March 9, 2025: Tall Timbers at Ten Thousand

The past week was spent at altitude in the beautiful surroundings of Steamboat Springs, Colorado:  7000' in the city, 10,568' at the top of the ski area.  

Looking west over the Yampa Valley from the top of Mr. Werner in Steamboat Springs.

We've been to Steamboat Springs many times, but it's still strange to see such tall trees growing at 10,000 feet elevation.  

Snowshoeing at 9400' elevation in Rabbit Ears Pass we were surrounded by towering Lodgepole Pines.

Trees peter out in New Hampshire around 4000', and by 5000' there's nothing but scrub.  But in the Rocky Mountains trees grow robustly at well over 10,000'.  Part of the difference is due to the lower latitude - even Steamboat Springs, located in northwest Colorado at a latitude of 40.48 degrees, is more than 200 miles south of Meredith at a latitude of 43.66.  But other factors including better soil conditions and less severe winds in Colorado are probably even more of a contributor to the difference.

At the city elevation of just under 7000' many species of trees grow at elevations where no tree can survive in New England.

Aspen (above) and Cottonwood (below) along the Yampa River.

The Yampa River is also the life source for many animals, especially in winter. 

The Yampa River, fed by springs in the Flat Top Mountains and plenty of snowmelt.

There are lots of mammal tracks leading down to the river, as well as various birds gathering along its course to secure food, including osprey, magpies, and ducks.

A pair of Mallards that decided to spend the winter in the Yampa River.

A Black-billed Magpie perched over the river.

We returned home early Saturday morning to a cold and blustery New Hampshire day, but that didn't stop the mink from making its daily rounds.

A mink passes along the Wicwas Shoreline Saturday morning.

Mink live as far west as Colorado, primarily along the rivers, as riparian habitat is their preferred territory.  One's not likely to see them at high elevation though, even if the trees can thrive there.

Clouds form over Storm Peak.

Thanks VP for another great visit to the 'boat!