Those who fought during and lived through World War II are considered to be the Greatest Generation, as they not only helped win the war but survived the Great Depression as well. While World War II seems like it happened a million years ago on a different planet, much of the war was fought (and won!) here on American soil, thanks to (then) modern technology and equipment like the B-17 Bomber plane. While the impressive B-17 Bomber plane can be hard to come by in this day and age, Coloradans can still get a glimpse of one via this little-known crash site and trail:

Hiding away near the small town of Bellvue is the Old Sawmill Trail, a beautiful six mile out-and-back path that offers not only gorgeous sites but historic surprises as well. 
AllTrails/Heather August
During your trek, you will run across the remains of a World War II-era B-17 bomber, which crashed shortly after taking off from Rapid City, South Dakota.
AllTrails/Troy Peters
After leaving its base on June 13, 1944, the B-17 Bomber wrecked in northern Colorado, killing 4 of the 10 men on board who were traveling for training. 
AllTrails/Jeanne Bolz

Related Stories

The Overland Trail Museum Is A Small Town Museum In Colorado You Have Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

The Overland Trail Museum Is A Small Town Museum In Colorado You Have Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

 Colorado's Newest Hike, The Rueter-Hess Incline Challenge, Has Positively Perfect Views

Colorado's Newest Hike, The Rueter-Hess Incline Challenge, Has Positively Perfect Views

 The Gorgeous 1.2-Mile Hike Through A Colorado Forest That Will Lead You Past An Abandoned Mine And Other Ruins

The Gorgeous 1.2-Mile Hike Through A Colorado Forest That Will Lead You Past An Abandoned Mine And Other Ruins
While the exact cause of the crash is still unknown, it is speculated that the plane went down due to sporadic wind and weather patterns over Colorado's mountains.
AllTrails/Alan Newtson
Though much of the plane's debris was cleaned up shortly after the crash, many pieces of the B-17 can still be seen today, including easy-to-spot engine and body pieces (pictured). 
AllTrails/Lyinda Lacks
Please note: The trail leading to the B-17 bomber is accessible via foot and is best used between May and October.
AllTrails/Jeanne Bolz
The B-17 bomber and Old Sawmill Trail are accessible by taking the Stormy Peaks trailhead to the Old Wagon Road and following the trail on the west side of the lake.
AllTrails/Jeanne Bolz

Do you have a favorite spot in Colorado that you would like to see featured on Only in Your State? Nominate it here! For even more to do around northern Colorado, click on Most People Don’t Know Colorado Has A Fairy Trail… And It’s Positively Magical.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Colorado

Featured Addresses
Pingree Park, Colorado 80512, USA