In what is called the Montaine Forests along the Front Range of the Rockies, between 6,000 and 9,000 feet, the Ponderosa Pine dominates the forest. These are very long-lived trees, with some in the American west documented to be in the 700-800 year old range. Trees of that age are rare, but those in the 200 to 500 year range are much more common. At about 200 years, Ponderosas start to take on the look of an old tree, a flattened or sparse crown, fewer small limbs, but some very large ones. Sometimes the top of the tree will look craggy and dead. It is not unusual for these older trees to be 150-180 feet tall. Many of them have survived several forest fires. Scientists have taken core samples, or studied the stumps of old trees that were cut and dated many trees to the mid-1500's. In the area around Estes Park and locales to the north and south in Larimer and Boulder counties, there are some of these 450 year old trees. And 200 year old trees are quite common.
The tree in the photo above grows along Carriage Drive in Estes Park. It shows the signs of great age, but I don't have a clue exactly how old it is. Last summer, at night the hoots of an owl could be heard coming from it--perhaps it served as a nesting tree.
This tree is now gone. About 4 years ago, a big winter storm with 100 mph winds blew through and the tree fell. I wish I had been there to try to count the rings. The tree was in front yard f two houses, and fortunately it fell in between them and caused no damage
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