The discovery of gold near Pikes Peak in 1858 triggered a gold rush that significantly increased migration to the Rocky Mountain region, particularly present-day Colorado.

While the California Gold Rush of 1849 spurred westward migration in general, the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, starting in 1858, directly impacted migration to the Rocky Mountain region. Discoveries of gold in the area near present-day Denver, Colorado, led to a rapid influx of prospectors and settlers hoping to strike it rich. This event significantly boosted the population and development of the central Rocky Mountains.