Rocky Mountain Scatterings

Numbers

Cremations in Colorado alone are projected to number approximately 18,825 annually. This represents 58% of all funeral arrangements (Cremation Association of North America, CANA).

Dispersal of Cremated Remains

Over half of those wishing to be cremated also wish to have their ashes scattered.

Retained Ashes

Many who keep the cremated remains of loved ones at home do so only because they do not know what to do with them or simply do not have the time or resources for fulfilling the deceased’s expressed wishes.

Comparative Costs

The cost of cremation and scattering is typically a small fraction of that of embalming and burial.

Environmental Safety

According to studies funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the scattering of cremated remains has no detrimental effect on the environment.

Legality

Within the state of Colorado, there are no laws preventing the scattering of cremated remains on public land. The Parks Department simply requests that ashes not be dispersed at trail heads.

Reasons for Scattering

Loved ones often choose scattering the deceased’s remains in a specific area to honor his/her request, interests, passions, concerns or lifestyle. Some choose cremation and scattering because of environmental sensitivity and/or cost savings. Many choose the Rocky Mountains as a scattering location because of their beauty and serenity or because of wonderful memories of earlier times lived or vacationed in Colorado.

Distinct from Aerial Scatterings

Many prefer a specific “ground-level” scattering over an aerial scattering because of the desire to know a more precise location of the departed loved one’s cremains. Aerial scatterings disperse ashes across many miles.