Red Mountain Cross (7,450 ft)

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Connects: Red Mountain Trail (Jeanne Golay Trail/Red Mountain Road), Grandstaff Trail, Cross Trail

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Red Mountain Cross

The Red Mountain Cross in Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, CO – Viewing Area

The Red Mountain Cross (7,450 ft) is a cross with lights on top of Red Mountain in Glenwood Springs, CO. The cross is accessed along the Red Mountain Trail (Jeanne Golay Trail/Red Mountain Road).

News about the Red Mountain Cross can be found at:
Post Independent (December 25, 2016) – Grandstaff legacy: Glenwood cross, Moab canyon
Post Independent (November 26, 2007) – Red Mountain cross began as simple reminder

Signage at the trailhead that explains why there is a cross on Red Mountain provided by the Frontier Historical Society reads: (Click to expand)
“Red Mountain History

Why is There A Cross On Red Mountain?

In the summer of 1901, William Grandstaff, an old prospector who had been working gold claims on Red Mountain, had not been seen in town for many weeks. A local youngster was sent up the hill to check on Grandstaff, only to find him dead in his cabin. A committee of townspeople, including the coroner, was dispatched to the cabin. The cause of death was determined to be starvation and Grandstaff was buried on Red Mountain under a tree which stood in the shape of a cross. The tree stood silhouetted for many years at the top of the mountain, but the elements and disease took its toll and eventually, the cross blew to the ground.

In 1951, employees of the Glenwood Springs Electric Department replaced the tree cross with a wooden cross measuring 40 feet by 18 feet. The new cross was electrically lighted using power from the ski tow and placed on city property on a lower ridge of the mountain. This cross stood for forty years.

In 1991, a challenge from the ACLU forced the removal of the cross from city property. A non-profit organization was formed; a metal cross was built and placed on private property at the top of the mountain. In 1998, vandals destroyed the cross so a newer, sturdier cross was erected. William Grandstaff, for whom the original cross was placed, is now a distant memory and the present day cross stands today to light the holiday seasons.

Outdoor enthusiasts familiar with the Moab, Utah area may be interested to know that Negro Bill Canyon, a popular hiking and biking trail there, is named for William Grandstaff. He lived in the canyon prior to coming to the Glenwood Springs area. Upon arriving here, Grandstaff opened a saloon where South Canyon meets the Colorado River, serving the miners of the coal camp at South Canyon. Later, Grandstaff sold the saloon operation and settled on Red Mountain.”

Red Mountain & Wulfsohn Mountain Park Printable Trail MapRed Mountain and Wulfsohn Mountain Park


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Tati
Tati
5 years ago

Can someone clean the lights or make it brighter I miss seeing if from all over when the night sky hits.

Posted in Glenwood Springs, Historic, Memorial, Sites, Viewing Area

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