Long before drones and GoPros could capture the mountain light, John Denver embodied the spirit of Southwest Colorado with just his voice, a guitar, and that signature wide-open-hearted wonder. One of the sweetest examples is a little-known video clip of him singing “Durango Mountain Caballero,” a playful tune that feels like a love letter and a wink to our rugged peaks.
I’ve always been a John Denver fan—ever since I grew up in my small hometown of Wadesville, Indiana. His music felt like open spaces and endless possibilities, even back then. But when I finally moved to Colorado and one of my students introduced me to this beautiful tune… well, my heart melted. It was one of those moments when you know, deep down, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
In the video—which feels like a hidden treasure from another time—Denver stands against the San Juan Mountains, smiling easily and naturally, performing a tune that celebrates the cowboy spirit in a way only he can. It’s playful, a bit mischievous, and pure John Denver: full of gratitude for the land and the people who shape it.
What’s most striking isn’t the production value—it’s the feeling. The clip carries the same warmth that has made Denver’s music endure here in the Four Corners and far beyond. His connection to Colorado wasn’t manufactured; it was lived, sung, and shared. And in “Durango Mountain Caballero,” you can hear his affection for our part of the state, tucked into every lyric and lilt.
For those of us who call this region home, the video is more than just nostalgia—it’s a reminder of our creative roots—the artists, musicians, dreamers, and wanderers who have looked at these mountains and experienced a shift inside.
Consider this little video a gift from John: a wink, a song, and a snapshot of a Colorado spirit that never really fades.
