot and Railroad Park is one of the historic sites that reflects the town’s connection to the railroad. The park has a museum and vintage locomotives.
Glacier National Park is less than an hour’s drive away and with over 1,100 miles of hiking trails, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.
The park is home to famous landmarks like Logan Pass and Going to the Sun Road, beautiful lakes like Lake McDonald, and of course, glaciers.
Whitefish Lake’s traditional, family-run lodge offers a homely stay right on the waterfront in the heart of town. Waking up outside by the water doesn’t seem so bad.
Waterton, Alberta
![A view of Main Street in Waterton, Alberta.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/80/85/6d/shutterstock-2023953305.jpg)
Waterton is probably the least known on this list, but it’s well worth including.
As you drive into Waterton, it’s impossible not to notice the stark contrast between the flat grasslands and the dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains. There’s a reason this place is called “where the grasslands meet the mountains.”
The town is located on the edge of Lake Waterton, with perfect views of the surrounding lakeshore and mountains.
It is also located within Waterton Lakes National Park, which is part of the broader Canadian Rocky Mountain Park World Heritage Site. Together with Glacier National Park in Montana, it forms Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s first international peace park.
Visitors will be amazed by the abundance of wildlife, especially bears. When you go for a drive, it’s not uncommon to see a few black bears or grizzly bears in the nearby woods.
The Prince of Wales Hotel stands proudly on the hillside, overlooking the town and lake from above. If you want to splurge for an unforgettable stay, this is the hotel for you.
The conclusion is
When you come to the Rocky Mountains, you’ll experience the same overwhelming mountain nature that the first explorers and settlers felt all those years ago.
From blue and turquoise lakes to rugged, towering mountains, the wildness of nature embodies the essence of the Rocky Mountains.
The town is an important part of this ethos, as are the stories of the people who call it home.
So if you’re headed to the Rocky Mountains, bring a backpack and possibly warm clothing. Above all else, get outside and explore the majesty of the mountains.