Storm King Mountain Memorial Trail Glenwood Springs
A solemn memorial trail honoring 14 fallen firefighters, offering stunning mountain views and a challenging hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best weather for hiking
Storm King Mountain Memorial Trail Glenwood Springs
Best Time
Best weather for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial trail honoring 14 fallen firefighters, offering stunning mountain views and a challenging hike.
"A beautiful, somber hike with breathtaking views and a powerful tribute to heroes."
🚶♀️ Pack Out All Trash
Leave no trace! Pack out everything you bring, including alcohol trash. Respect this special place.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Steep and can be slippery. Hiking boots and poles are a must for stability, especially on the way down.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Firefighter Memorial Plaques
Along the trail
Tributes to the 14 fallen heroes, sharing their stories and sacrifices. A deeply moving experience.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Throughout the trail and at the lookout
Breathtaking vistas of surrounding peaks and valleys, offering a stark contrast to the trail's somber purpose.
Rugged Terrain Section
Beyond the main lookout
Experience the challenging terrain firefighters navigated, a stark reminder of their difficult work.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Memorial
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Pack Out All Trash
Leave no trace! Pack out everything you bring, including alcohol trash. Respect this special place.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Steep and can be slippery. Hiking boots and poles are a must for stability, especially on the way down.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Dog-friendly, but keep them leashed. Be mindful of narrow sections and other hikers.
💧 Check Weather Forecast
Avoid hiking after heavy rain; the trail becomes very muddy and slippery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Pack Out All Trash
Leave no trace! Pack out everything you bring, including alcohol trash. Respect this special place.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Steep and can be slippery. Hiking boots and poles are a must for stability, especially on the way down.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Dog-friendly, but keep them leashed. Be mindful of narrow sections and other hikers.
💧 Check Weather Forecast
Avoid hiking after heavy rain; the trail becomes very muddy and slippery.
📖 Read the Memorial Signs
Understand the tragic history and honor the fallen firefighters. It adds depth to the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Storm King Mountain Memorial Trail to be a beautiful yet somber hike, offering breathtaking views and a powerful tribute to fallen firefighters. While the steep ascent is challenging, the memorial aspect and scenic vistas are consistently praised. Some note the trail's difficulty and potential for mud, advising preparedness.
"Quiet, somber, but beautiful memorial trail. Do read all the signs and stories to put yourself in their shoes. Trail is pretty consistently steep uphill for most of the way to the lookout. You climb quite a bit in the beginning. The views are breathtaking pretty much the entire trail. You can see the aftermath of the fire even almost 30 years after.
The trail tells a very interesting but sad story of the brave firefighters who lost their lives protecting the area. After the lookout point, the trail becomes very rugged and difficult to navigate, to give you an idea of what terrain wildfire firefighters often have to trek through with all their heavy gear.
I would not recommend this trail after heavy rain. It would be very muddy and slippery and it's very steep at some parts. Poles may help those with balancing issues or knee problems, as the trail is hard on your knees coming down.
The parking area is very small but the trail doesn't seem to get crowded. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, only a picnic bench. No trash cans, please pack out what you bring. We packed out lots of trash we found on the trail, including a lot of alcohol trash. Come on guys, have some respect.
The trail is very dog friendly, our almost 12 year old dog had no issues at any point. Do note that while dogs should be on a leash, some people do not follow that rule. (My dog is always on a leash when required, except for a split second to snap a pic when no one is around) There are many very narrow and steep sections that are difficult to pass on, so keep that in mind if you have a reactive dog. And as always, pick up after your dogs! When peoples' dogs are off leash they often don't even see when they have a number 2. Don't be that person. This is a special trail, please be respectful of it. Irresponsible dog owners are why some trails no longer allow dogs, don't ruin it for others!"
Christina H
"50+ yo female. Have done the trail several times. Does feel like it gets harder with age and changing topography. The re-growth is lovely. Demonstrates what the firefighters fought through and how they could have succumbed to the mountain. This place means a lot to my family and we hope people continue to come and keep their memories and lessons learned alive"
Marit Nelson
"We hiked right after the first snowfall. The trail was wet and muddy. It’s all uphill, but I wouldn’t say it was hard to get up. It was cloudy and we didn’t get great views from the top. Having said all that, I really enjoyed this hike and even with bad weather, the views were gorgeous. The mountains around were covered in fresh snow. The contrast between the red rocks and the snow is something I’ve never seen before.
This trail has a sad history. Firefighters have lost their lives there trying to put out a fire.
Definitely worth a visit."
Jen S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located off I-70 near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Look for signage. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
Yes, there is a small parking area. It can fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.
No, there are no restrooms at the trailhead. There is a picnic bench.
Yes, the trail is accessible in winter, but can be wet and muddy after snow. Views can be stunning with fresh snow.
The parking area is small, so it may not be suitable for very large vehicles. Consider alternative parking if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Storm King Mountain Memorial Trail is a public hiking trail and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to access.
The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk, year-round. However, always check local conditions before you go.
There is no entrance fee for the Storm King Mountain Memorial Trail. It is a free memorial site.
While generally accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the views and memorial aspects.
The primary restriction is to be respectful of the memorial. Dogs must be leashed, and all trash must be packed out.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trail is approximately 4.1 miles out and back, with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
It's considered a strenuous hike due to its consistent steepness. The final section can be challenging.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The scenery is a highlight.
It's a challenging hike, so it may be difficult for very young children. Older children who are accustomed to hiking might manage.
Yes, the trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers stunning views, but the main lookout point provides the most expansive panoramas. The memorial plaques are also poignant photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light for landscape photography. However, the views are impressive throughout the day.
Drone usage is typically restricted in memorial areas and national forests. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A camera with good low-light performance can be useful if you hike near dawn or dusk.
Yes, taking photos of the memorial plaques is permitted and encouraged to share the stories of the fallen firefighters.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to emphasize the memorial aspect of the trail to children, explaining the story of the firefighters in an age-appropriate manner. This can turn a strenuous hike into an educational and impactful experience. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear and are supervised closely, especially on steeper sections.
🐶 Dog Owners
Be prepared for narrow sections where passing other hikers can be tricky, so keep your dog close. Always pick up after your dog; this is a memorial site, and maintaining its cleanliness and respect is paramount. Responsible dog ownership ensures that trails like this remain accessible to all.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
It's advisable to inform someone of your hiking plans before you go, as cell service can be spotty. Be prepared for the trail's conditions, especially if hiking alone, and carry sufficient water and snacks. The memorial aspect adds a unique contemplative dimension to a solo trek.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Storm King Mountain Tragedy
As you hike, you'll encounter memorial plaques dedicated to each firefighter, sharing their stories and personal details. This makes the trail a deeply moving experience, transforming a challenging hike into a journey of remembrance. The re-growth of vegetation also serves as a visual reminder of the resilience of nature and the firefighters' efforts.
Understanding the history behind the trail enhances the visit. It's a place to reflect on the dangers faced by wildland firefighters and the importance of respecting the natural environment. The trail's existence is a testament to the community's desire to keep the memory of these heroes alive.
Hiking the Trail: What to Expect
Footwear is crucial here. Due to the steepness and potential for mud and slipperiness, especially after rain or snow, sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Many visitors also find trekking poles beneficial for maintaining balance and reducing strain on the knees during the descent.
Beyond the main lookout, the trail becomes more rugged, mimicking the difficult terrain wildland firefighters often had to traverse with heavy gear. This section offers a stark, tangible understanding of the challenges they faced.
Respectful Trail Etiquette
Leave No Trace principles are essential. This means packing out everything you pack in, including all trash. Reports of discarded alcohol bottles highlight the need for greater mindfulness and respect for the site.
For dog owners, while the trail is dog-friendly, strict adherence to leash laws is required. Be aware of narrow sections where passing can be difficult, and always pick up after your pet. Irresponsible pet ownership can jeopardize trail access for others.
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