High above Glenwood Springs, the Red Mountain Cross has stood for nearly a century. Perched over 1,500 feet above the valley, it has become a symbol of unity and faith, drawing residents and visitors alike to admire its glow each holiday season. 

Bruce Lewis, chairman of the Red Mountain Cross Preservation Association, has been involved with maintaining the cross since the 1990s. For him, the role is deeply personal.

“To me, it’s just something I can do for the community that is so important to so many people, whether they’re faithful or not,” Lewis said. “People tell me all the time how special it is to them, even if they’re not religious. It’s a part of Glenwood.”

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The tradition began in the early 20th century with William Grandstaff, a local resident who erected the first cross using a tree and a makeshift cross arm. His effort sparked a community connection that continues today. Over time, the city’s electric department took over lighting the cross, but legal challenges regarding the separation of church and state eventually led to the formation of the Red Mountain Cross Preservation Association in the 1980s to ensure the cross remained part of Glenwood Springs’ identity.

The cross is not lit year-round but shines during specific holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, as well as Veterans Day and Memorial Day. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the nightly illumination remains lit until Jan. 2 if weather permits.

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Lewis switched on the lights early Tuesday morning to mark the start of the holiday season, a ritual that carries deep meaning for him.

“When I see it lit, it makes me feel good and reminds me of my faith,” he said. “This cross means so much to so many, and I’ll never stop doing what I can to keep it going.”

Lewis said he sometimes extends the lighting by a day or two if storms roll through, ensuring everyone has a chance to see it shining over the valley.

The cross also holds special significance for others in the community. Preservation Association Board member Dendy Heisel remembers the powerful role it played during her mother’s battle with breast cancer. After surviving her first bout of cancer in 2008, Carole Brown was invited to light the cross for Easter.

“It was such a special way to celebrate her recovery,” Heisel said. “Every time I see the cross, I think of my mom and my savior. It’s a reminder of hope and love.”

Though Brown ultimately passed away after a later battle with ovarian cancer, Heisel said the cross continues to bring her comfort.

“The first thing that always comes to mind when I see it is how grateful I am for my savior, Jesus, and what he did for us on the cross,” she said. “I know I’ll see my mom again one day because of that.”

Beyond its spiritual significance, the cross is a unifying symbol for the town. It has inspired countless memories for families who hike up Red Mountain. Heisel described how informal hikes, often organized by Lewis, became annual traditions for her family.

“We’d gather, hike up Red Mountain, and have a little picnic before lighting the cross,” she said. “It’s a tradition that reminds us of light in the darkness and brings people together.”

These hikes carry a sense of adventure and community. The trek along the Jeanne Golay Trail to the cross takes about 90 minutes and climbs over 1,500 feet above the valley floor. The effort, Lewis said, is well worth the reward.

“Sometimes it feels like the cross is floating in the sky, especially when the clouds are low,” Lewis said. “It’s just a beautiful thing to see, day or night.”

For those wishing to contribute to the preservation of the cross, donations can be made through Alpine Bank, with funds going toward maintenance and lighting. Lewis said keeping the cross illuminated is a labor of love, often involving hikes through snow or mud to ensure its upkeep.

The cross’s history is deeply tied to Glenwood Springs, but its meaning varies for each person who sees it. For some, it’s a symbol of their faith. For others, it’s simply a comforting presence during the holiday season.

“It’s not just a Christian symbol,” Lewis said. “It’s a landmark. You can see it from the pool, from downtown, from almost anywhere in town. It brings joy to so many people, whether they’re faithful or not.”

To reach the Red Mountain Cross, start at the trailhead on West 9th Street, accessible via Midland Avenue and Red Mountain Drive. The hike offers two options: the 3.5-mile Jeanne Golay Trail (Also known as the Red Mountain Trail), which follows a moderate dirt road, or the steeper 1-mile Cross Trail for a more challenging ascent.