DENVER, COLORADO — A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years to life in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including attempted sexual assault, unlawful sexual contact, and indecent exposure, following a series of incidents on hiking trails in Jefferson County.
Glenn Braden, who terrorized female hikers in the Conifer and Evergreen areas between April and August of 2023, was sentenced on Thursday. According to the District Attorney’s office for Gilpin and Jefferson counties, Braden targeted 11 women hiking alone on popular trails, including Flying J Ranch Park, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, and Genesee Mountain Park.
The DA’s office stated that Braden purposely approached women on these trails, exposing himself and engaging in unlawful sexual contact. His predatory behavior persisted for months, creating widespread concern among trail-goers until his arrest.
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Deputy District Attorney Allie Galvan emphasized the seriousness of the case in a press release, noting that “thousands of women across our state like to hike alone to enjoy the beauty of nature,” and Braden’s actions had severely impacted their safety. Galvan also highlighted that Braden, who moved to Colorado after similar incidents in South Carolina, was evaluated as having a high risk of re-offending. Despite prior opportunities for diversion and treatment in his home state, Braden admitted to having an uncontrollable compulsion, further underscoring the public safety risk he posed.
In addition to his prison sentence, Braden was ordered to pay $1,526 in restitution and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. His repeated offenses and failure to respond to previous rehabilitation efforts weighed heavily on the court’s decision to impose a lengthy sentence.
This case has drawn attention to the importance of public safety on popular hiking trails in Colorado, a state renowned for its outdoor recreation. The sentence serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance when exploring remote areas, particularly for those who choose to hike alone.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Lessons for Trail Safety:
- Hike in groups when possible, especially in remote areas.
- Carry a whistle, pepper spray, or other means of self-defense.
- Let someone know your route and expected return time.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly if approached by strangers.
- Report suspicious behavior to local authorities immediately.
This case highlights the critical role of public vigilance in keeping Colorado’s trails safe for all.
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