Singer-songwriter John Denver constantly sang about his adopted home town of Aspen in Colorado. A peaceful park by the river now commemorates Denver's most famous songs
Although he was born in New Mexico, and was given his first guitar when his family was living in Tucson, Arizona, John Denver made Aspen in Colorado his home. He talked and sang a great deal about the town, and the state. His enthusiasm made people see it through his eyes, as the most beautiful place on earth.
In songs like Starwood in Aspen, Aspenglow and Rocky Mountain High,John Denver brought this Rocky Mountain community to life. He sang of cathedral mountains, silver clouds, the forest, the streams and a clear blue mountain lake. Denver's songs made you want to be there, in his sweet Rocky Mountain paradise.
A few years after his tragic early death in October, 1997, a commemorative park was created in Aspen, to remember one of the most well-liked of the town's many famous celebrity residents. Walk down towards the river and, near to the Rio Grande Park, the almost-hidden John Denver Sanctuary opens up. In a city this would be a peaceful retreat, but Aspen is pretty peaceful most of the time anyway.
In the John Denver Sanctuary, rolling grassy mounds contain huge granite rocks. Step closer and you see that carved on the rocks are the lyrics of some of John Denver's best-loved songs. If you are a John Denver fan, the Sanctuary is an incredibly moving place. Even if you don't know or care for his music, it still has a beautiful serenity about it.
The John Denver Sanctuary is only small, and easily missed. yet it is one of Aspen's most appealing spots. Fans gather there in October every year, on the anniversary of his death, to celebrate his life and music. 2007 will be a special year, the 10th anniversary of his death.
To find out about the events that are planned in Aspen, Colorado, in October 2007 click here.
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The copyright of the article Aspen's John Denver Sanctuary in Colorado Travel is owned by Donna Dailey. Permission to republish Aspen's John Denver Sanctuary in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I visited 8/13/08. It was like going to the Graceland of my generation. I
would love to know if there was more of a John Denver tour experience to
see while in Aspen. Would love to see "Starwood In Aspen"....or
anything else John Denver related. The parking in Aspen sucks, though.
Sep 9, 2008 1:09 PM
Guest
:
My husband and I visited the memorial in May of 2007. Oh what a peaceful,
beautiful place. We stayed there for hours taking in all the sunshine on
our shoulders, smelling the lilacs and just remembering what a wonderful
human being John Denver was. We miss him so much, and hope someday we can
return to visit the sanctuary again. We parked in the underground garage
across from the sanctuary and visited a lot of Aspen while there. I would
love also to have seen Starwood in Aspen. He lives on in my heart......
Sep 12, 2008 8:03 AM
Guest
:
My family and I drove to Aspen to see the Sanctuary. The traffic on eastern
end of Aspen coming in to town was horrible, narrow twisting roads, and on
the western end, sprawl and traffic. I wish that Mr. Denver could be alive
today to see all the construction and build up of this beautiful area. More
people, more scars upon the land. The sanctuary was lovely, I could not
stop from crying as I walked through it. T
Sep 14, 2008 6:12 PM
Guest
:
I was watching public television and seen a piece on John, it was like all
my child hood memories come rushing back to me when I hear his songs. I
plan on visiting the sanctuary, its amazing how someone I have never met
can have such an impact on me and my memories. His songs touch a place in
my soul.
Mar 15, 2009 12:13 PM
Guest
:
There are not many things in life that I can say I truly want to do or a
place I want to go before I die, but this is one place that I can say I
would truly love to see before my time on this earth is over. There and the
Holy Land. One place because it was the birth place of our Earth's Creator,
and the other because one of His creations loved His beloved Earth so much
and was given such a wonderful gift of song. John inspires me. His music
inspires me. It touches my soul and I miss him.
Jun 1, 2009 8:53 AM
Guest
:
john denver's music has been touching my life for as long as i can
remenber. taking trips to montana i always have a cd or four of his to
listen to. i never got to see him live and for that i am sorry. god bless
you john and thank you for the inspirtions you provide.
Mar 11, 2007
