How to Camp Above Treeline
Spending a night above the treeline is a wonderful experience. You will have unobstructed views of stars and vistas, and the wind whipping around you will often lull you to sleep in your warm sleeping bag. There are certain precautions to take, however, in order to spend a safe, enjoyable night in the mountains.
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Instructions
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Check the weather before heading into the mountains. Weather changes quickly above treeline, and thunderstorms (especially in the summer) flourish at treeline level. Try to obtain a mountain weather report, and look for thunderstorm forecasts. If there is a high probability of storms (over 65 percent), it's best to camp below treeline where you aren't as exposed.
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Have proper gear. While the weather may call for clear skies, you'll want a fully enclosed shelter (tent or tarp-tent) that will protect you in case of sudden bad weather. Also, you will want a shelter that can be staked or secured to the rock bed you will be camping on. Make sure you have rain gear for inclement weather, and a warm, dry sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature where you will be camping.
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Find a spot that is shaded and protected. Look for rock overhangs and large boulders that block wind. These are ideal spots. Try to find relatively flat, open areas, and be sure to clear all rocks before setting up your equipment. You do not want to rip or damage your gear.
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Do not eat food at your campsite. Food odors travel, and animals (especially bears) can smell human food being cooked miles away. Make sure to store all uneaten food in a bear canister (see references) to protect it and you during the night.
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Look around your site to make sure there are no hazards like loose rocks or animal trails nearby. Also, obviously, camp far from any overhangs that drop off the mountaintop. Before going to sleep, check the sky one more time, and if it looks as if weather may be moving in, reassess your spot and make any changes necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Thunderstorms at treeline are dangerous, as lightning will seek the highest point -- namely, you.
