Aspen, Colorado has a reputation as a wealthy ski resort town and it’s not unearned.

The high-end boutique count on most blocks is likely close to that of Boston’s Newbury Street.

However, if you walk away from the town center through flower-lined residential blocks, there remains a constant in the landscape.

Beyond steeples, chimneys and treetops, Aspen is surrounded (engulfed, even) by mountains.

It’s especially striking in late September near peak Autumn foliage.

Looking down Neale Avenue as it crosses the Roaring Fork River is almost akin to witnessing a real-life painting.

Walking further north on Neale crossing the river, one sees nothing but blue skies (and mountains) ahead.

Steve and I could have taken the “No Problem Joe”, a short dirt connector path that runs along the river and seems more notable for its quirky name than anything else.

Instead, we opted for the well-travelled Rio Grande Trail, which begins at Herron Park off Neale and runs for 19 miles all the way to the town of Emma (not far from Basalt, which is where we stayed.)

We didn’t take the trail nearly that far but did have one destination in mind, which we located from its unofficial back entrance near the river.

If Maroon Bells was the most beautiful place we visited in Colorado, the John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen was a close second. I don’t know how well Denver is now remembered by Millennials and generations younger than that, but he was a big presence in my early childhood, especially through his collaborations with Jim Henson (I’ve barely forgiven my parents for not hanging onto my vinyl copy of 1979’s immortal John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together.)

Officially dedicated a year after Denver’s 1997 death, it features a “song garden” full of small boulders inscribed with his lyrics.

My favorite part of the sanctuary was this wetland area–as gorgeous and serene as anything I’ve ever seen.

You don’t even need to bring along a recording of “Rocky Mountain High” or “Annie’s Song”: you’ll likely end up humming them to yourself.

One of the best features of any sanctuary is the wildlife drawn to it like these drinking ducks.

We didn’t see a ton of bright reds like this amongst the Colorado foliage, so it appeared more vividly whenever we spotted some.

Walking further down the Rio Grande Trail, we came across many bridges and some public art.

Many bikers use this path and if I had access to one in Aspen, I surely would’ve ridden along it.

The trail is full of beautiful scenes such as this family of blue spruces among the river and rocks.

We could have taken the trail further to Hallam Lake and Aspen Institute but were ready for rest. We ended up back on North Mill Street towards the town center where we parked. I suspect Aspen can be pretty in the Winter but I’m grateful we were able to see it in early Autumn.