An Alpine Vegetation Map of Caribou Lake Valley and Fourth of July Valley, Front Range, Colorado, U.S.A.

Abstract

The alpine vegetation of two cirques in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, a section of the Front Range, Colorado, was mapped at a scale of 1:5000 in order to show relationships between vegetation cover and microrelief, and to demonstrate differences in plant community distribution patterns between the western and eastern slopes of the mountain range. The numerous alpine plant communities occurring in the study area are summarized in 10 mapping units representing previously described Braun-Blanquet alliances. Important microclimatic factors that are related to the distribution patterns of these units are topography and wind which control snow cover, soil moisture, and soil temperature. East of the Continental Divide plant communities with either very little or deep snow cover prevail whereas on the west side of the divide communities dominate which have a more moderate snow cover. This basic vegetation map of the area could be of some value for studying vegetation change resulting from recreational activities in this heavily utilized wilderness area.