Final answer:
Zebulon Pike explored the Rocky Mountains and specifically attempted to climb Pike's Peak. Although he did not reach the summit, his journey was an important part of early 19th-century explorations in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lieutenant Zebulon Pike explored the mountain range that includes Pike's Peak, which is part of the Rocky Mountains. On November 15, 1806, Pike spotted the summit of Pike's Peak in the distance, and after a challenging journey, his expedition party attempted to ascend it. Despite the fact that they did not reach the summit due to the snow and the mountain's unexpected height, Pike's exploration significantly contributed to the geographical understanding of the Rocky Mountains during the early 19th century. It's noteworthy that Pike's exploration occurred around the same time as the Lewis and Clark expedition, which aimed to chart the new western territories of the United States from 1804 to 1806.