Ute Cemetery - A cemetery with many headstones and trees
1 / 10

Ute Cemetery

4.6
·491k reviews·Aspen, United States

A quiet hillside cemetery in Aspen, Colorado, holding the stories of pioneers, miners, and the Ute people from the 1880s.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Ute Cemetery - A cemetery with many headstones and trees

Ute Cemetery

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A quiet hillside cemetery in Aspen, Colorado, holding the stories of pioneers, miners, and the Ute people from the 1880s.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Aspen's real story is buried here: ghosts, grit, and graves from the 1880s. Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the grounds safely.

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing any markers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ute Burial Sites

Historic Ute Burial Sites

Original Ute burial grounds

Discover the ancestral resting places of the Ute people, a poignant connection to Colorado's indigenous history.

Instagram
Pioneer Era Graves

Pioneer Era Graves

Main cemetery sections

Explore headstones of early settlers, miners, and Civil War veterans, offering a glimpse into Aspen's rugged past.

Instagram
Unique Tombstones

Unique Tombstones

Various plots

Spot distinctive and sometimes poignant epitaphs, like 'Colored Lady Allen,' telling individual stories.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Remember this is a sacred burial ground. Tread lightly, avoid disturbing headstones, and keep noise levels down. Many visitors find it a place for quiet reflection and historical appreciation. Instagram

Navigating the Grounds

Cemeteries can be vast and sometimes lack clear signage. Look for section markers or ask locals for guidance if you're searching for a specific plot. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring and Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere for reflection
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

sweet sweet cemetery calcium #history #uktiktok #scarystories #creepyfacts #londontiktok
@shiverdarkhistory
1M likes • 6.2M views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the grounds safely. Reddit

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing any markers. Instagram

If your bf won’t take you on cute cemetery dates to see the antique coffins, get a new one #mourning #victorianmourning #antiquecoffin #antiques #funeralhistory #funeral #oddities #oldcitycemetery #oldcitycemeterylynchburg #deathpositive #mortician
@mybloodygalentine
8.5K likes • 73.1K views
Most people in Aspen walk right past it… on their way to $40 kale salads. But across from that $80M house on Ute Ave? There’s a hillside where Aspen’s real story is buried. Literally. No sign. No gift shop. Just ghosts, grit, and graves from the 1880s. Civil War vets. Forgotten miners. A headstone that simply reads: “Colored Lady Allen.” If you want the real Aspen—not just the après, art shows,...
condokingaspen
51 likes • 990 views

🗺️ Look for Section Markers

If searching for specific graves, pay attention to any signs indicating rows and sections. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The unique headstones and serene atmosphere make for compelling, respectful photography. Instagram

I took two pictures, one that showed nothing. Then I took this picture. This is cheesman park picture, it used to be Denvers first cemetery. Indigenous (the Ute) used it as a burial ground this area and behind me at the botanical gardens. There are over 2,000 bodies still buried in this public park 👻 #haunted #denver #Colorado #indigenous #theute #gravedigger #cemetery #ghost #suicide #fear #hall...
donietorres1
1 likes • 35 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the grounds safely. Reddit

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing any markers. Instagram

🗺️ Look for Section Markers

If searching for specific graves, pay attention to any signs indicating rows and sections. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The unique headstones and serene atmosphere make for compelling, respectful photography. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Ute Cemetery to be a poignant and historically rich site, offering a quiet glimpse into Aspen's past. While some appreciate its uncommercialized nature, others note the lack of clear signage can make navigation challenging. It's a place for respectful reflection on the lives of early settlers and indigenous peoples. Instagram

What People Like

Historic atmosphere
Unique headstones
Quiet reflection

What People Dislike

Lack of signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ute Cemetery is located in Aspen, Colorado. It's often described as being on a hillside on Ute Avenue, sometimes without a prominent sign. It's accessible by car, and parking may be available nearby. Instagram

While some cemeteries are integrated into public parks, Ute Cemetery is a distinct historical burial ground. It's important to treat it as such. Instagram

Look for it on Ute Avenue in Aspen. Local knowledge or GPS coordinates can be helpful if you're having trouble locating it. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Ute Cemetery is generally accessible to the public without an admission fee. It's a historical site meant for respectful visitation. Instagram

As an outdoor historical site, it's typically open during daylight hours. However, it's always best to be mindful of local regulations and respect the sanctity of the grounds. Instagram

No, Ute Cemetery is described as having no sign or gift shop, emphasizing its raw historical nature. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find historic graves from the 1880s, including those of Civil War veterans, miners, and early settlers. Some headstones are unique and tell individual stories. Instagram

Finding specific graves can be challenging as there may not be clear signage. Look for section markers if available, or consult any historical records you might have. Reddit

Yes, the historic tombstones and serene atmosphere offer excellent opportunities for respectful photography, capturing the essence of Aspen's past. Instagram

Information on guided tours is limited. It's often explored independently, focusing on personal discovery and reflection. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the unique headstones and the overall landscape. The 'Colored Lady Allen' headstone is often mentioned as a point of interest. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, always practice respectful photography. Avoid intrusive shots and focus on capturing the historical and atmospheric elements. Instagram

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is suitable. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a prime lens for detail. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ute Cemetery can be a unique educational experience for families, offering a quiet space to discuss history and remembrance. Encourage children to be respectful and mindful of the surroundings. It's a good opportunity to talk about local history and the lives of people who came before. Instagram

Keep the visit brief and focused, perhaps highlighting a few interesting headstones or the general atmosphere. Ensure children understand the importance of not disturbing any markers and keeping voices low. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for everyone. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Explorers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Ute Cemetery offers a chance for quiet contemplation and deep historical immersion. Take your time to read inscriptions, imagine the lives of those buried here, and appreciate the historical context of Aspen. Instagram

Consider bringing a notebook to jot down interesting names or dates, or a camera to document the unique headstones. The lack of crowds and commercialization allows for a truly personal connection with the past. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ute People and Their Connection

The mention of 'the Ute' in relation to Cheesman Park (which was Denver's first cemetery) highlights the deep historical roots of indigenous peoples in Colorado. Before becoming a formal cemetery, areas like this served as burial grounds for the Ute tribe. This connection underscores the layered history of the land, with indigenous heritage often predating colonial settlement. Understanding this context adds a significant dimension to visiting historical sites, reminding us of the original stewards of the land. Instagram

While Ute Cemetery in Aspen is specifically named, the broader context of indigenous burial sites across Colorado, like the one mentioned in Denver, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting these ancestral lands. It's a reminder that many places hold stories that go back centuries, long before they were officially documented or named by later inhabitants. Instagram

Aspen's Early History and Its Buried Stories

Ute Cemetery in Aspen offers a tangible link to the town's formative years. Established in the 1880s, it served as the final resting place for many of Aspen's early pioneers. This includes Civil War veterans, miners who flocked to the area during its boom times, and other settlers who shaped the community. The lack of a formal sign or gift shop contributes to its raw, authentic feel, allowing visitors to connect directly with the past. Instagram

The cemetery's hillside location on Ute Avenue, often overlooked by those focused on Aspen's modern luxury, holds a different kind of wealth: historical narrative. Headstones like the one simply reading 'Colored Lady Allen' are poignant reminders of the diverse individuals who contributed to Aspen's development, often in roles that are less celebrated in mainstream history. Exploring these graves is an opportunity to uncover the grit and stories behind Aspen's transformation from a rough mining town to a world-renowned destination. Instagram

Navigating Historical Cemeteries: Tips from the Community

Visiting historical cemeteries like Ute Cemetery can be a profound experience, but it requires a mindful approach. Reddit users often share practical advice for navigating these sites. A common tip is to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, as cemetery grounds can be uneven, with grass, dirt paths, and sometimes loose stones. Reddit

When trying to locate specific plots, users suggest looking for section markers or maps if available. However, it's acknowledged that these can sometimes be unclear or missing, making the search a bit of a treasure hunt. The key is patience and observation. Reddit Furthermore, the overarching sentiment from visitors and online discussions is the importance of respect. This means keeping noise levels down, refraining from touching or disturbing headstones, and generally treating the space as a place of remembrance and historical significance. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2