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John Denver Sanctuary: A Tribute in Nature

A serene sanctuary in Aspen, Colorado, honoring John Denver's life, music, and love for nature along the Roaring Fork River.

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The John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen, Colorado, is a peaceful memorial to the singer-songwriter, celebrating his life, music, and environmental advocacy. Nestled beside the Roaring Fork River, the sanctuary offers a tranquil space for reflection and appreciation of nature's beauty.

A brief summary to John Denver Sanctuary

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the late spring or early summer to experience the perennial flower gardens in full bloom.
  • Take a moment to sit by the Roaring Fork River and reflect on John Denver's lyrics and his connection to the natural world.
  • Consider visiting on a Sunday morning for easier parking in the Rio Grande Parking Plaza.
  • Be prepared for Colorado's variable weather by dressing in layers and wearing appropriate footwear.
  • Respect the sanctuary as a place for quiet reflection and maintain a peaceful demeanor.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The John Denver Sanctuary is located in Rio Grande Park, a short walk from downtown Aspen. From the Aspen Art Museum, walk east along Rio Grande Place. The sanctuary will be on your left, adjacent to the Roaring Fork River. There is no cost to enter the sanctuary.

  • Public Transport

    Aspen offers free public transportation within the city limits. Take the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus to Rubey Park in downtown Aspen. From Rubey Park, walk north towards Rio Grande Place and the Aspen Art Museum. Continue east, and the sanctuary will be on your left, next to the Roaring Fork River. There is no fare for the bus within Aspen.

  • Parking

    If driving, the Rio Grande Parking Plaza is the most convenient option. From Main Street, turn north onto Mill Street, then east onto Rio Grande Place. The parking plaza is on the south side of the street, across from Rio Grande Park. Parking costs $2 for 0-1 hours, $4 for 1-2 hours, $6 for 2-3 hours, with a daily maximum of $12. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, between 5 PM and 5 AM daily, and on Sundays. From the parking plaza, walk across Rio Grande Place to the sanctuary.

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Discover more about John Denver Sanctuary

The John Denver Sanctuary, located in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, is a touching tribute to the life and legacy of the iconic singer-songwriter John Denver. The sanctuary, nestled next to Rio Grande Park and adjacent to Theatre Aspen's Hurst Theatre, serves as a serene oasis where visitors can reflect on Denver's music, his passion for nature, and his commitment to environmentalism. Following Denver's tragic death in 1997, the City of Aspen collaborated with his wife, Annie Denver, to create a space that would honor his memory in a way that reflected his deep connection to the natural world. The 4.5-acre sanctuary was dedicated on August 15, 1998, and has since been transformed from an industrial site and parking lot into a beautiful garden. The sanctuary features winding streams, man-made wetlands, and one of the largest perennial flower gardens open to the public. A highlight is the Song Garden, where large native river boulders are etched with lyrics from Denver's most beloved songs, arranged in a circle to represent the circle of life. A single Colorado Blue Spruce stands at the center, symbolizing Denver's spirit. The wetlands and streams also function as an innovative stormwater filter system, cleaning water before it flows into the Roaring Fork River, showcasing the integration of beauty and environmental responsibility. Visitors can stroll through the sanctuary, read the engraved lyrics, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, with the sounds of the river and the surrounding mountains providing a stunning backdrop. The sanctuary is open year-round from dawn to dusk and is free to the public.

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