John Denver Sanctuary - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The John Denver Sanctuary is a beautiful spot in Pitkin County, Colorado. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, wandered through forests of aspen and pine, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some wildlife. The Sanctuary is also a great place to learn about the life and work of singer-songwriter John Denver. At the on-site museum, visitors can view artifacts from Denver's life and career, watch archival footage of his concerts, and listen to some of his most popular songs. There are also several walking trails that wind through the scenic property, making it the perfect place to enjoy a day in nature. Whether you're a fan of John Denver or not, the Sanctuary is sure to be a place you'll enjoy exploring.

The John Denver Sanctuary is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, on the property of the singer's former home. The sanctuary was established in 1992, after Denver's death, and is managed by the John Denver Sanctuary Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to "preserve, protect, and enhance the Sanctuary as a place of refuge, inspiration, and nature study." The sanctuary is open to the public year-round and offers a variety of educational programs and events. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the property, which includes a monument to Denver and a section of the original singer's cabin. The John Denver Sanctuary is a beautiful and tranquil spot that provides visitors with a glimpse into the life of one of America's most beloved musicians.

The John Denver Sanctuary is best visited in the spring or summer months when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom. 

1. Pack your hiking shoes! The John Denver Sanctuary is a great place to get some exercise and take in the scenic views. There are miles of hiking trails to explore, and the elevation change can be significant, so be sure to pack accordingly.
2. Don't forget your camera! The John Denver Sanctuary is home to some breathtaking views, and you'll want to be sure to capture them. There are also several photo-worthy sculptures throughout the property.
3. Bring a picnic lunch! There are several picnic tables located throughout the sanctuary, and it's a great way to enjoy a meal while surrounded by nature.
4. respectful of the wildlife. The John Denver Sanctuary is home to many different types of animals, so be sure to keep your distance and respect their space. Don't approach or feed any of the wildlife, no matter how friendly they may seem.
5.  Leashed dogs are welcome. If you plan on bringing your furry friend along, just be sure to keep them on a leash at all times. 6. Please refrain from smoking. In order to preserve the natural beauty of the sanctuary, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.

1. The area was formally designated as a sanctuary in 1987, after John Denver donated the land to the city of Aspen. 
2. In addition to its scenic beauty, the John Denver Sanctuary is also an important site for scientific research. 
3. Studies conducted at the Sanctuary have helped to improve our understanding of how ecosystems function and how they are affected by human activity. 
4. The Sanctuary is also a popular spot for bird watching, with more than 200 species of birds recorded in the area. 
5. John Denver himself was an avid birder, and he even named one of his albums after a bird that he saw at the Sanctuary! 
6. The mission of the John Denver Sanctuary is “to protect and enhance the scenic beauty and wildlife habitat of the Rocky Mountains for future generations to enjoy."
7. The land is owned and managed by the City of Aspen and the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails program.
    

The maximum time required to explore it fully is two hours. Within this time, one can take in the gorgeous scenery, appreciate the wildlife, and learn about the man for whom the sanctuary is named.

The John Denver Sanctuary is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, just outside of Aspen. To reach the sanctuary, take Highway 82 east from Aspen for about 3 miles. The turn-off for the sanctuary will be on your left, and there is a small parking area just off the highway. From the parking area, it is a short hike up to the actual sanctuary. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.

The sanctuary is free to the public. Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The sanctuary is open from dawn to dusk. It may vary depending on the seasons.