In one aspect, multiple data path error collection is provided in a storage management system. In one embodiment, an error condition in a main data path between the storage controller and at least one of a host and a storage unit is detected, and in response, a sequence of error data collection operations to collect error data through a main path is initiated. In response to a failure to collect error data at a level of the sequential error data collection operations, error data is collected through an alternate data path as a function of the error data collection level at which the failure occurred. Other aspects are described.