Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado

Since 1912, music has filled this natural amphitheater and transformed it into one of the world’s premier performance spaces, where nature meets culture.

John Brisben Walker designed this spectacular outdoor venue as an idyllic backdrop for concerts and other events, complete with steep pitches and impressive views that ensure no bad seat will ever be found!

The History

Red Rocks Amphitheatre was constructed during the Great Depression by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers out of red sandstone formations near Morrison, Colorado using tools made available through CCC/WPA contracts, creating an outdoor concert venue which melded nature with structure flawlessly.

Red Rocks was first opened for public performance in 1941, and has seen some of the most legendary performances ever. From The Beatles’ groundbreaking 1964 American tour to U2’s groundbreaking 1983 performance at Red Rocks, this historic stage has witnessed everything!

Acoustics are spectacular due to the unique geological formation of rocks on stage; two large monoliths known as Ship Rock and Creation Rock actually absorb sound rather than reflecting it back outward.

The Seating

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre stands at an elevation of 6,450 feet and provides concertgoers with an unforgettable open-air concert experience. The enormous sandstone formations that form its exterior walls help amplify sound acoustics; on clear nights millions of stars can even be seen from its standing area!

Seating options depend on the show you attend; your ticket should indicate whether your seats are General Admission or Reserved and it’s best to arrive early to find your ideal spot. Tailgating may be permitted in certain areas but check with the venue website first for specific rules.

The Venue

Red Rocks Amphitheatre can accommodate 9,000 music lovers at once and is nestled between its iconic twin monoliths (Ship and Creation). Its natural acoustics come from how geological formation pushed together pieces of rock that absorb rather than reflect sound waves.

Musical artists must work extra hard to put on a memorable show at this legendary stage, where its acoustics magnify any errors in their voices or music, including vocal strain.

Aside from hosting breathtaking concerts, this majestic venue also provides plenty of activities outside the realm of music – like its Visitor’s Center hosting Colorado Music Hall of Fame as well as group fitness classes like Yoga on the Rocks during certain months of the year.

The View

Red Rocks provides an oasis of serenity, exercise and even musical experience for visitors seeking tranquillity, exercise and even musical engagement. On select Saturday mornings from 7-8am until 9am yogis gather on these red rocks for yoga on the rocks practice sessions.

Rock formations provide an unintentional record of 16 million years of history in this area, showing fossil fragments from marine reptiles and flying reptiles that existed here 16 million years ago. Visitors can explore two giant slabs of sandstone: Ship Rock and Creation Rock — as well as visit the Trading Post with Colorado music memorabilia available there.

Red Rocks is often touted as an ideal acoustical environment due to the natural properties of rock formations that absorb sound waves, creating a remarkable sound experience. According to front-of-house engineer Andy Torri, packed audiences actually help equalize frequencies across the entire space and improve overall sound quality.

The Food

Apart from breathtaking views, the amphitheatre offers guests many dining and beverage options. Concession stands provide chicken fingers, hot dogs, nachos pizza candy Coke products as well as other delicacies. In addition, guests are permitted to bring in their own drinks (in factory sealed plastic containers less than 32 ounces) from home.

Red Rocks also features the Ship Rock Grille restaurant and bar where visitors can indulge in Colorado-themed cuisine like buffalo tamales or elk sliders served alongside crispy fries. Recently, this venue upgraded their concession signage with Ping HD displays from Peerless AV and Samsung.

The Parking

If you plan on driving, please arrive early so as to secure one of the limited spots in the Upper North Lot. It offers quick access to the venue while boasting breathtaking views!

Lower South Lot is also available, though a bit further away. Carpooling is encouraged in order to minimize traffic congestion and pollution! Carpooling also saves on gas costs and helps lower carbon footprint. Strollers are not permitted here but you may bring binoculars, soft-sided coolers, seat cushions and non-alcoholic beverages (sealed in 32 ounce containers or smaller). No glass please!

The Environment

Red Rocks is not only renowned music venue; it is also home to an abundant ecosystem. The park’s varied terrain boasts an array of species from avians and mammals to reptiles and amphibians.

Over millennia, storms deposited layers of mud and sand onto this geologic formation, later compressing into massive sandstone monoliths seen today at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Their characteristic red hue can be attributed to iron oxide present in hematite rock deposits.

This 868-acre park contains deer, dinosaur fossils and pine trees as well as geological wonders and spectacular vistas. This natural playground also boasts hiking trails, fitness classes and even a gift shop!