Doc Holliday's Grave
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Daily from dawn to dusk
- Duration
- 1-1.5 hours
- Parking
- Limited street parking is available at the trailhead on Bennett Avenue.
- Access
- Not wheelchair accessible; requires a steep, unpaved half-mile hike up a dirt trail.
Perched on a steep hill in historic Linwood Cemetery, this memorial marks the final resting place of the legendary Wild West dentist-turned-gunfighter. Visitors must hike a moderately steep half-mile trail to reach the grave, which is surrounded by a gated enclosure often adorned with coins, playing cards, and whiskey bottles left by admirers.
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Tucked away in the historic Linwood Cemetery, the memorial marker for John Henry "Doc" Holliday pays tribute to one of the Wild West's most legendary figures. The famed dentist-turned-gunfighter spent his final months in Glenwood Springs hoping the local mineral hot springs would cure his advanced tuberculosis, ultimately passing away in 1887 at the age of 36.
To reach the monument, visitors must embark on a steep, half-mile hike up a dirt trail that winds its way to the hillside cemetery. Once at the top, you will find a gated stone monument often adorned with playing cards, whiskey bottles, and coins left behind by travelers paying their respects to the iconic gambler.
While the headstone stands as a popular pilgrimage site, the exact location of Holliday's physical remains remains a mystery, as he was likely buried in an unmarked pauper's grave elsewhere in the cemetery. This air of historical mystery, combined with panoramic views of the valley below, makes the trek a captivating blend of frontier lore and natural beauty.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, as the trail up to the cemetery is steep, unpaved, and can be loose or muddy.
- ◆ Bring a few coins or a playing card if you wish to participate in the long-standing tradition of leaving a token at the memorial.
- ◆ Pick up a cemetery brochure at the trailhead entrance to help locate other notable frontier graves, including outlaw Kid Curry.
- ◆ Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, as there is very little shade along the trail.
Heads Up
- ◆ The trail climbs roughly 200 feet in a short distance, which can be physically challenging for visitors not acclimated to Colorado's high altitude.
- ◆ There are no restrooms, trash cans, or water fountains at the cemetery, so please carry out whatever trash you bring in.
- ◆ Do not touch, lean on, or damage the fragile historic headstones, many of which are over a century old.
Common questions
How difficult is the hike to Doc Holliday's grave?
The hike to the grave marker is a steep, half-mile walk up a dirt and gravel trail that climbs about 200 feet in elevation. It is considered moderately strenuous due to the incline and the area's high altitude, and it is not wheelchair accessible.
Is Doc Holliday actually buried under the headstone?
No, his exact burial location within Linwood Cemetery is unknown, and the current fenced-in headstone is a memorial marker. It is widely believed he was buried in a pauper's grave elsewhere in the cemetery, but the exact spot was lost due to poor record-keeping and frozen ground at the time of his death.
Can you drive to the Doc Holliday grave site?
No, there is no vehicle access to Linwood Cemetery. Visitors must park in the designated public spaces on Bennett Avenue and walk up the trail to reach the gravesite.