To understand soil stoichiometric characteristics at different elevations in a mountainous area with high frequency debris flows, organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), and mechanical characteristics of soil from 3 elevational bands (1500-2000, 2000-2500, 2500-3000 m) were measured at different soil depths. This study also analyzed vertical variations in soil stoichiometric characteristics in these elevational gradients and its correlation with soil physical structure. SOC, TN, C:P, C:K, N:P, and N:K were positively correlated with elevation, while TP, TK, and P:K were negatively correlated with elevation. SOC had the strongest relationship with elevation, followed by total N, P, and K. The vertical distribution of SOC, TN, TP, TK, and stoichiometric ratio varied with elevation.SOC and TN decreased with soil depth, but there was no clear relationship with TP, TK, or stoichiometric ratio. Within each elevational band, soil stoichiometric characteristics did not differ significantly between forest communities and shrub-meadow communities; both presented the same pattern as the elevation changed. In the shrub-meadow community, C:N was significantly correlated with above ground vegetation cover. In the forest community, P:K was significantly correlated with mean tree height. Differences in soil physical structure were the key factor linked to changes in soil stoichiometric characteristics. C:P, C:K, N:P, and N:K had a positive exponential relationship with soil water content and sand content, and a negative exponential relationship with clay content.