2. Will you play a recording or read a passage, prayer, eulogy, or farewell at the time of the scattering?
3. Where will the cremains be scattered?
4. Can we select where in the park or forest we would like the ashes scattered?
5. When will the cremains be scattered?
6. What paperwork do I need to complete?
7. Is it possible to add flower petals or flower seed to the ashes when scattered?
8. Does Colorado Ashes, LLC associated with a particular religious faith?
9. Will you place a marker or plaque at the scatter site?
10. I have been storing my relative's ashes for years and I don't want to be responsible for them any longer. Will you scatter them for me?
11. Will you scatter pet cremains?
12. Can we join you on the hike to scatter the ashes?
13. Without being able to witness the scattering, how can we be sure the scattering was completed?
14. Can we later visit the scatter site?
15. Where do we send the ashes?
My loved one was a member of the U.S. Military. Is there anything you do to recognize servicepersons or veterans at the time their ashes or cremains are scattered?
Yes. When requested, Colorado Ashes, LLC will have a Retired U.S. Military Officer accompany us on the hike and assist with the scattering of the cremains of the fellow serviceperson. If desired, a recording of TAPS will be played at the site in the veteran's honor.
Will you play a recording or read a passage, prayer, eulogy, or farewell at the time of the scattering?
Yes. Be sure to include any recordings, prayers or personal notes you wish to have played or read at the time of the scattering. Please note that these recordings and writings will not be returned to the sender. We can accomodate multiple formats for your recording, including digital copies. Please contact us to ensure we are able to play your recording. If you wish for us to play a song, please inform us of the artist/title. We would be happy to purchase a copy of it for the scattering, subject to availability.
Colorado Ashes, LLC reserves the right to make the final determination concerning use of any recording or notes since we will not include any negative or derogatory messages at the time of scattering.
Where will the cremains be scattered?
The cremains will be scattered in the mountains of the Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park or Roosevelt National Forest. Upon request we are able to scatter at other Colorado National Parks and National Forests (for example, Maroon Bells near Aspen or at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park), however additional time and travel costs make it necessary to add additional fees to our rates. Please contact us regarding alternative sites and we will try to fulfill your wishes.
Much of Rocky Mountain National Park and high peaks of Colorado are above tree line or identified as an alpine tundra area. Tree lines in northern Colorado are at an elevation of about 10,500 feet (3,200 m). This high altitude area can be a fragile ecosystem and sensitive to any chemical changes to soils and water. To help preserve this bionetwork, Colorado Ashes, LLC will avoid scattering cremains above tree line or in an area of alpine tundra. The existence of many Native American sacred sites above tree line also gives us reason to avoid any disruption or disrespect of these areas.
Following National Park and county guidelines, cremains will be scattered, not buried. These same guidelines do not permit scattering within 200 feet of a water source. Personal ground scattering will ensure that environmental, National Park, National Forest, county and state guidelines are followed. All areas are accessed by foot. No planes or boats using fossil fuels are used.
Many locations in Colorado may be scenic and evoke wonderful memories; however they are not ideal or legal locations to scatter cremains. For example, the Garden of the Gods located in Colorado Springs is a city park and scattering of ashes is viewed as littering at this location. Colorado Ashes, LLC will not scatter cremains at such sites.
Can we select where in the park or forest we would like the ashes scattered?
We will certainly make every effort to fulfill your specific requests as you or your loved one may remember a particular or special place from previous visits to the parks or forests. Please keep in mind that we will not scatter ashes in very public areas or areas that experience high tourist traffic. Weather conditions may also interfere with reaching a location depending on the time of year.
If you want to avoid the common, heavily traveled and frequently used scatter sites, we can find a more personal location by land journey. The authorization form also allows you to select a preference for a grove of trees, a view of a mountain lake, or a mountain meadow. Just let us know your preferences.
When will the cremains be scattered?
Dates and times of scattering are typically determined by the weather and site access. We will not risk the safety of any hiker during inclement weather (slippery rocks, lightning, high winds, etc.). Hikers do not wish to distress other park or forest visitors, so we try to use discretion by scattering during a peaceful and private time such as very early morning.
Ashes are typically scattered within 30 days of receipt. We will wait for confirmation that your check or money order has cleared your financial institution prior to scattering the ashes.
When the scattering has been completed, we will send you a certificate noting the date, time and latitude and longitude of the scattering site.
What paperwork do I need to complete?
You will need to complete a signed copy of the Authorization to Scatter Cremated Remains. This authorization form needs to be included with the ashes sent to Colorado Ashes, LLC. We will complete any other paperwork requested by the state, county, National Park or National Forest Services.
Is it possible to add flower petals or flower seed to the ashes when scattered?
National Park guidelines do not permit scattering of anything other than the purified cremains. Colorado Ashes, LLC will avoid leaving behind any trace of our visit other than the scattered ashes. It is our desire to maintain the Rocky Mountains in its natural condition as much as possible.
Colorado Ashes, LLC does maintain the right to refuse to scatter ashes if it is noted that anything has been added to the cremains prior to our receiving them. Anything other than the ashes can pose a toxic risk to or spoil a natural mountain environment. If additions to the ashes are noted the ashes will be sent back to the sender along with any payment sent.
Some ashes may include a coin with a number or name identification of the deceased which is often placed by the crematory. If such a coin is found, the ashes will be scattered and the coin will be returned with the scattering certificate from Colorado Ashes, LLC.
Does Colorado Ashes, LLC associated with a particular religious faith?
Colorado Ashes, LLC is not affiliated with any particular religious faith. All faiths are welcomed and respected.
Will you place a marker or plaque at the scatter site?
No marker will be left nor will rocks be stacked or moved to note the site. Our intention is to leave the mountain site as unaltered and as undisturbed as we possibly can. If you would like to honor the deceased, you might instead consider making a donation in their memory to the National Park to help maintain your natural lands.
I have been storing my relative's ashes for years and I don't want to be responsible for them any longer. Will you scatter them for me?
Families and friends often chose to have ashes scattered to ensure against lost/discard or to ensure that subsequent generations don't let the ashes lay forgotten in a closet, basement or attic of property which may later be sold. Colorado Ashes would be happy to provide a distinctive send-off for your loved one which will hopefully bring you closure.
We also welcome the opportunity to assist crematories and funeral service providers by scattering any cremains left unclaimed. Please contact us to make these arrangements.
Will you scatter pet cremains?
The Rocky Mountains are home to many elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, black bear, moose, coyotes, cougars, mountain lions, eagles, hawks and scores of smaller animals. These animals share their land with us. Colorado Ashes, LLC will scatter your pet's ashes with the same respect shown any other animal or wildlife in the mountains.
Can we join you on the hike to scatter the ashes?
Regrettably, no. Variable mountain weather, the health effects of high altitude, climbing conditions and the gear required make you joining us prohibitive.
Without being able to witness the scattering, how can we be sure the scattering was completed?
If you choose to send personal prayers or farewells, we will digitally photograph them with a date stamp at the scattering site with the ashes and copy of the authorization form. If you choose to send only the cremains, a digital photograph will be taken of the ashes and authorization form at the scattering site. These images will then be sent to you with a copy of the certificate.
Can we later visit the scatter site?
You will be provided the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) geographical coordinates of the scatter site on the certificate provided to enable to you to identify the location. If an identified trail was used to reach the site, we will share this information with you. Ashes are scattered on national forest or park lands, not private property. Therefore, there is minimal concern for the long-term use or future ownership of the land where your loved one's cremains have been scattered. These locations also make it possible for friends or family to visit the site, unlike an aerial or oceanic scattering location or a scattering conducted on private property.
Where do we send the ashes?
Please view our Shipping Info page.