INTRO

to Site

ABOUT

our Initiative

WINTER

Nature Recreation

SUMMER

Nature Recreation

LODGINGS

In the Arms of Nature

JOIN

the Movement

VIDEO

& Fan Photos

MAPS

i Heart Rockies

Eighteen 14er’s. 100+ trailheads. 500+ miles of trails.

Stunning Peaks. Diverse Ecosystems. Abundant Wildlife.

Iconic National Park Sites. Pristine Lakes. Outdoor Recreation. Dramatic Geology.

Scenic Trails. Cultural Significance. Picturesque Valleys.

Seasonal Beauty. Expansive Views. Craggy Rocks. Clear Night Skies.

STUNNING PEAKS

The Heart of the Rockies region is the epicenter of the high-elevation mountains in the continental U.S. Located in the region are eighteen 14ers (mountains with elevations above 14,000 feet above sea level). The 3 highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains – Mt. Elbert (14,438’), Mt. Massive (14, 427’) and Mt. Harvard (14,421’).

DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS

The wide range of elevations with the Heart of the Rockies creates a natural ecosystems where diverse ecology flourishes. In the lower valleys and hills (8,000’ to 10.000’) the blue flowers of the Colorado columbine dominate. In the middle areas (10,000’ to 12,000’) Aspens with their bright yellow leaves paint the canvas in the fall against evergreen backgrounds. Above 12,000’, only Tundra vegetation, straight from the Artic, can survive.

ABUNDANT WILDLIFE

With over 80% of the heart of the Rockies region being federally-owned and not available for development, wildlife of numerous species thrive. This is the way natural wildlife were meant to interact without human intervention. Much of the federal land is designated as National Wilderness Areas, meaning no internal combustion engines. No engine noise and no carbon dioxide. What animal would not want to live here? Species range in size from grizzly bear to moose, elk, deer, and down to the smallest muskrat.

PRISTINE LAKES

The center of the Heart of the Rockies region is Lake County, which got its name from the abundance of clear, blue lakes fed by mountain streams and melting snow run-off in the spring and early summer. Twin Lakes in the southern part of the region has two large lakes separated by a narrow strip of land, with the lakes reflecting the collection of 14ers just to the south. Turquoise Lake, on the shoulder of Mt. Massive, is a popular camping and fishing lake. Smaller, but easiest to access is the Clinton Reservoir, located just of Hwy 91, midway between Copper Mtn. and Leadville.

NATIONAL PARKS

If the National Park Service had it to do over again, the Rocky Mountain National Park would likely be located in the Heart of the Rockies region. The Rocky Mountain National Park has only one 14er. In an area about half the size, (220 vs. 415 square miles) the southwestern quadrant of the Heart of the Rockies has eleven 14ers, including the Rocky Mountain’s three highest peaks. Perhaps realizing its mistake, in 2015 the National Park Service designated as national monuments, Brown’s Canyon, on the southern edge of the Heart of the Rockies and Camp Hale/Continental Divide, in the region’s northern area. Both are immensely popular for outdoor, nature recreation, and much less crowded than the Rocky Mountain National Park.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Without question, no place of its size in America is more widely used for outdoor, nature-oriented recreation, than the Heart of the Rockies. In the summer, nature-lovers enjoy mountain-climbing, hiking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, and many other ways of communing with nature. Winter brings snow and the enjoyment of sliding along snow’s surface. The two most-visited alpine ski areas in America, Breckenridge and Vail, are on the northern edge of the Heart of the Rockies, along with 4 other very popular alpine ski resorts. Other popular ways of enjoying the snow are snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and dog-sledding. Plus all of the lakes freeze over, providing the opportunity for ice-skating and ice-fishing.

DRAMATIC GEOLOGY

When the Teutonic forces of nature clashed millions of years ago, forcing upward what became the Rocky Mountains, the geology of stones morphed into what became valuable minerals when humans arrived on the scene. Gold and silver are abundant in the Heart of the Rockies, and panning for gold is a sometimes-lucrative past-time here. Molybdenum, a rare-earth mineral that when mixed with iron makes steel, has its largest mine in the world in the Heart of the Rockies at the Climax Mine near Leadville. As recognition of the importance of minerals to this region, the National Mining Museum is located in the center of the region in Leadville.

SCENIC TRAILS

With its tall mountains, pristine lakes, abundant wildlife and amazing flora, there is likely no place in America – and maybe the world – better-suited for scenic trail hikes than the Heart of the Rockies. The number of trails here is almost endless, with the most popular being at (a) the base of the 14ers, for mountain-climbing; (b) over 30 trailheads on the east side of the Mosquito Range, which have been mapped by the U.S. Forest Service; (c) the network of trails, some paved and some not, that surround Dillon Lake on the northern edge of the Heart of the Rockies.

PICTURESQUE VALLEYS

The 1960’s television series Big Valley was set in a California valley and it should have been filmed in the real big valley at the center of the Heart of the Rockies region. This valley is almost 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, or 125 square miles, with elevation ranges from 8,000 feet to 10,000 feet above sea level, and framed on all four sides by mountain ranges that contain 14ers. The center of our valley is the headwaters of the Arkansas River, the fifth longest river in the U.S., even longer than its neighbor on the other side of the Continental Divide, the Colorado River.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Human culture in the Heart of the Rockies began over 10,000 years ago, when the Indigenous People, now called the Utes, arrived in the region. To survive the harsh climate in the region, these people migrated annually from south to north following their feedstock, the deer and elk. The mining era of the 1800’s dramatically changed the culture of the region, and the indigenous people were forced to leave. Then the ski industry arrived, making one of the most climate-challenged locations in the U.S. among the country’s most valuable real estate.

SEASONAL BEAUTY

The wide climate changes and fertile soil conditions in the Heart of the Rockies create a mélange for one of America’s most varied natural-beauty shows. Spring is flower-time, highlighting the 70 different species of the Columbine plants that grow naturally here. In the summer, the deciduous trees sprout their leaves in various shades of green. Autumn brings the bright yellow of Aspen leaves, and then winter provide a white canvas to showcase the various evergreens – lodgepole, spruce, and bristlecone pine.

EXPANSIVE VIEWS

If you like looking at the western plains of the U.S., Pikes Peak is your best observation point. On the other hand, if you want to see wave after wave of craggy mountain ridges, then the Heart of the Rockies is best for you. Try the view from Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, and Hoosier Pass, all paved and maintained highways. For the more adventuresome, who like rugged roads accessible with high-clearance 4-wheel drive, then you will love Mosquito Pass of Weston Pass. Or climb to the peaks of any of the eighteen 14ers in the Heart of the Rockies and you will see the views of a lifetime.

CLEAR NIGHT SKIES

Far from any big city lights, the Heart of the Rockies is night-sky heaven. Grab a blanket and head to any of the public lands in the region (80% of the region is publicly owned) and look up at the stars. You will see constellations and galaxies that you did not know even existed. A moon-less night is the best viewing time.

CRAGGY ROCKS

The Rocky Mountains get their name for one reason: they are mountains made of rocks. In numerous places, as you drive or hike through the Heart of the Rockies, you will encounter some of the most scenic rock formations on the planet. Because of this, rock-climbing is a favorite activity in this region – or just sitting and marveling at the sculptures that nature has created. The best place to enjoy this is near the tops of the tallest mountains, where the severity of the forces of the climate are the strongest.

SUMMARY

The Heart of the Rockies region of Colorado is the epitome of high-mountain beauty and adventure. The region is near the geographic center of the Rocky Mountains and frames a big valley formed by the headwaters of the Arkansas River in central Colorado. Elevations range from 8,000 feet to over 14,000 feet above sea level. The high elevation and dramatic topography create a nature wonderland, with a huge variety of climate, geology, vegetation, and great things to do.

There is likely no better place in the U.S., and maybe the world, to connect with the wonders of nature than in the Heart of the Rockies

YOUR INVOLVEMENT MATTERS

If your heart is in the Rockies, consider sharing your contact info so that we can keep you updated about news, events and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Every action you take helps to protect and preserve the Heart of the Rockies. By staying informed, practicing sustainable habits, and sharing your love for this incredible region, you contribute to safeguarding its natural beauty for generations to come.

© 2025 Heart of the Rockies. All Rights Reserved.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT MATTERS

If your heart is in the Rockies, consider sharing your contact info so that we can keep you updated about news, events and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Every action you take helps to protect and preserve the Heart of the Rockies. By staying informed, practicing sustainable habits, and sharing your love for this incredible region, you contribute to safeguarding its natural beauty for generations to come.

© 2025 Heart of the Rockies. All Rights Reserved.