The Rocky Mountains are a region of North America. The name comes from the Rocky Mountain Ranges that stretch through Canada, Montana, Idaho, Colorado and New Mexico in the United States. There are twenty-five peaks with elevations greater than 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). These mountains cover much of the western half of Wyoming as well
The Rockies extend north to south between Alberta and New Mexico at altitudes varying from 6500 feet to 14,440 feet (1,981 m – 4,401 m). This is a great place for runners because it has many different terrains to choose from. There are over 600 miles worth of running trails here! And with an average elevation of 7,000 feet (2,134 m), it’s perfect for those who are looking to get a little bit of a workout while they’re on vacation.
Denver
Denver is the capital and most populous city of Colorado. It is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. With an estimated population of 727,211 in 2019, Denver is the 19th-most populous city in the United States and the fifth-most populous state capital. The metropolitan area surrounding Denver has a population of 3,025,000. The estimated population of the Denver-Aurora combined statistical area was 3,728,000 in 2016, which ranks as the 16th most populous U.S. metropolitan area.
As for the running area, Denver has over 200 miles of trails that are perfect for a morning run or an afternoon hike. And with an average elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609 m), it’s the perfect place to get some fresh air while you’re on vacation. Also, the average runner’s pace here is 9:00 minutes per mile. This means that if you’re looking for a challenge, you can find it in Denver. But if you’re just looking for a leisurely jog, you can find that, too.
If you wish to visit Denver, here are some attractions that you might be interested in: the Denver Zoo, the Museum of Nature and Science, and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins is the Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and most populous city of Larimer County, Colorado. Situated on the Cache La Poudre River along the Colorado Front Range, Fort Collins is located 56 mi (90 km) north of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. With a 2019 estimated population of 170,483 people, it is the fourth most populous city in Colorado after Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora. Many people, especially runners, consider moving to Fort Collins or renting a cottage because of its climate and scenery, as well as the real estate market here, which is also very favorable for buyers. Its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park also makes it a popular destination for those who love the outdoors.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more urban environment, Fort Collins also has plenty to offer. It is home to Colorado State University, which gives the town a college-town feel. Additionally, there are many different restaurants and bars to choose from, as well as a variety of shops.
As for the running trails, Fort Collins has over 200 miles of them! And with an average elevation of 5,000 feet (1,524 m), it’s perfect for runners of all levels. The average runner’s pace here is 9:15 minutes per mile, which means you can probably get in a few extra miles without even realizing it.
Some attractions in Fort Collins are the Horsetooth Mountain Park, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.
Boulder
Boulder is the home rule municipality that is the county seat and most populous city of Boulder County, Colorado. It is the 11th most populous city in the state of Colorado and the 121st most populous city in the United States. Boulder is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Denver at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is a portal to the outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.
Boulder has over 150 miles of trails and with an average elevation of 5,430 feet (1,655 m), and the average runner’s pace here is 9:30 minutes per mile, it is perfect for those who are looking for a challenge. There are also many different routes to take, so you can always find a new one to explore. Just make sure to bring your sunscreen, as the sun can be pretty intense at this altitude!
Some attractions in Boulder are Chautauqua Park, the Boulder Reservoir, and the Flatirons. However, some of the best running trails are located outside of the city limits in Rocky Mountain National Park and many runners will make the drive up to Estes Park for a day or two of running. Just make sure to check the weather before you go, as it can change quickly in these parts of the mountains.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous municipality of the U.S. state of Utah. With an estimated population of 200,567 in 2019, the city is the core of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a population of 1,153,340 (2018 estimate). Salt Lake City is further situated within a larger metropolis known as the Wasatch Front, which has an estimated population of 2,298,915 (2018).
Salt Lake City is a great place for runners because of its many trails and its moderate climate. What defers it from other mentioned cities is that the average runner’s pace here is a bit slower, at 9:45 minutes per mile. However, this doesn’t mean that the trails are any less challenging. There are plenty of hills to keep you on your toes. There are also many different routes to take, which makes it easy to find a new one to explore. And with the high average elevation of 4,226 feet (1,288 m), you can be sure to get a good workout in.
Some attractions worth visiting in Salt Lake City are Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the Hogle Zoo.
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico and the 32nd-most populous city in the United States, with a Census-estimated population of 560,850 in 2019. It is the principal city of the Albuquerque metropolitan area, which has 910,726 residents as of July 1, 2019. Albuquerque is the county seat of Bernalillo County, and it is situated in the central part of New Mexico on the Rio Grande River, straddling the boundary between the states of New Mexico and Colorado.
Albuquerque is a great place for runners because of its many trails and its temperate climate. The average runner’s pace here is 9:30 minutes per mile. Additionally, the elevation is a bit lower than some of the other cities on this list, at 4,000 feet (1,219 m). This makes it a good choice for runners who are looking for a challenge but don’t want to deal with the high altitudes of some of the other Rocky Mountain cities.
People usually come to run in Albuquerque because of the many different routes and the beautiful scenery. The city is also home to several different festivals throughout the year, which makes it a great place to visit even if you’re not a runner. Some attractions in Albuquerque are the Albuquerque Biological Park, the Rio Grande Zoo, and Old Town Albuquerque.
Prescott
Prescott is a city in Yavapai County, Arizona. According to the 2010 Census, the population of the city is 39,843. The city is the county seat of Yavapai County. In 1864, Prescott was designated as the capital of the Arizona Territory, replacing the temporary capital at Fort Whipple. The United States Government moved the territorial capital to Tucson in 1867. Prescott again became the Territorial Capital in 1877, until Phoenix became the capital of Arizona in 1889.
This city is popular with runners because of the many running trails, the average runner’s pace, and the elevation. The city has over 50 miles of trails, including the Peavine National Recreation Trail and the Iron King Trail. There are also several parks and open spaces that are popular with runners.
However, Prescott is not without its challenges. The city is located in a high desert area and can be very hot in the summer months. Runners need to be prepared for the heat and make sure to carry enough water. Several hills and mountains can make running difficult. Therefore, it is important to choose a route that is suitable for your level of fitness.
All of the cities on this list are great for runners, but each has its own unique set of challenges and attractions.
If you’re looking for a city that is good for both beginner and experienced runners, then Denver is a great choice. If you’re looking for a challenge, then try out Albuquerque or Prescott. And if you want to see some beautiful scenery while you run, then head to Boulder or Salt Lake City. However, you should definitely opt for a base in Fort Collins from which to explore all the Rocky Mountain towns – it’s the perfect location for runners of all levels!
Whichever city you choose, be sure to take advantage of the many different running trails that are available.