Montane, subalpine, alpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Trail along Bridal Veil Creek above Telluride, July 23, 2009.
Madden Peak, June 23, 2004.

Just above 11,500 feet ("tree-line" in the Four Corners area) trees are compressed and distorted by wind, the short growing season, intense sun, and snow pack.  These forces shape trees into krummholz (German for "crooked woods": the dwarfed, compact, crooked trees, some of which appear to be shrubs in both photos).  Some slightly taller ten-to-fifteen foot krummholz are wind-blown into "banner trees" --  trees with no limbs on the wind side. 

Krummholz provides a haven for flora and fauna that cannot thrive in the nearby intensity. Krummholz is also a haven for humans wanting to picnic out of the wind.

Click to see Picea engelmannii in winter.