Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

The basics

Red Rocks Park is an easy day trip from Denver, and there’s plenty to do even when a concert isn’t scheduled. Visitors can tour the museum and visitor center, shop for souvenirs, and check out the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, while hikers can hit the 6-mile (9.6-kilometer) Red Rocks Loop Trail, which showcases sweeping views of the concert venue in all its glory. To see more of the surrounding Rocky Mountains foothills, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre on a small-group or private tour from Denver and explore nearby highlights such as Lookout Mountain, Bear Creek Canyon, and the charming mountain town of Evergreen. Or, get a taste of both city and nature by combining your Red Rocks visit with a Denver city tour. Whether you choose to explore on your own or with a guide, you don’t want to miss the epic scenery of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain wilderness.

Things to know before you go

• The weather at the park can change suddenly, so pack a jacket or extra layer of clothing.

• Red Rocks Park is 6,450 feet (1,966 meters) above sea level; be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which is common at high altitudes.

• If planning to attend a concert, arrive early and allow ample time to park and pass through security.

• Wheelchair-accessible seating is available; accessible tickets must be purchased in advance.

How to get there

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre lies in the foothills of the Rockies, roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of downtown Denver. The Red Rocks visitor and help center, located on Alameda Parkway in Morrison, is open daily and provides additional information for getting around.

When to get there

Summer is the warmest and most popular time to visit. Spring and fall visitors find slightly cooler temperatures and bargain rates, with autumn visitors getting the opportunity to see the mountains speckled with colorful foliage. Some hotels and attractions may close in winter when temperatures drop and the area gets snowy. To avoid crowds, visit Red Rocks Park in the early morning—hiking trails are open from one hour before sunrise until one hour before sunset. The Red Rocks Loop Trail is open year-round.

Artists who have rocked Red Rocks

For more than 100 years, this sandstone outdoor venue has been world-renowned for its natural beauty and stunning acoustics. Some of the world’s largest musical acts have performed here, including legends such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Fleetwood Mac, plus opera singer Mary Garden, U2, and Rush. From the way the sunlight reflects off the sandstone just before sunset to the way the twin, 300-foot (91-meter) rocks behind the stage perfectly capture sound, there’s a level of magic here that borders on the surreal.