1. Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is abundant in many Rocky Mountain regions. It’s technically a softwood but burns hotter and longer than you might expect. When well-seasoned, Douglas Fir provides a steady heat and doesn’t leave excessive ash. Its relative ease of splitting is a bonus if you’re cutting your own wood.
2. Lodgepole Pine
Lodgepole Pine thrives at higher elevations and can be a mainstay for locals who harvest their own firewood. It lights quickly, which is handy for starting fires, but it also burns faster. Many people mix Lodgepole Pine with denser woods to maintain a balance between easy ignition and a longer burn time.
3. Pinyon Pine
Pinyon Pine offers a fragrant aroma and decent heat output. Although it’s a softer wood, it has higher resin content, so it needs thorough seasoning to avoid excessive smoke. Once dried, it can hold its own against some hardwoods and adds a pleasant pine scent to your home.
4. Juniper
Juniper is common in parts of the Rockies and is known for its unique fragrance and moderate heat. It’s a bit denser than some other local softwoods, giving it a slightly longer burn. Juniper often produces crackling, so keep a good screen on your fireplace if you’re burning it indoors.
5. Aspen
Aspen might not be the hottest-burning wood, but it’s widely available in many Rocky Mountain areas. It’s lighter and easier to split, and it seasons relatively quickly. The downside is that it doesn’t last as long in the stove as denser species, so you may need to feed the fire more often.
6. Hardwood Imports
If you live in a more populated area where hardwoods are shipped in, oak or hickory can offer incredible heat and a long burn. They’re not native to higher elevations of the Rockies, so they come at a premium cost. Still, mixing a bit of hardwood into your local softwood supply can help stretch each load and provide a more sustained warmth.
Final Thoughts
Rocky Mountain winters are no joke, so the wood you choose matters. Douglas Fir and Lodgepole Pine are staples, while Pinyon Pine and Juniper add aroma and moderate heat. Aspen burns fast but lights easily, making it useful kindling or a supplement to heavier woods. If you can snag some hardwood, great—but even local softwoods will keep you warm if properly seasoned. Aim for a moisture content below 20% and stack your wood to maximize airflow. In the thin air and cold temps of the Rockies, taking the time to season and store your firewood well is key to enjoying those long winter nights by the fire.