The pines may be distinguished from other conifers by the fact that the leaves, or needles as they are often called, are borne in clusters; and also by the fact that the seeds are borne in cones. This last character may seem self-evident for certainly any tree in the Pine family should have cones. But this popular conception is untrue as evidenced by three members of the Pine family which are found in the Park which do not have cones.

The pines are represented by five species in the Park. The most common one is Pinus contorta or Lodgepole Pine. This is a small tree and grows at all altitudes in the Park. This is the scrubby tree that grows so thickly on the level valley plains.

Pinus ponderosa, or the Western wheat Pine, is represented by wonderfully fine specimens on the lower altitudes.

Pinus lambertiana, or the Western Sugar Pine, also grows at the lower altitudes.

The next occurring in respect to elevation is the Western White Pine, or Pinus monticola.

At the highest altitudes the White-barked Pine grows. Botanists know this species as Pinus albicaulis, which means "white-stemmed" and the appearance of the small branches justify this name.

The pines immediately about the Rim are White-Barked Pine.