The High Alpine Zone
Large Limber Pine near timberline, John Mattson
Timberline is a tough place to live, but it is very picturesque, and can be a great place to hike on a warm day. There are many unique plants, and the hiker experiences a very stimulating landscape.
Bristlecone Pines
Bristlecone Pines thrive on exposed rocky slopes at elevations of 9,200 to 11,800 feet. They can be found in the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and are usually very small, as well as twisted and picturesque. A Bristlecone specimen has been dated at an age of 4,900 years, which is currently the oldest living species of plant.
Limber Pine
The Limber Pine is also very picturesque, and is prevalent near the timberline throughout the Colorado Rockies.
Other Species
Lodepole Pine, Subalpine Fir, Quaking Aspen and both Engelman and Blue Spruce can also survive at timberline.
Climate Change
A warming climate will gradually move timberline upward.
