
Can You Legally Spread Ashes in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park is a magical place. There is simply no other place quite like it on earth. For that reason, many people from all over the world come to Northern Colorado to experience the beauty that is known as Rocky Mountain National Park.
Some love to take photos and move on to the next national park on the list. Others have a draw to the iconic park and feel the need to visit every chance they get. Those people who love Rocky Mountain National Park with all of their heart and soul know that this place speaks to them in only a way they can understand.
The one thing about life is that it will eventually end. When someone dies, they may have wishes on what happens to their body. If one of these people whose life comes to an end loves Rocky Moutain National Park so much, they might even ask their loved ones to spread their ashes in the park. However, is it legal?
Can You Legally Spread Cremains in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Colorado's most famous national park is a delicate ecosystem. Recently, I have had to endure a few deaths throughout the past few years and it got me thinking. Could you legally spread the ashes of a loved one inside of Rocky Mountain National Park?

So, I did what I always do when I have questions regarding something I do not know, I did some research. As it turns out, you can legally spread the ashes of the deceased inside Rocky Mountain National Park. However, there are some things you need to know before you do it.
Spreading Ashes of a Loved One Inside Rocky Mountain National Park
According to the National Park Service, you can legally spread cremains inside a national park in the United States. To do this, you will need a permit to scatter the ashes.
The application to spread the ashes of a loved one is a simple form and is provided at no cost. There are some guidelines that you need to follow when spreading the ashes inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Scattering of ashes must be away from any developed areas such as parking lots, trailheads, or campgrounds.
- Ashes spread must be at least 200 feet away from any water source such as a lake or stream
- Ashes should be spread downwind and not buried or placed in a pile.
- Discretion should be used when scattering ashes in Rocky Mountain National Park as this is very private and care should be taken to not disturb other visitors of the park.
The National Park Service also has suggested locations inside Rocky Mountain National Park for the best places to scatter the ashes of a loved one. To see these places and to get more information, visit nps.gov.
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