Aspen and the John Denver Sanctuary

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Geo: 39.19, -106.818

On Friday, we drove from Grand Lake to
Fruita, Colorado, by way of Aspen in order to
visit the site of the John Denver Sanctuary
Memorial Park there. On the way to Aspen,
our Tom Tom GPS routed us along Colorado
highway 82 over Independence Pass. At the
pass, elevation of 12,095 feet, highway 82
reaches the highest elevation of any paved
Colorado state highway on a through road.
The road is very scenic, but is also very steep,
curvy, and only one lane wide in places, thus
traveling along it is an experience in and of itself.




In Aspen, the memorial park called the John Denver
Sanctuary is located in a peaceful nook of Aspen's Rio
Grande Park along the banks of the Roaring Fork River. Many of the
singer's songs are engraved in large granite boulders scattered
throughout the park. This is sort of a must-see for any John Denver
fan, Anne being one of the more fervent ones! The admission is free,
but the fee for the parking garage next to the park is a very
reasonable $1.50.

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Photos

On Independence Pass
Taken from an overlook at Independence Pass.

At Independence Pass
An overlook at the pass.

Colorado Highway 82
As it approaches Independence Pass. Taken from the pass.

Aspens
Entering Aspen. A town aptly named.

The John Denver Sanctuary
At the entrance.

In the John Denver Sanctuary
Stone near the entrance - it really is a place to pause, reflect, and enjoy.

In the John Denver Sanctuary
At the entrance to the area where most of the boulders with lyrics from many of his songs engraved on them are located.

In the John Denver Sanctuary
Several of his songs are engraved on boulders in the "Song Garden" of the sanctuary.

In the John Denver Sanctuary
This appeared to be the main memorial stone in the sanctuary.

In the John Denver Sanctuary
One of the JD quotes engraved on a stone.

In the John Denver Sanctuary
There is a small amphitheater with stone seats just to the right of center.

In the John Denver Sanctuary
A water feature in the park.