Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is an extraordinary geological phenomenon and the world’s only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater. Constructed through millions of years of geologic forces plus 12 years of construction by Civilian Conservation Corps and Work Projects Administration.

The amphitheater can be explored freely during daytime hours when no concerts are scheduled, and has a Visitor Center offering exhibits detailing both its geological and musical history.

The History of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is an incredible natural wonder and a National Historic Landmark all in itself, not only as a musical venue but as one of few naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheaters worldwide. The magnificent sandstone walls were formed about 280 million years ago as part of the Fountain Formation.

John Brisben Walker first hosted concerts here on a temporary platform in 1906 after purchasing it with proceeds from his sale of Cosmopolitan Magazine. Over time, Garden of the Titans became Garden of Red Rocks Park until Denver purchased and renamed it Red Rocks Park until 1941.

Construction on the present amphitheatre began in 1936 under the direction of George Cranmer, manager of Denver Mountain Parks System. Cranmer built upon Walker’s legacy by taking advantage of its dramatic geology; two sandstone monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) flanking its stage create an amazing outdoor venue suitable for public events.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an iconic destination for music fans nationwide. Concerts fill each spring, summer and fall as audiences listen to their favorite artists perform acoustically perfect concerts at this stunning amphitheater. Additionally, Red Rocks hosts Yoga on the Rocks(r) Film on the Rocks(r) and Sunrise Service(r) which make this venue one of the premier outdoor cultural spaces available today.

The Venue

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre has become world-famous due to its unparalleled acoustics, drawing in superstar artists. Musicians frequently choose this historic spot to film music videos or record live albums.

Red Rocks’ massive sandstone walls not only serve as an ideal setting for concerts, but are also an inspiration to those seeking serenity and wellness. Over 2,000 yogis gather on select Saturday mornings during summer for Sunrise Yoga at Red Rocks; an experience you must see for yourself to fully comprehend!

Concertgoers often bring picnic blankets and other warm gear with them, creating an authentic outdoor concert experience. While weather may change unexpectedly, it only adds to its charm!

Film on the Rocks, another popular event, offers classic and cult-favorite movies for screening at no charge to guests. Additionally, food and drinks may be brought from home; however alcohol cannot be brought onto the premises (with exceptions made for sealed non-alcoholic beverages) – any violations may lead to immediate expulsion from the venue.

If you want to skip the parking hassle, take advantage of Red Rocks Shuttle which provides round trip transportation between Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill at Denver Union Station and Illegal Pete’s on Colfax Avenue. Standard parking is included with each ticket purchase but for an upgraded experience consider upgrading to VIP parking.

Getting There

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre can be reached in several ways, but most visitors opt for driving as the preferred method. Red Rocks’ parking lots fill quickly on first come, first serve basis with closer spots becoming scarce quickly. Red Rocks also boasts trails and hiking paths so if there is time before an event they are an enjoyable way to pass time while waiting.

Red Rocks’ unique setting has attracted more than just music fans; iconic musicians from around the globe have recorded albums and videos at this site, such as U2 (through their 1983 performance “U2 Live at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky”) and Fleetwood Mac (during 1986’s “Rock a Little Tour” and 1984’s “Farewell Tour).

Even if you don’t plan to attend a concert, the natural beauty of an amphitheater makes for a stunning outing. Hike through its grounds or stop by the Visitor Center – either way you are sure to be delighted by stunning geological formations and breathtaking vistas. In summer months, visitors can take self-guided tours that allow them to experience this venue outside its busy event schedule; visitors are asked to respect its special environment by following park rules that protect its delicate ecosystem from erosion or damage.

Parking

Red Rocks provides free parking with your concert ticket purchase; however, popular events can quickly fill its lots up quickly. Arriving early increases your chances of snagging a spot; carpooling or public transit may help ease congestion around the venue.

Red Rocks Park is more than an amphitheater; it is also an expansive 600-acre open space offering free daily exploration with miles of hiking trails that wind their way around breathtaking natural formations. Plus there’s the visitor center, trading post and Colorado Music Hall of Fame too!

Upper North Lot is the closest lot to the amphitheater and features the easiest (and some may say most beautiful) entry into the venue, making this lot the first one to fill up. Lower South Lots 1 and 2 are further from the amphitheater but still within walking distance; these lots tend to host party buses and large limousines parked nearby – this may result in louder spaces!

Security lines tend to form early for shows, so allow ample time for pat downs and bag searches. Also bring water and light snacks, as food and drinks tend to be costly inside venues. Glassware will not be allowed into venues; violators will be removed.

Food and Drink

Red Rocks is an amazing natural landmark, drawing visitors of all stripes. Dinosaurs, ancient tribesmen, settlers, industrial businessmen, nonprofit organizations, preservationists and musicians have all shared special moments here.

Locals enjoy tailgating at Red Rocks before concerts, arriving early to set up picnics in its spacious parking lots and enjoy food trucks such as Biker Jim’s gourmet hot dogs, Rolling Smoke BBQ’s delicious barbecue dishes, Wyly’s Fried Foods funnel cakes and Wyly’s Fried Foods funnel cakes – not forgetting beer, wine or other adult beverages available for sale inside the venue itself!

Red Rocks, an iconic natural amphitheater, has been hosting musical performances for more than a century. First used as a sacred site by Ute Indians for ceremonies and spiritual practices, later John Brisben Walker built a stage there by installing it within a bowl formed by Ship Rock and Creation Rock to become one of Denver’s premier music venues.

Today, this venue continues to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together for unforgettable concerts, educational events, films and more. While millions of years of geologic forces combined with visionary Civilian Conservation Corps officers as well as architects Burnham Hoyt and Stanley Mormer’s talents are responsible for creating this iconic Colorado landmark; but its future depends on generations of music lovers keeping this Colorado icon thriving for years to come.

Tours

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier natural amphitheaters of ochre sandstone, drawing concertgoers, hikers, outdoor exercisers and music history fans from far and wide. Even those not planning on attending performances will still find Red Rocks a rewarding landmark due to its incredible acoustics, geological formations and breathtaking scenic views.

Red Rocks has long been used as a venue for recording live concerts and music videos, most notably The Beatles’ 1973 concert at Red Rocks being released as their bestselling long-form album Live at Red Rocks while Fleetwood Mac’s 1986 video for their single Sunday Bloody Sunday from their Rumours Tour featured footage recorded at this iconic location.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosts some of the greatest local and international acts like Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Nathaniel Rateliff and Greensky Bluegrass during its summer concert season, while international icons like U2 and Rolling Stones have graced it as well. Visit Red Rocks Calendar for exciting lineups of performances this summer!

Guided tours provide an ideal opportunity to experience a site more thoroughly. Many itineraries include nearby attractions like charming western towns and breathtaking mountains like Lookout Mountain and Echo Lake Park, while others make sure they drive over Rocky Mountains National Park’s Squaw Pass for incredible views of the Continental Divide. For an immersive experience, try one that also visits Red Rocks Amphitheater’s visitors center as well as including concert tickets into their itinerary. //www.youtube.com/embed/RGaZSSz9Vl4