The common middle and subalpine elevation cedar, this species grows on rocky sites, near streams, and on slopes and openings. It is a long-lived species, with a few specimens at the Park dated at an age of 1200 years or more.

The branches are flattened and the scalelike leaves a bit prickly. The cones are small and rounded.

The grayish bark is scaly, and the downward hanging branches give the tree a drooping appearance. On old trees, the trunk is buttressed.