SNAP*Shot–Independence Pass: Alpine Tundra Wonders

Midway between the tiny town of Twin Lakes and Aspen, on Colorado Highway 82, sits Independence Pass. The second highest paved highway in Colorado, the Pass sits on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch (suh-wahch) Range of the Rockies.

Let’s explore the views and the tundra, but first we need to get there. From Twin Lakes we drive 17 miles climbing 2,718 feet, so there will be hairpin turns. At the second hairpin, what a view east at 7:30am! There’s CO-82 along Lake Creek making its way to the Twin Lakes. Yes, there are two lakes about the same size just out of view. Onward . . .

The Sawatch Range is home to eight of the highest mountains in the entire Rocky Mountain range. The highest mountain in all the Rockies, Mount Elbert (14,440 ft), towers above the town of Twin Lakes and my cabin home for this trip. As we climb to rarefied air, the sun breaks through the morning haze and lingering rain clouds from yesterday.

Here we are!

We are exploring the alpine tundra biome, an ecosystem that begins between 11,000-11,500 ft depending on exposure. This is a land of extremes. Most all trees cannot grow here and plants and shrubs are dwarfed. Strong, frequent winds and cold temperatures limit alpine flora. We mainly see lichen on rocks, cushion plants only inches off the ground, grasses and sedges, and low-growing flowering plants (forbs).

We can help the plants thrive by staying on paved and established trails. Let’s go–we’re on top of the world!

White-crowned Sparrows live and breed at high elevations, spending winters at lower elevations in most states and Mexico. They were moving so fast and hiding under cars, but this juvenile stayed long enough for a capture.

Western Yellow Paintbrush (Castilleja occidentalis), and there are so many! This color Paintbrush is only found in subalpine and alpine meadows and hillsides.

At the end of the paved walkway, an overlook faces south, but there are views in every direction!

South/southwest.

Northwest

North

East/southeast, from where we came.

We aren’t the only ones savoring the view. Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis).

The flowers are wonderful, but many are very small. My eyes see all the shapes and colors easily, but the camera needs to be closer, so here we go. Most of these are a first for me which is always exciting.

Queen’s Crown, also called Rose Crown (Rhodiola rhodantha).

Alpine Aven, also called Ross’ Aven (Geum rossii ssp turbinata)

Yellow Stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum synonym: Amerosedum lanceolatum).

Whipple’s Penstemon, also called Dusky Beardtongue (Penstemon whippleanus).

Alpine Goldenweed (Tonestus lyallii), only about 6″ high.

Alpine Smelowskia, also called Alpine Candytuft (Smelowskia calycina) with each flower 1/4″ across.

I’m guessing this is a Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis) because no other conifers live above 12,000 feet. I could not get any closer to confirm, but giving you my best guess. Anything this tall will certainly take a beating in the wind and snow up here, but limber pines have very flexible branches often able to bend back on themselves without breaking.

I just can’t believe the many plants hugging the ground with flowers reaching for the sun. All small, many tiny, but so beautiful.

Almost back to the car, but one more look at this amazing ecosystem. Not to mention all the water! We have had so much rain this year in Colorado! All through May, much of June, days through July, and the last two days it has rained more than not. No wonder everything is still so green in August!

Until next time my friend . . .