Road-Tripping Through God's Country, P.2
The Rockies
Greetings friends,
While visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, I was surprised to learn that Rocky Mountains, often referred to as the Rockies, are not confined to Colorado. Bummer!
They stretch across several states in the U.S. and even into Canada. The Rockies extend from northern New Mexico, through Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and into western Canada, including British Columbia and Alberta.
3,000 miles (4,800 km) — making it one of the longest mountain ranges in the world.
Along with that I discovered some facts that I think y’all should know because they often come up in conversation.
The Rockies Are Still Growing: While the Rocky Mountains are ancient, the range is still experiencing uplift due to tectonic activity. This process is very slow, with the mountains rising at a rate of about one inch every 1,000 years.
Hidden Marine Fossils: Long before they became towering peaks, the area that is now the Rockies was once underwater. If you know where to look, you can find marine fossils, like ammonites and brachiopods, embedded in the rocks, testament to the region’s ancient seabed origins.
The Continental Divide’s Secret: The Continental Divide, which runs through the Rockies, doesn’t just separate eastward and westward river flow; it also affects climate. On the western side of the divide, the climate tends to be milder with more snowfall, while the eastern side experiences drier, more variable conditions.
The Mysterious ‘Phantom Forests’: In certain parts of the Rockies, you’ll find what are called ‘phantom forests.’ These are areas where entire forests were wiped out by events like avalanches or landslides, leaving behind only ghostly remnants of tree trunks. Over time, these areas slowly recover, but the eerie atmosphere lingers.
Unique Alpine Flora: The Rockies host unique plant species that are found nowhere else on Earth. These rare alpine plants have adapted to survive in the harsh, high-altitude conditions. For example, the endemic Alpine Forget-Me-Not only grows above the treeline, thriving in the thin, cold air of the mountain peaks.
The Mummified Bison of Yellowstone: Deep within Yellowstone National Park, which is part of the greater Rocky Mountain range, lies a fascinating discovery—a mummified bison. This ancient bison was found preserved in a thermal area, where the hot, dry conditions naturally mummified its body. It’s believed to be over 1,000 years old, offering a rare glimpse into the wildlife that roamed the Rockies long before modern times.
The Ghosts of Silver Plume: The small mining town of Silver Plume, Colorado, nestled in the Rockies, is said to be haunted by the spirits of miners who perished in tragic accidents during the silver boom of the late 19th century. One of the most famous stories involves the spirit of Clifford Griffin, a miner who reportedly took his own life after losing his fiancée. His ghost is said to still roam the mountainside near his grave, playing mournful violin tunes that echo through the canyon at night.
The Curse of the Headless Horseman of Basin: Basin, Montana, is a tiny town in the Rockies with a chilling legend. The story goes that in the 1800s, a miner discovered a rich gold vein and was later murdered by his partners, who decapitated him to prevent him from haunting them. Despite their efforts, locals claim that the headless ghost of the miner rides through the area on horseback, searching for his lost head and the stolen gold.
Thanks for reading and being a subscriber.
’Til next time.
ak
Love “waiting for sunrise” and btw did you bump into the ghost?!
My son lives in Wheaton ILL for two years now and that makes me discovering national parks and friendly Americans. I love it. Thanks for your story and great pictures.