Red Rocks Park is an acoustically and geologically perfect amphitheatre. It’s the only one in the world. Denver Parks Manager George Cranmer did not convince the Civilian Conservation Corps until 1936.
Ship Rock and Creation Rock are two giant walls of sandstone that tower higher than Niagara Falls. There are also dinosaur fossils.
Red Rocks is a natural stage that has attracted musicians to its majestic beauty for well over 100 years. This geologically-formed amphitheater has a unique shape. Ship rock, and Creation rock are the rock formations that frame this amphitheater. They provide a perfect soundscape. They can look up and see the swirling, dramatic sandstone monoliths telling the story of plant and animal life over 250,000,000 years ago.
Walker created the Garden of the Angels in 1906, after it was purchased by John Brisben Walker. Walker owned Cosmopolitan and named the location “Garden of the Angels”. Walker created a wood stage in the natural bowl that was enclosed by Ship and Creation stones. This wooden stage was intended to bring visitors.
George Cranmer was the one who put this amphitheater in the spotlight. Burnham Hoyt, a local architect, was commissioned to design the theater. Hoyt, a former CCC student with experience in acoustics and theater construction, was well versed in informal theatres. Incorporating the rock formations in his design, he devised continental seats that do not have a center aisle.
Over the years, many famous artists have graced the Red Rocks stage. The list is long and includes Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Harry Belafonte, and Ray Charles. Other greats who have performed here include the Beatles, Sting, U2, and Bon Jovi. Red Rocks is also home to movie nights at the theater, yoga sessions, and a sunrise Easter service.
The atmosphere at the amphitheater is awe-inspiring to all who visit. Early-evening concerts are especially magical, as the fading rays of a Colorado sunset paint the iconic rock formations with soft pastel colors. Red Rocks is also a place where musicians have described their performances as dreams come true. Its natural setting and acoustics create an atmosphere that attracts performers to perform at their very best.
Although the amphitheater’s concerts and shows are its most popular feature, it also has a variety of hiking and bicycling trails which offer breathtaking views. Just 15 miles north of Denver is this National Historic Landmark. In addition to being a Colorado Certified Scenic Byway it’s also a designated State Natural Area.
Film on the Rocks, which takes place every summer in the Amphitheater, offers the chance to watch movies while you relax. The wildly popular summer event is a collaboration between Denver Film and Denver Arts & Venues. The main amphitheater has a limited number reserved seats. Guests are welcome to bring picnic blankets and chairs. Alcoholic beverages, however, are not allowed.
Before the Pandemic this was a very popular spot for those who wanted to enjoy the great outdoors while watching a movie. This venue became even more popular after U2 recorded the iconic 1983 album “U2 live at Red Rocks” against this breathtaking backdrop.
The park has been host to a variety of performances and has seen the likes of Elvis, the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, the Backstreet Boys, Paul McCartney and many more performers make their mark on the stage. It is a beautiful place for yoga classes and other forms of exercise.
The park also has a 30,000-square-foot visitor center with souvenirs, history and memorabilia. Gift shop offers many snacks and drinks. However, most people prefer to bring their own before going to an amphitheater to watch a movie or show. The parking can be a problem, particularly during events that take place in peak season.
There are a variety of trails in the park, including some that can be explored by families. A popular trail for hikers is the Trading Post Loop. The 1.4-mile loop offers a view of Red Rocks rock formations as well as views over valleys. This trail is busy but offers access to Ship Rock, Frog Rock and other famous cliffs.
Ship Rock’s hike is popular with joggers and professional athletes train there every morning. During the summer, the park holds “Yoga on the Rocks” sessions that offer a unique experience for yoga lovers, and fall brings the annual pre-season weekend conditioning classes for skiers and snowboarders.
A trip to Red Rocks is not complete without watching the stunning sunrise from the amphitheatre. The parking lot can fill quickly, so it is important to arrive early to ensure a spot. The smaller Top Circle or Upper North Parking lots have ample space for Sunrise Viewing.
Hiking is permitted in Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, but visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Sunscreen is essential, as the park can reach high altitudes and be very sunny. This is especially true when you are sitting outside or on a hike without any shade. Bring insect repellant as the mosquitoes are common.
Leash-free dogs are permitted on all trails within the park. There are many native animals in the park, such as rabbits and coyotes.
Red Rocks Park’s main attraction is a rock concert, but there are so many other things to do on this 868-acre property. The 868-acre park is home to a natural acoustic theatre where you can hear the echos of past history. It also has steep staircases and breathtaking views. There are also trails to hike, including the geologic Overlook trail and Dinosaur Ridge. Join the locals for a breathtaking workout by running the stairs, or taking a downward-dog class at the top of the hill.
Open-air amphitheaters are the only acoustic venues of their kind that occur naturally. They were formed by massive sandstone outcroppings. In 1941, it was opened to the public as a concert hall. It had been carved from the terrain. The huge sandstone walls, higher than Niagara Falls and part of the Fountain Formation, were deposited about 280 million years ago. Its breathtaking scenery in Morrison is about 10 mile west of Denver and provides an amazing backdrop to concerts, weddings, or other special events.
Along with the magnificent amphitheater there is a Visitor Center that has souvenirs, a history exhibit and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. This park, a National Historic Landmark, is popular for weddings and special events.
There are few food options at the amphitheatre. Bring snacks with you and a cooler to store drinks. Be sure to drink a lot of water since the altitude will affect how well your body is able to hydrate. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes because many of the walking trails have uneven terrain. You may wish to arrive earlier if you plan on attending a concert at peak times. And if you’re lucky enough to have VIP tickets, be sure to check out the premium hospitality areas that offer all-inclusive catering services.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado’s most famous venue for concerts, is not the only thing to enjoy. There are also many more things you can do. Test your endurance on the amphitheater’s steps, take in the views from miles of hiking trails or trace dinosaur footprints in the park’s geological marvels.
Red Rocks’ giant sandstone monoliths were deposited by the Fountain Formation over 280,000,000 years ago. Over time, erosion caused by the Ancestral Rock Mountains eroded the sandstone. It was then pushed upward by the Laramide Orogeny. The park’s rounded, natural amphitheater is acoustically perfect for live music and the two main stone slabs, dubbed Ship Rock and Creation Rock, are taller than Niagara Falls.
Red Rocks amphitheater hosts concerts that are not to be missed. The National Historic Landmark is also popular with hikers. picnickers. bikers. and history buffs. Visitors are inspired and uplifted by this place, whether it’s to enjoy a concert under the changing Rocky Mountain skies, or explore the surrounding natural beauty.
Red Rocks is a destination that requires planning. This includes parking. The amphitheater has multiple parking lots, all with their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s best to discuss this with friends before you go to determine who parks where.
Red Rocks, the world’s first outdoor amphitheater to be built in a natural rock formation, is acoustically ideal. These sandstone monasteries, located about ten mile west of Denver in Morrison have been a magnet for musicians across all genres from Jimi Hendrix, U2, and the Grateful Dead. This museum is free to visit during the day. It features a Performers Hall of Fame and an extensive collection of memorabilia.