Fairmount Cemetery’s Little Ivy Chapel is one of two Denver Historic Landmark buildings on the cemetery grounds.
BOUNDARIES: Alameda Ave., Quebec St.
DISTANCE: Approx. 2 miles
DIFFICULTY: Easy
PARKING: Free parking is available in Fairmount’s own lot, but keep in mind that gates automatically lock at sundown.
PUBLIC TRANSIT: The RTD 3 or 3L will take you to stops near Fairmount.
Fairmount Cemetery is Denver’s second-oldest cemetery, founded in 1890, and the final resting place for many of Denver’s most prominent names—founders, pioneers, businessmen and women, philanthropists, and more. Fairmount is like a country club for the deceased, with its manicured lawns, incredible statuary, abundant wildlife, rose garden, and an event calendar inviting the public to spend time on the grounds. It’s common to see people walking their dogs past historic mausoleums and under the generous shade of an oak tree or zipping past on their bicycles on a nature trail that shares the property. The same company owns Riverside Cemetery, which, as noted in Walk 12, is a barely tended, dried-out no-man’s-land in an industrial corner of the city. Both cemeteries have a list of Colorado’s who’s who buried there and historic one-of-a-kind statuary. At one time, both cemeteries were on service lines for trolley cars. However, Riverside’s location became problematic early on when railroad tracks were laid alongside the perimeter, slaughterhouses were erected and eventually oil refineries, and it became more and more isolated. In contrast, homes primarily grew up around Fairmount and it evolved as a sort of public park—an emerald jewel of respectful solitude. It is recommended that you pair these walks of Denver’s most historic burial places.
Note: The 20 miles of roads within Fairmount Cemetery are used by cars and maintenance vehicles, so always stay on the shoulder of the roads for your own safety. Fairmount Cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Walk Description
Begin the walk in front of the 
Little Ivy Chapel. This is one of two Denver Historic Landmark buildings on the property. According to Fairmount’s own research, the chapel was built in 1890 in the “style of 13th century Ecclesiastical French Gothic, and features gargoyles and flying buttresses.”
Fairmount Cemetery is private property, and all archival information about the cemetery is copyrighted by them and most is not reprintable here. However, they do sell brochures in their main office building for self-guided tours with different themes and also offer guided tours throughout the year. Tours include Trail of Trees to show off the state’s largest arboretum (including an English Oak planted in 1890, the same year Fairmount was founded), June and July tours of roses in bloom, art and sculpture, architects of Denver, and more who’s who of Colorado. In addition, Fairmount hosts many events to encourage visitation by the public.
Facing the chapel and looking to your right you will see the 33-foot-tall marker for the Iliff family. According to Annette L. Student’s book Denver’s Riverside Cemetery: Where History Lies, Elizabeth Iliff had not only this 65-ton monument moved from Riverside Cemetery to Fairmount Cemetery in 1920 but also the bodies buried beneath it. Her husband, John W. Iliff, was known as the first “Cattle King” for his huge and successful cattle ranches in Colorado and Wyoming starting in the 1860s and 1870s. Family donations made possible the Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver (see Walk 23), and Iliff Avenue here in Denver is named after the family. The statue on top is of the goddess Minerva and was installed in the center circle of section 7 at Riverside in 1880 before its relocation.
Facing south begin walking down the road into the 300-acre cemetery.
Turn left to walk east between section 3 (on your left) and section A (on your right with the large obelisk that reads LIFE). This road takes you through the middle of the historic part of the cemetery and is sometimes called “Millionaire’s Row” for the many wealthy people laid to rest here.
To your left in section 4 is the headstone for William N. Byers and family, marked simply with the word PIONEER on it below his name. Byers was the founder of the Rocky Mountain News in 1859. His former home can be seen on Walk 2, and a branch library named after him is seen on Walk 3.
The canopy of trees provides not only dappled shade on this walk but also a home for many chirping and whistling birds that live in the cemetery. In spring flowers bloom, and lush freshly mown lawns surround all of the mausoleums, headstones, statues, and other markers throughout the grounds. In winter a fresh layer of white snow makes this peaceful place even more quiet and contemplative.
At the path opening there is a roundabout, section 91, which has the Bonfils-Stanton mausoleum monument. May Bonfils-Stanton was the daughter of Denver Post owner Frederick Bonfils and a philanthropist, whose contributions are remembered throughout the city to this day.
The immense and stunning 
Fairmount Mausoleum just ahead with large Greek columns out front and marble walls and floors inside was built in 1929 (yes, during the Depression) and opened in 1930. According to Fairmount records, “The Fairmount Mausoleum contains the sacred remains of more than 15,000 people.” Notable names include Helen Bonfils—sister of the above-mentioned May Bonfils-Stanton and also a generous philanthropist to Denver institutions; Charles Boettcher, a German immigrant who made a fortune in everything from mercantile to agriculture to cement, and his fortune has gone on to fund many familiar Denver cultural places such as the Boettcher Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens (see Walk 18), Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (see Walk 6), and the Boettcher Mansion (see Walk 30); and Dr. Florence Sabin, a pioneering scientist whose work significantly aided tuberculosis treatments.
As you walk right with section 89 on your right, you will see the 
Temple Hoyne Buell Monument on your left with its glittering gold statues and details. Buell was an architect who is best remembered for the Paramount Theatre (see Walk 6) and the first Cherry Creek Mall, which became a prototype for future malls. The Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex is also on Walk 6.
Turn right when the road comes to a T. You are now walking parallel to the 
Highline Canal; the reason Fairmount was established here was for access to this historic waterway to irrigate the non-native trees and plants throughout the cemetery. Bicyclers, dog walkers, and other recreationists use the path as it cuts through this corner of the cemetery, and this is the place in the cemetery you are most likely to see wildlife such as deer and foxes. You can visit other parts of the trail in the Highline Canal, where pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy a nature stroll or ride on the southern edge of the metro area. The canal is dry at times, particularly autumn and winter. Now that you are facing west, you get a peek of the Rocky Mountains just over the treetops.
Follow the right fork of the path to walk with section 86 on your right.
Turn right to walk with section 85 on your left and section 86 on your right. To your left is the cemetery’s rose garden, which peaks in summer and includes many heirloom varieties. There is an annual heritage rose tour here, and the roses are featured on other cemetery walks.
On your right near the north end of section 86 you will see a gray obelisk for Evans family members, including Anne Evans, daughter of Colorado’s former territorial governor, John Evans, who is buried at Riverside Cemetery. Anne Evans was instrumental in creating early collections—particularly Western art and Native American art—at the Denver Art Museum (see Walk 2) and cofounded the Central City Opera Association.
Continue walking north on this road to section 39, which is in the military cemetery areas. According to Fairmount’s own research, “the state of Colorado purchased land at Fairmount in 1900 for deceased Spanish-American War soldiers,” and the areas have grown to include hundreds of veterans.
Turn left to walk west with section 11 on your left and section 12 on your right.
The walk ends when you reach the Little Ivy Chapel again.
Fairmount Cemetery
Points of Interest
Little Ivy Chapel
Fairmount Cemetery 430 S. Quebec St., 303-399-0692, fairmount-cemetery.com
Fairmount Mausoleum
Temple Hoyne Buell Monument
Highline Canal