Sometimes 50 feet tall at lower elevations, Engelmann Spruce may grow at the highest elevation of any tree species at the Park. Here it is shown in a shrubby "krummholz" form at an elevation of 7,600 feet.

The needles are sharp-tipped and 4-sided. They have white stomatal lines on the top and underneath sides.

The gray bark is platy and sometimes has a maroon hue. This species grows on the north and east sides of the Park, typically at higher elevation, although sometimes below 3,500 feet.

The young cones are reddish-purple, and, in the photo, very obvious near the top of the tree. They are covered with thin scales, wavy at the tip and turn brown with age.