AbstractSunshine, mild dry climate, clean air, blue skies, and unexcelled natural scenic beauty have long been associated with the Rocky Mountain region. This image was fostered by early visitors' journals and by outstanding landscape paintings and photography. Turn‐of‐the‐century physicians were so impressed by the quality of these environmental characteristics that they advocated migration to the region for its health and therapeutic benefits. Rising public appreciation of the natural environment led to significant protective legislation in the 1970s. A growing body of research now seeks to understand better the psychological and health benefits of these “environmental ame