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    John Denver Sanctuary

    4.6 (28 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    This is the incline with stairs
    Donitta P.

    Handicapped no go. All the businesses near it have signs saying if you park here we will tow your car away. There are people riding electric bikes everywhere at high speeds honking at you to get out of the way . There is no place to park near the sanctuary. We read there was free parking but parking was no where to be found. We found handicapped parking in front of a park that's next to the John Denver sanctuary. But there were people using the handicapped parking spot as a parking spot because there was no parking anywhere . They had no placard or handicapped plate . .7 mile walk each way for a total 1.4 mile walk . Just to get to the sanctuary and so many sets of stairs and rocks and inclines . NOT handicapped accessible or handicapped friendly. Just a miserable outing . Completely unorganized and inaccessible. I have leg braces and a walking is difficult and stairs I absolutely cannot do . I don't understand how this place is so inaccessible. Could not wait to leave . This place is packed with so many people and cars .

    Smeeth W.

    It's a nice little park in downtown Aspen. It's very easy to hike and quite beautiful. It is small and kind of easy to get lost. But still a great experience

    Alisa J.

    Cool spot that's super peaceful and very close to the downtown. Highly recommend checking it out.

    Follow the signs
    Matt C.

    I had a semi-religious experience at the John Denver Sanctuary. It was a cool morning in July, I had a cup of coffee in tow, and classic John Denver songs top of mind. The sun was shining bright, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect morning. This is the most beautiful public park I've ever been to. The flowers, the water, the perfectly manicured stone trails, I was practically in shock the entire time. Sitting appropriately along the Roaring Fork River, I hope Aspen counts its blessings. If I lived here, I would come here for a morning walk 8 days a week. I'm a big fan of John Denver. I didn't really know what to expect coming here being it was a public park. However, once you find your way to his memorial you are immediately humbled by the man he was. A legendary musician and activist. His lyrics plastered on gorgeous stones aren't the best photo opp, but are perfect for a solace, in person experience. It's a fitting tribute to a dynamic figure. Slow down and take a look around. It's what John would've wanted. Throughout the park, there are meaningful quotes from famous figures. Don't miss out on this special place when in Aspen. It's calming, just like a John Denver ballad.

    The Roaring Fork River Runs Thru It
    Kathryn L.

    THE PERFECT ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH Take Me Home... to the serene John Denver Sanctuary in the heart of Aspen. Meander around this stunning park for free, and discover who wrote so many familiar songs. Feel the Sunshine on Your Shoulders as you stroll along the Roaring Fork river. Some Days are Diamonds when you can savor nature's beauty in such a glorious setting. Boulders scattered along the well-groomed trails feature quotes from Denver's popular songs. Enhance your experience by watching the docudrama "Take Me Home" before you go. You'll want to be Leaving On a Jet Plane to come back again.

    John Denver Sanctuary (August, 2020)
    Jennifer Y.

    Lovely this is. Serene is the landscape of rocks, flowers, and, trees against the majestic Colorado sky and mountains. Rocks beautifully engraved honoring John Denver's lyrics. A quiet childhood memory of "rocky mountain high" & "autograph" always being played on all of our family car trips. CHEERS!

    John Denver Sanctuary
    Cassie P.

    This was a lovely place to check out near downtown Aspen, whether or not you are a John Denver fan. It was my first time in Aspen and we came here while on a morning stroll after breakfast. There's one main path clearly marked with signs and from there, you can veer off to explore and read inscriptions on rocks, take a seat by serene ponds, or amble by the river. It's not a big park (at least the sanctuary part of it), so it won't take too long to walk through, but there are plenty of spaces to hang out and take in the scenery, too. Whether you have hours to spare or thirty minutes, this was such a nice spot to enjoy while in town.

    Emily C.

    This is a really cool spot just a few minutes walk away from downtown Aspen. It is definitely worth a walk through the sanctuary if you are in the area -- it is incredibly peaceful with streams, plants, quotes, rock formations, etc... A great [and free!] place to zone out and relax a bit, to drink your morning coffee, or just to enjoy some nice scenery.

    SJ S.

    A hidden treasure not so hidden. Bring the kids to enjoy beautiful contained paths or don't and enjoy your peace and quiet.

    Jeff B.

    Absolutely Stunning! There are several large boulders with lyrics by John Denver inscribed onto them. Many people love to take their dogs out on walks as they take a stroll through the mini trail along the river. You can also lay on the grass and just relax as you enjoy the parade of beautiful dogs pass you by. Either way, the view is so serene and you'll definitely not want to miss this place if you're visiting Aspen. Enjoy~

    Sammi M.

    I stopped in here with my fiance while we were visiting Aspen to experience the sanctuary. We loved the water features and rocks as well as the songs etched into rocks. Considering it was free it was an amazing visit! I'd highly recommend a visit in.

    Wendy M.

    This had been on my bucket list to visit. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to come. Shed a few tears, meant so much to be here. Grateful it exists so those of us touched by John Denver have a place to go and "feel" him and his work. I absolutely loved this place.

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    2 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

    A beautiful and peaceful place, good for meditating and reflecting. A most fittting memorial for John Denver.

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Beautiful morning walk through the sanctuary! Peaceful & serene. Great to walk along the river.

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Amazingly beautiful park area , I love how the community has so many green spaces. Water access here makes this fun for all ages

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    This is an essential must do. So very relaxing. Great place for a walk. I would highly recommend that you visit this sanctuary.

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    Ask the Community - John Denver Sanctuary

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    Review Highlights - John Denver Sanctuary

    It is located perfectly in the heart of downtown Aspen making it a quick hop and a skip away by foot.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Paepcke Park - Summer Art Installation 2025

    Paepcke Park

    4.5(2 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Cute little park in the heart of Aspen. Nice for dog-walking or a picnic. The squirrels and pigeons…read moreare cordial. Named for the great Walter Paepcke.

    "Cover up, rain down "We wept on the edge of this town…read more"It's all I want it's all we want tonight" --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- Three-second review: It's a park. There's a gazebo. No restrooms. --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- Complete review: The park sits on an one block parcel on Main Street in between Aspen and Garmisch streets. It features an iconic gazebo, a bust of a Nobel Prize laureate, and notably has no restrooms at all (except during special events: porta-johns and janes). The grass is green and the people are friendly. There is a good coffee shop -- if you're into that -- a few steps away; there is a church -- if you're in need of that -- a block away; and, nice people everywhere. Everywhere. In terms of my specific first-hand experiences here, we were here for a special event. There were plenty of well-serviced porta-johns and janes and hand-washing stations. I found the water fountains (or bubblers, if you're from Boston) and made use of them. It rained a lil', I think. It was beautiful. --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- Rating: Four-stars, "Yay! I'm a fan."

    Photos
    Paepcke Park - Storefront

    Storefront

    Paepcke Park - Bronze of Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace laureate, located near S Aspen & E Hopkins

    Bronze of Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace laureate, located near S Aspen & E Hopkins

    Paepcke Park - Bikes, tent, and iconic gazebo

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    Bikes, tent, and iconic gazebo

    T-Lazy-7 Ranch - Maroon Bells Tour Snow Mobile Tour | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    T-Lazy-7 Ranch

    4.8(4 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    This was my husband and I's first time snowmobiling and we had a blast…read more We did the Maroon Bells sunset tour and it was a lot of fun. They take you around on the trails a bit before going to see Maroon Bells. It's a beautiful view and you spend some time there with a warm drink provided. Be prepared for it to be cold. We do a lot of outdoor activities, but they all involve us moving and generating heat. The wind blowing on you while you're just sitting there makes it very cold. The thing that ruined the experience for us a bit was the rest of the group we were with. They were awful drivers. They kept driving off the trail even when it was very wide. They were also all tailgating and swerving like crazy. They made it so we had to stop frequently because people kept getting stuck. I wish the guides would have told them to knock it off because they definitely weren't following the directions we were given at the beginning. Overall, I'm definitely glad we did it. I'm not sure how often we'd do it since it's so expensive, but it was fun to do once.

    I 1000% percent recommend the snowmobiling tour!! My daughter and I went this week and had a great…read moretime with Sadrian and Quentin as our guides to Maroon Belles. They were so very friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable. We shared many laughs. And oh my gosh the scenery, GORGEOUS!! We love the history of the Deanes, and how much they want to protect natural beauty of Colorado/Aspen. Thank you T Lazy 7!!!!

    Photos
    T-Lazy-7 Ranch - Maroon Bells Tour Snow Mobile Tour | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Maroon Bells Tour Snow Mobile Tour | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    T-Lazy-7 Ranch - Maroon Bells Tour Snow Mobile Tour | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Maroon Bells Tour Snow Mobile Tour | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    T-Lazy-7 Ranch - Maroon Bells Tour Snow Mobile Tour | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

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    Maroon Bells Tour Snow Mobile Tour | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    John Denver Sanctuary - hiking - Updated June 2026

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