Long's Peak in the Colorado Rocky Mountains rises to 14,250 ft (4,343 m). The plant communities in the mountain region are arranged into pronounced zones, dictated by a combination of altitude, latitude, direction of prevailing winds, and slope exposure. The uppermost (alpine) zone is characterized by alpine tundra and the absence of trees. The tundra is extremely fragile and the severe conditions and short growing season limit the species that are able to survive there.