The basin itself is more protected than the pass and its surrounding peaks. However, the weather here is still severe and one of the few trees capable of withstanding the climate is the Larch, a deciduous conifer. Later in the season, the Larch needles will turn golden yellow before falling off. True conifers grow in sheltered areas and start to dominate as one descends to lower elevations. Some good pictures of the fall colors can be found here.