The Rocky Mountains stretch over 3,000 miles through western North America, from Canada all the way down to New Mexico. The tallest peak is Mount Elbert in Colorado, which stands 14,440 feet tall. The Rockies started forming about 80 million years ago, back when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth.
Many amazing animals call the Rockies home. Grizzly bears, mountain lions, elk, and bighorn sheep all live here. Mountain goats climb on steep, rocky cliffs that would be too dangerous for most other animals. Bald eagles and hawks soar above the valleys.
- The Rocky Mountains are important because many big rivers start there, including the Colorado River and the Missouri River.
- Snow on the mountaintops melts in spring and feeds these rivers with water.
- Millions of people visit Rocky Mountain National Park every year to hike, camp, and see wildlife!
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