For millions of us, John Denver wasn’t just a singer. His music shaped our core values, our love for the environment, and how we see the world. His songs resonated with me so deeply that I even named my twin sons, John and Matthew, after him.
Years ago, I set out on a personal pilgrimage to Colorado to walk the spaces that inspired “Rocky Mountain High.”
If you are a fan looking to plan your own spiritual journey through Colorado, here is the exact itinerary of the essential landmarks you need to visit, from Denver up into the heart of Aspen.
Watch the video I made upon my return.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Morrison, CO)
There is no better place to start your pilgrimage than Red Rocks. John Denver recorded some of his most iconic live moments here, surrounded by the massive, towering red sandstone formations.
When you visit, head to the Trading Post and look for the historic displays. One of the most moving sights is the majestic Spirit Statue on the grounds, a symbol that perfectly mirrors John’s connection to wildlife and freedom.
Red Rocks has a nice Amphitheatre Historical Walking Tour that, if you have time, is a great way to get the most out of your visit there, especially if you aren’t there to see a concert.
A Serendipitous Birthday Moment
By pure coincidence, I happened upon a John Denver tribute concert at Red Rocks on June 7, which happens to be my sons’ birthday. The show featured tribute artist Jim Curry, but the backing band was comprised of John’s original band members.
Hearing those exact symphonic arrangements live in that red rock canyon is a memory I will carry forever. I know the video is shaky, but that’s probably because I was crying.
The Legacy of the Windstar Land Conservancy (Snowmass, CO)
As a young teenager, I felt so connected to John’s environmental vision that I used to send what little money I had to the Windstar Foundation. Founded by John in 1976, this 957-acre sanctuary in Old Snowmass was meant to be a beacon for sustainable living and environmental education.
Important Note for Travelers: If you are planning a modern pilgrimage, please note that the Windstar Foundation officially dissolved and the property was sold into private ownership. While 927 acres are legally protected from development under a strict conservation easement, the old public campus facilities are no longer accessible to the public.
I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the original location and see the Spirit statue there before the foundation dissolved.
However, the spirit of Windstar lives on visually across Colorado. When the foundation dissolved, pieces of its physical legacy were preserved. On my journey, I tracked down the stunning, majestic Spirit Statue that originally sat on the Windstar grounds, which has since found its home at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre Trading Post. Seeing that connection spans the distance between his music and his message perfectly.
The John Denver Sanctuary (Aspen, CO)
The John Denver Sanctuary is a 4.5-acre public park in Aspen, Colorado, located along the Roaring Fork River. While fans visit to see the massive native river boulders etched with John’s lyrics, the sanctuary is actually a brilliantly disguised environmental filtration system.
Before its creation, the site was an industrial railroad yard. Raw stormwater runoff from downtown Aspen washed directly over the asphalt, dumping heavy street pollutants straight into the river.
Following John’s passing in 1997, the space was transformed into a series of terraced wetlands, ponds, and waterfalls that naturally filter out 98% of all urban pollutants before the water reaches the river, a perfect living tribute to his eco-legacy.
Sourcing, transporting, and engraving the massive 50-ton song boulders was heavily funded by private donations from local community members and global fan networks. John’s first wife, Annie Denver, closely collaborated with city planners to design the layout, ensuring it felt like a serene, living space rather than a static monument.
The Architecture
The centerpiece is an incredible open-air layout of massive, native Colorado river boulders. They are arranged in a perfect circle to represent the musical score of life, with an elegant Colorado Blue Spruce planted right at the center.
Read the Etched Lyrics
As you wander through the wetlands, pause at each boulder. John’s iconic lyrics are beautifully etched directly into the stone. Over time, natural moss and lichen have crept into the letters, making his words feel completely alive and integrated into the earth.
The Historic Hotel Jerome (Aspen, CO)
After spending a quiet afternoon at the sanctuary, head into downtown Aspen to visit the iconic Hotel Jerome. This historic luxury brick hotel has stood as the heart of Aspen since 1889, but for John Denver fans, it holds a truly magical place in television history.
If you remember tuning in to CBS on December 19, 1988, for the legendary “John Denver’s Christmas in Aspen” TV special, you will instantly recognize the timeless spaces inside this building. It was right here at the Hotel Jerome that John filmed his holiday duets with the incredible Anne Murray, singing together beside cozy fires alongside the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
If you have time to go beyond the Jerome Hotel, take a guided Walking Tour of Aspen to see where John hung out. The town attracts all kinds of stars and can be quite cosmopolitan during the high season, which in their case is snow season.
In case you’d like to take a gander back to that beautiful Christmas special in Aspen, here’s a link to the full episode.
Beyond its holiday fame, the hotel’s famous J-Bar was a favorite hangout spot for John, Hunter S. Thompson, and the local counter-culture crowd during Aspen’s golden bohemian era in the 1970s. Stepping inside today feels like stepping right back into the film set of that 1988 holiday special, making it an absolute must-visit stop on your itinerary to grab a drink and soak in the nostalgia.
The Majestic Maroon Bells
You cannot complete a John Denver pilgrimage without looking up at the Maroon Bells. Located just a short shuttle ride outside of Aspen, these dual bell-shaped peaks are famously reflected in the crystal-clear waters of Maroon Lake.
Standing at the base of these mountains, you instantly understand the exact geography that gave birth to his music. It is the literal embodiment of the wilderness he fought so hard to protect.
The Annual October John Denver Celebration
If you want to time your pilgrimage to experience maximum camaraderie with fellow fans, you should plan your trip around the annual John Denver Celebration.
Held every year in early October, right when the aspen trees change into their signature, breathtaking golden “Aspenglow” colors, this multi-day event turns Aspen and Snowmass into a living tribute.
The week is packed with unforgettable experiences, including:
- Concerts at the Historic Wheeler Opera House: Massive tribute shows featuring incredible performers like Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon.
- Campfires & Sing-Alongs: Intimate gatherings and evening sing-alongs held at local spots like the Snowmass Chapel and the Mountain Chalet lobby.
- Sanctuary Gatherings: Fans from all over the world converge on the John Denver Sanctuary for quiet remembrance, sharing stories, and acoustic music.
It is a beautiful, welcoming event where you will instantly feel like you are surrounded by old friends who share your exact core values. This one is still on my list.
Planning to attend the annual celebration? Lodging fills up fast for autumn foliage season, so browse and lock in your Aspen hotel options on Expedia sooner than later.
Riding the Range: Horseback Riding in Aspen
You cannot truly experience a John Denver pilgrimage without leaving the pavement behind. To fully immerse myself in the spirit of his music, I booked a horseback riding trail ride out into the pristine wilderness surrounding Aspen.
As the horse stepped along the mountain paths lined with golden aspen trees and sagebrush, I couldn’t resist the moment. Right there in the saddle, looking out over the peaks, I quietly sang “Guess I’d Rather Be a Cowboy.”
Hearing lines like “I’d rather ride the range” echo out into the fresh mountain air, knowing John rode these exact same mountain ranges made me feel closer to his free-spirited philosophy than ever before.
Tips for Planning Your Own Aspen Trail Ride
If you want to recreate this exact musical milestone on your pilgrimage, you have a couple of world-class options right near Aspen:
Maroon Bells Guide and Outfitters: Located right near the base of the Maroon Bells, they offer day rides that take you right through the breathtaking glacial valleys and aspen groves.
Snowmass Trail Rides: Perfect if you are looking to explore the sweeping, open high-country pastures and valleys closer to the old Windstar area.
Pro Tip for Fans: Make sure to book your trail ride several weeks in advance, especially if you are visiting during the peak summer months or the stunning autumn “Aspenglow” season when the leaves turn gold!
Keeping the Legacy Alive
As I left the mountains of Colorado behind, I realized that a John Denver pilgrimage isn’t just about chasing geographic locations or tracking down old filming sets. It is about reconnecting with a specific way of looking at the earth, with awe, with gentleness, and with an unyielding desire to protect its wild spaces.
Decades after his passing, his voice still echoes through the canyons of Red Rocks, lives in the granite boulders of Aspen, and guides the values I pass down to my own family every single day. If you have ever felt the pull of the mountains through his music, do not hesitate to make this trip. The Rocky Mountain high is very much alive and waiting for you.
Planning Your Colorado Trip?
What to Pack: Don’t let the high altitude catch you off guard! Check out my companion guide, What to Pack in the Rockies in August, so you stay comfortable from Denver to the peak of Aspen.
Where to Stay: If you want to experience the absolute pinnacle of John Denver history, check the current rates for a night at the historic Hotel Jerome in Aspen to soak in that 1988 holiday nostalgia. Or pick an Aspen hotel or lodge on Expedia here.
I’ll see you on my next Off Duty Travel Adventure after I finish crying again.
That was a really good article. I’ve been to the RedRocks and stood there dreaming of the days when John sang there. They had a nice museum there too but it has since moved to Denver. When driving on Highway 70 towards Aspen, I had to play Eagle and Hawk through Glenwood Springs Canyon. It is amazing through there. I enjoy meditating and singing at the John Denver Sanctuary. Last October I was fortunate to go to the Windsong land and once again daydream of what it would’ve been like when John was alive. I ended my week there by walking the trail that lead me to the rock in the stream where John is standing on the Rocky Mountain High album cover. It’s very special to be with the John Denver fans during the annual celebration in October. They are my JD family.
How absolutely wonderful. I’d love to go during the October celebration some day. I’m lucky enough now to sing his songs in a band and I get to sing Eagle and the Hawk.