In 1998, vandals destroyed the cross so a newer, sturdier cross was erected. A non-profit organization was formed a metal cross was built and placed on private property at the top of the mountain. In 1991, a challenge from the ACLU forced the removal of the cross from city property. The new cross was electrically lighted using power from the ski tow and placed on city property on a lower ridge of the mountain. In 1951, employees of the Glenwood Springs Electric Department replaced the tree cross with a wooden cross measuring 40 feet by 18 feet. The tree stood silhouetted for many years at the top of the mountain, but the elements and disease took its toll and eventually, the cross blew to the ground. The cause of death was determined to be starvation and Grandstaff was buried on Red Mountain under a tree which stood in the shape of a cross.
A committee of townspeople, including the coroner, was dispatched to the cabin. A local youngster was sent up the hill to check on Grandstaff, only to find him dead in his cabin. In the summer of 1901, William Grandstaff, an old prospector who had been working gold claims on Red Mountain, had not been seen in town for many weeks.
