Nestled between two 300-foot fins of red sandstone on the outskirts of Denver, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is widely regarded as one of the world’s most iconic outdoor concert venues. Famed for its breathtaking beauty and superior natural acoustics, this landmark stage has hosted legendary performances by artists including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, U2, and The Grateful Dead. Attending a concert here is a unique experience, with music reverberating off the ancient rock formations under a vast night sky. For many, a show at Red Rocks is a primary reason to visit Colorado.
Even without a concert ticket, the venue and its surrounding 816 acres of parkland are open to the public and offer a worthwhile excursion just 15 miles from Denver.
The History of Red Rocks
The geological marvel of Red Rocks owes its signature color to iron oxide, or rust, embedded in the sandstone. These formations were created over 300 million years ago and later uplifted by geological forces. Long before it became a concert destination, this natural basin was a sacred gathering place for the Ute people.
In the late 19th century, the area was converted into a public park and began serving as an informal performance space. The City of Denver purchased the land and formally constructed a stage and seating in 1927. The amphitheater officially opened in 1941 with a performance by lyric soprano Helen Jepson. It wasn’t until 1964 that the venue embraced its rock ‘n’ roll destiny, hosting The Beatles on their first U.S. tour. Since then, Red Rocks has become a hallowed ground for rock, country, and soul musicians, with some artists establishing enduring traditions. Blues Traveler has played a show nearly every Fourth of July since 1993, while Widespread Panic has performed at the venue more than 70 times.
Attending a Performance
The quintessential Red Rocks experience is a live show. From April to November, the venue presents a packed schedule of musicians and symphony orchestras. Tickets are primarily sold through AXS.com, though service fees can be avoided by purchasing directly from the on-site box office or the Denver Coliseum. With over 9,500 seats spread across 70 steep rows of wooden benches, there isn’t a bad view in the house. Lower rows offer proximity to the stage, while higher seats provide panoramic vistas of the glowing rocks and the distant city lights.
Dining and Refreshments
During shows, numerous concession stands offer a wide variety of food, including pizza, gyros, barbecue, and tacos, alongside beer, smoothies, and other beverages. For a sit-down meal during the day, the Ship Rock Grille is open for lunch, and the Row 71 bar serves drinks with a stunning landscape view. Additional dining options are available near the intersection of Bear Creek Avenue and State Highway 93.
Activities Beyond the Concerts
Red Rocks is more than a music venue; it’s a Denver Mountain Park with a range of activities available to the public.
Film on the Rocks
On select summer evenings, the Denver Film Society hosts Film on the Rocks, transforming the amphitheater into a massive outdoor cinema. These events feature pre-show entertainment from local comedians and bands before the classic or cult film begins at dusk.
Yoga and Fitness
The popular Yoga on the Rocks series offers summer weekend classes led by top Denver instructors. Practicing yoga in the tranquil morning air as the sun rises over the rock formations is a memorable experience. Throughout the year, the amphitheater’s steep stairs are a popular, and free, spot for locals to exercise.
Explore the Park and Views
The amphitheater and its surrounding park are free to visit from sunrise to sunset on non-event days. Visitors can explore the venue, take photos on the stage, and admire the two main monoliths, Ship Rock and Creation Rock, which create the venue’s renowned acoustics. For a 360-degree panorama, head to the landing above the top row of seats. On days with scheduled events, the amphitheater typically closes to the public at 2 p.m.
Hiking Trails
The park features several hiking trails that showcase its unique geology and offer views extending to downtown Denver. The Trading Post Trail is a moderate 1.4-mile loop that weaves through meadows and rock formations. For a more challenging trek, the 6-mile Red Rocks Trail connects to the adjacent Matthews Winters Park and offers opportunities to see local wildlife. Another option is the 4-mile Dakota Ridge Trail, which follows the rocky spine of Dinosaur Ridge.
Red Rocks Hall of Fame
Located in the visitor center, the free-to-visit Red Rocks Hall of Fame chronicles the venue’s history and legendary performers. Exhibits feature memorabilia, including instruments and posters from artists like John Denver and Jimi Hendrix, alongside listening stations and historical information.
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
Red Rocks provides accessible seating, which can be reserved for shows and screenings, as well as a dedicated shuttle for visitors with disabilities during events.
To make the most of your visit, consider the following:
- Arrive early. Traffic can be heavy, and parking is located on a steep hillside below the amphitheater.
- Be prepared to walk. The seating area is on a significant incline, requiring a walk up from the parking lots.
- Dress in layers. Even on warm summer days, temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
- Bring a credit card. The venue, including its vendors, is cashless.
- Consider a shuttle. Round-trip shuttles from Denver offer a convenient, albeit pricey, transportation option.
- Know the law. While cannabis is legal in Colorado, public consumption is not permitted.
