In the eyes of most people outside the region, the Rockies are a land of cold, snowy winters and sunny alpine meadows lined with wildflowers, yet these images account for only a sliver of the climatic variation found in the Rocky Mountains.

The perceptions of the Rocky Mountain region include ideals that have recently begun changing as the region has experienced rapid population growth. Because of its harsh physical environment, the Rocky Mountain region has historically been one of the more sparsely populated parts of North America. However, its population has grown rapidly over the past several decades. The most serious problem facing the region is the rapidly expanding population.

Regional Background of the Rockies

The Rocky Mountain region is both a functional region and a perceived region. It is a functional region because the boundaries of the region are dependent on the geographic extent of the Rocky Mountain range. The Rocky Mountains, composed of many discontinuous mountain ranges, extends nearly 2000 miles (3220 kilometers) from central New Mexico to northeastern British Columbia.

Further delineation of the Rocky Mountains reveals multiple formal regions. The Rockies can generally be divided into distinct geographic regions covering six states and two Canadian provinces. However, these formal regions are all connected by the physical topography of the Rocky
Mountains, making it a functional region, and by the ideas and beliefs associated with the concept of the Rocky Mountains, making it a perceived region as well.

Three Waves of Rocky Mountain Perception

The Rocky Mountain region has experienced three general waves of beliefs and symbolism, although the first two waves are very similar.

First Wave

Toward the turn of the 20th century, hundreds of thousands of settlers from eastern Canada, the United States, and Europe began moving west in search of land, opportunity, and adventure. These ideas of opportunity and get-rich-quick schemes were associated with tales of finding gold and other valuable minerals in the mountains. The mountains are characterized by snow-capped peaks, high alpine meadows, deep valleys, and a flora and fauna that are as rugged and wild as the people who have called this region home.

Early expeditions brought news of natural wonders, wide-open territory, and vast prospects for economic development. Early residents also engaged in ranching and limited agriculture, but extensive agriculture was never established due to the unfavorable soil and climate conditions. Throughout most of the Mountain West, ranching was more prevalent than farming, and mining and lumbering have historically been much more important to the Mountain West’s economies than agriculture.

Second Wave

The second wave of perceptions about the Rocky Mountain region came in the mid 1900’s with a renewed influx of people. By the post–World War II era, urban growth was defining settlement in the region, as metropolitan areas such as Denver and Salt Lake City grew rapidly.

Although population was growing, it was at a slow enough rate that most residents in the region were not bothered by issues usually associated with densely populated areas. Young and old alike ventured to the Rockies, seeking abundant and inexpensive land, a pleasant climate, less congested metropolitan areas, infinite recreational activities, scenic beauty, and lucrative jobs.

Third Wave

However, in the last decade, the Rocky Mountain region has experienced a massive surge in population growth that has led to the unrest of many native residents, as well as caused issues with the environment and existing infrastructure. This is the third wave of perceptions associated with the region.

The arrival of new residents currently brings traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and urban sprawl as once-pristine mountain environments are bulldozed and new houses are constructed. For many people, rapid growth has destroyed the scenic beauty and historic charm that drew them to the region in the first place.

The climate and the topography of the Rocky Mountains limits the amount of water available for residents. Most of the Rockies are arid, meaning that the region’s most pressing environmental issue is the shortage of water, and reservoirs and aquifers in the region are being depleted while continued droughts prevent the replenishing of water reserves, which greatly increases the fire danger.

Are there still positive perceptions of the Rockies?

Although there are many problems developing from the recent population surge, there are still many positive perceptions and symbols associated with the region.

For example, the pull of winter sports, rugged terrain, and a high-tech industry are strong attractions. As in other parts of North America, places in the Mountain West that are located near university communities, and scenic amenities have developed thriving high-tech sectors, like with the Denver-Boulder region of Colorado which has become a major high-tech area in recent years.

What does the future hold for the Rocky Mountains?

The perceptions of the Rocky Mountain region are shifting with this third wave. In the past the mountains attracted those willing to brave the harsh physical environment in search of opportunity, but today the region battles hordes of tourists and new residents attracted by the quality of life that the climate, open spaces, and scenery provide.

Historical perceptions of this region revolved around a vast, open, rugged wilderness full of opportunity and freedom. While these beliefs are still associated with the region, new ideas about a high-tech, edgy and hip, extreme winter sport-loving urban location are also rising. The recent population surge has negated part of the historical charm and character of the Rocky Mountain region, yet these perceptions are still in demand. The problem now is developing a means to continue the economic benefits gained from abundant natural resources, while preserving pristine natural settings that attract tourists, businesses, and
new residents.

Want to know more?

• Hardwick, S.W., F.M. Shelley, and D.G. Holtgrieve. Chapter 12: The Rocky Mountain Region, The Geography of North America (2nd ed.), Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2013 (p.109-127).