Page 592 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

590  THE ROCKIES

Practical Information is required while driving on
icy surfaces.
Exploring the four Rocky Mountain states requires some In remote areas, hikers should
advance planning, simply because of the sheer size and be prepared for all weather
diversity of the region’s landscape. The boundaries of this conditions in winter as well
mountainous region stretch from the Canadian border in as summer. Carry basic
emergency supplies, including
the north to New Mexico in the south. To the west, the area food and water, and extra
is bordered by the plateaus and basins of the Intermontane clothing in case the weather
region. The breathtaking scenery, rugged terrain, scanty changes for the worse.
resources, and sparse population of the Rockies are spread
across elevations that range from under 1,000 ft (305 m) Getting Around
to over 14,000 ft (4,267 m) above sea level.
For visitors coming from the
East or West Coast, Denver is a
prime starting point. Smaller
Tourist Information elevations, in areas such as regional cities throughout the
Travelers entering the Rocky Yellowstone National Park, Rockies have airports, such as
Mountain states via an Interstate roads may be closed by snow the Missoula (MT) County
Highway are greeted with signs between late October and early International Airport. Other
advertising a state “Welcome June. The Interstate Highways than organized bus tours, public
Center.” These centers provide a and access routes to the region’s transportation is limited. Denver
full range of tourist information many ski areas are kept open has city buses, a light-rail system,
as well as clean restrooms and all year round. and free shuttle buses. Having
often free coffee. Denver’s The high altitude of the area a car is essential in this region
International Airport (DIA), and means that the sun’s rays are since most national parks and
most of the region’s other major more intense so it is essential other sights are located at great
airports and train stations have to wear sunscreen and to drink distances from the major cities.
information desks with free plenty of water. It is also Seat belts are required for
brochures and maps. Most important to be aware of drivers and front-seat passengers
larger cities and smaller towns altitude sickness, which can in all four states. Child seats are
operate Convention & Visitors be life-threatening. Symptoms compulsory for all passengers
Bureaus or Chambers of include shortness of breath, aged eight and under. Helmets
Commerce, which provide dizziness, lethargy, headache, are required for all motorcyclists
free travel information. and dehydration. Keep drinking under the age of 18.
plenty of water, limit alcohol Speed limits vary but are
intake, and do not hesitate to usually 70–75 mph (112–
Natural Hazards
seek medical attention. 120 km/hr) on Interstate High-
The short summers of the Winters are long and often ways outside the populated
Rockies region are warm and bitterly cold with heavy winter urban areas. Radar detectors are
glorious, but can bring sudden and spring snows. Drivers permitted in the entire Rocky
thunderstorms, especially in should make sure that they Mountain region.
the mountains. Rock slides, possess, and know how to
bugs, and wildlife are other install, snow chains or other Etiquette
hazards. Elevation across the traction devices, which are
four states can vary. At higher required by law. Extra care Some of the region’s most
famous sights are located on
The Climate of Native American reservation
land. Visitors are welcome but
the Rockies
DENVER must be sensitive as to what
Weather across the Rocky may cause offense. It is illegal to
Mountain region is marked by 85/30 bring alcohol onto reservations,
long, snowy winters, short springs °F/C and taking photographs may
and fall, and hot summers. The 60/15 60/15 65/18 not be allowed.
main factor determining weather
is elevation – temperatures are 32°F 35/2 37/3 43/6
cooler and snowfalls heavier the 0°C 16/-8 Festivals
higher you go. Visitors should be 20 21 22 22 Summer in the Rockies brings
prepared for winter conditions days days days days a deluge of outdoor events,
at any time of year. Yet, months 1.7 2 1 0.5 including community and state
like October offer crisp days, ideal in in in in fairs, in addition to regional and
for scenic drives through the
mountains when you can enjoy month Apr Jul Oct Jan national music, and art festivals.
the fall colors of the aspens. Fireworks, bands, and festivals
abound for the July 4th

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm