What Are the Life Zones in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park?

Colorado's beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including more than 280 species of birds, over 1,100 types of vascular plants, and at least 60 different kinds of mammals. Spanning over 265,000 acres, the park's diverse and expansive terrain is the perfect place for wildlife to thrive.

Specific life zones provide necessary habitats for these unique plants and animals to survive in Colorado's largest national park. But what exactly is a life zone, and which of these are present in Rocky Mountain National Park?

The park's life zones are determined by the elevation and the ecosystem that makes up that area - almost like a neighborhood. Elevations in the park range from a low of about 7,840 feet above sea level at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak.

Rocky Mountain National Park has three zones, all with varying species. The montane ecosystem at lower elevations; the subalpine, at the mid-levels; and the alpine, at the park's highest elevations. There is also the riparian ecosystem, which occurs in all three of these. Plants and animals will also cross boundaries sometimes.

Montane Zone

The montane zones range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet and are the lowest points in the park. In addition to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, Sprague Lake and the Gem Lake Trail are all part of the montane zone. These areas are also the driest and warmest spots in RMNP.

Ponderosa pines, sagebrush, Douglas firs, and junipers are common trees and plants that grow within this ecosystem.  Plants that are drought-tolerant and sun-loving do well in the montane's dry and rocky soil. Meadows full of wildflowers are also prevalent in this ecosystem.

The montane zone has the greatest variety of wildlife, including elk, beavers, deer, coyote, and Abert's squirrels. Some of the birds that are frequently observed in the lower areas of the park are Stellar jays, black-billed magpies, and western tanagers.

Subalpine Zone

This sector covers the range between 9,000 feet and 11,500 feet in elevation, including Bear Lake, at Glacier Gorge Junction, and near the Longs Peak Ranger Station. The subalpine experiences higher amounts of precipitation than the montane or alpine zones. Snowmelt water soaks the ground, but snow can remain late into the spring, or even summer in the shaded woods.

Crowded forests of Engelmann spruce and limber pine trees dominate the subalpine zone. However, there are still some meadows scattered with beautiful wildflowers, like lupines and Colorado columbine. Unlike the flora that grows in the montane, moisture-loving plants thrive in this ecosystem.

Some of the birds that are commonly seen in the subalpine zone are Clark’s nutcrackers, mountain chickadees, and northern goshawks. Many mammals inhabit this ecosystem, including weasels, moose, elk, chipmunks, bears, and snowshoe hares. According to the National Park Service, all animals that live in the subalpine have adaptations that allow them to cope with both the cold and the deep snow. Hoofed animals typically tend to stay below the subalpine during the winter because it requires too much energy to get through the snow.

Alpine Zone

At approximately 11,000 feet and above, the alpine makes up one-third of the park. Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road give visitors a chance to see and experience this unique ecosystem. The alpine, or alpine tundra, is vastly different than the life zones below it. Summer temperatures in this ecosystem are 20 degrees cooler than those in the montane.

In the park's alpine areas, the trees virtually disappear, or become stunted due to extremely harsh conditions. Winds whip through the alpine and frequently exceed 100 miles per hour. However, more than 200 species of tiny grasses, low-growing forbs, and mosses do grow in this sector. Many of these hardy plants are identical to those found in the Arctic. And, believe it or not, there are alpine wildflowers that pop up during the alpine zone's short six to eight-week growing season.

Nineteen species of mammals live above tree line all year. Yellow-bellied marmots, pikas, bighorn sheep, and northern pocket gophers are all mammals that are known to roam the alpine. Additionally, it's estimated that more than 200 elk, which is about one-third of the park's total population, live in the alpine zone year-round. Golden eagles, hawks, and falcons are frequently seen flying in the sky over the alpine in RMNP.

Unfortunately, the alpine tundra is an area of concern because of the impact of global climate change.

Riparian Zone

Finally, the riparian zone is found flowing through all of the ecosystems of RMNP. These areas have an abundance of life and increased biodiversity. Riparian areas include communities surrounding lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. Fall River in Horseshoe Park is a perfect example of a riparian zone within the montane.

Willows and cottonwoods are the two most prominent species of trees in riparian zones. Many terrestrial and aquatic insects and animals depend on riparian areas for survival and will make their way there at one point or another.

Red-winged blackbirds, beavers, and western chorus frogs are just a few of the species that make riparian habitats their home.

Which life zone is your favorite to see when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park?