Aspen Snowmass is a spectacular place to visit for many reasons. The breathtaking natural beauty, world-class ski slopes, and impressive après-ski scene are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all of the amazing things to do here. There are also some great opportunities for relaxing and unplugging in nature!
We’ve already explored some great outdoor options in Aspen, like hiking and skiing. Today, we will explore a different kind of activity—a relaxing one, in fact. The serenity found in the John Denver Sanctuary is unmatched. Head there on your own for some moments of silent reflection, or bring some food along and have a picnic with the whole family!
In this piece, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the John Denver Sanctuary before you visit. Let’s go!
Who Was John Denver?
We figured it was only right to start with the basics. If you’re not familiar with John Denver, let us enlighten you!
John Denver was an iconic American folk singer-songwriter who penned hits such as “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Rocky Mountain High”. Denver called Aspen home for much of his life, and his love for the beautiful nature of Colorado is evident in his lyrics. He was an active environmentalist and shared these views through his music. Sadly, John passed away in an aviation accident in October 1997, but his spirit is kept alive in Aspen, Colorado.
History of the John Denver Sanctuary
Because of John’s commitment to and passion for the environment (specifically Colorado's natural beauty), the City of Aspen’s Parks and Recreation Department approached Annie Denver (John’s wife) after his tragic death in 1997 to collaborate on a piece to celebrate his life. Annie agreed, and plans for the sanctuary began in 1998.
While they wanted to honor John’s life and legacy, they wanted to make sure this was more than just a memorial. The goal was to create a space that served as a garden to capture nature’s spirit—something that was integral to John’s being.
In August 1998, the city of Aspen officially declared the 4.5-acre site the John Denver Sanctuary, and the work began to make it a haven for nature lovers of all kinds. A passionate team of professionals worked diligently over the next 15+ years to make the sanctuary what it is today: a welcoming place for everybody to stop, slow down, and take a moment to appreciate life and nature.
Parts of the John Denver Sanctuary
Now that you know the history of the John Denver Sanctuary, let’s examine its different sections.
John’s Song Garden
The Song Garden is the crown jewel of the John Denver Sanctuary. It features iconic lyrics of John’s etched into several native river boulders that sit in a perfect circle to represent the circle of life as a score of music. A single Colorado Blue Spruce was planted in the middle of this circle to represent John’s spirit.
Perennial Garden
When you visit the John Denver Sanctuary, you can see one of the world’s largest public perennial flower gardens! The gardens start blooming in late May/early June, so if you’re in Aspen during that time window, you must stop by!
Annual John Denver Celebration
Every October, the community gathers to celebrate John in the sanctuary. Fans from far and wide come together to sing, dance, and celebrate his life, and it’s quite the sight to behold! Stay tuned on the Aspen Chamber’s website for up-to-date information on the 2025 John Denver Celebration.
Environmentalism at the John Denver Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is more than just a space to relax; it has also served as a site for important scientific research over the years. Additionally, the wetlands, streams, and waterfalls sculpted into the landscape help continuously clean the community’s stormwater runoff before it drains into the Roaring Fork River, meaning the space is beautiful and functional!
How Much Does it Cost to Visit the John Denver Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is free to the public, so there’s no cost to enter! John believed nature should be enjoyed by everyone, so stop by for a day of fun by yourself, with friends, or with the whole family.
Can You Get Married at the John Denver Sanctuary?
Yes! The John Denver Sanctuary is perfect for microweddings and elopements. If that’s not your thing and you want a larger, more involved ceremony, you can get married at Theatre Aspen right next door!
Theatre Aspen’s Hurst Theater is the perfect place for a beautiful Aspen wedding. It can accommodate up to 200 guests for a cocktail-style celebration or 130 for a seated dinner reception. The venue itself is stunning, and taking your wedding photos at the John Denver Sanctuary is a spectacular added bonus.
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Pictured: Chateau Roaring Fork 22
As you can see, spending a day at the John Denver Sanctuary is well worth your time. It’s a wonderful place to reflect on the stunning natural beauty surrounding Aspen!
After your day at the John Denver Sanctuary, you’ll want to return home to a luxurious Aspen vacation rental. Choose only the best when you stay with us at Frias Properties!
We have a wide array of vacation rental homes, ski-in/ski-out properties, luxury resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Club in Aspen Highlands, and so much more. The mountains are calling; come experience the luxury for yourself! Browse our available Aspen Snowmass vacation rentals today and book your trip directly with Frias Properties!