The Rocky Mountains, often referred to simply as the Rockies, got their name from the Spanish word ‘roca,’ which means ‘rock’ or ‘stone.’ This term was chosen by early Spanish explorers and settlers due to the rugged and rocky terrain that characterizes this magnificent mountain range.
The Rockies stretch for over 3,000 miles in North America, starting in northern British Columbia, Canada, and extending all the way down to New Mexico in the United States. Early maps and journals from explorers consistently highlighted the steep and rocky landscape, leading to the adoption of the name.
In addition to its visual features, the mountains also possess significant geological importance, having been formed over millions of years due to tectonic plate movements. This further reinforces the decision to label this impressive range as the ‘Rocky Mountains,’ encapsulating both its appearance and its geological history.