Nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range and surrounded by the hay meadows of the Wet Mountain Valley, the Ula Cemetery offers a peaceful and scenic final resting place. Established on land donated by the Kettle family and still bordered by working ranches, Ula Cemetery reflects the area’s deep ranching roots. Four of the seven current trustees come from founding families and are committed to preserving local traditions.
Founded in 1872, the cemetery predates the town of Ula, which briefly served as Custer County’s first seat. The town was a hub for ranchers and stagecoach travelers, with a peak population of 375. Many early settlers, including the Kennicott, Menzel, Falkenberg, Koch, and Camper families, are buried here—their names now mark the cemetery’s roads and paths.
Like all cemeteries, Ula faces ongoing maintenance costs, especially as it nears full capacity. Mowing, fencing repairs, tree care, road upkeep, and memorial maintenance all require steady funding. The Ula Cemetery Perpetual Fund has been created to meet these needs and ensure this cherished site is preserved for generations to come.
