As travelers ascend Pikes Peak, temperatures grow colder and plant communities change through distinct life zones defined by elevation. Going up 1000 feet in elevation is like traveling 600 miles to the north. The plains zone lies at 6,000 feet and under, the foothills at 6,000 to 8,000 feet, the montane at 8,000 to 9,500 feet, the subalpine at 9,500 to 11,000 feet, and the alpine at 11,500 feet and above. For every 1,000-foot rise in elevation, the average temperature drops 3 degrees Fahrenheit, precipitation increases, winds buffet the top of the peak, and the frost-free season is reduced to 1½ months. Narrow-leaved grasses and burrowing animals are adapted to the dry plains zone, scrub oaks, black bears, and mule deer characterize the foothills, aspens and elk thrive in the lush montane zone, spire-like Englemann spruce and snowshoe hares are adapted to the snowy subalpine zone, and low-growing tundra flowers and short-tailed weasels survive in the wintery alpine zone.