Red Rocks Amphitheatre has hosted legendary musical performances from The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to today’s hot bands such as Yonder Mountain String Band. Outside concert season, you can explore this venue on your own by taking a self-guided tour.
Amphitheaters are remarkable geological wonders, featuring two massive stone slabs known as Ship Rock and Creation Rock as its physical boundaries and contributing significantly to its world-renowned acoustics.
History
John Brisben Walker began hosting concerts on a temporary platform built between Ship Rock and Creation Rock (then known as Garden of the Titans), taking advantage of their natural acoustics to become known for hosting performances in that venue.
But it wasn’t until 1936 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal Civilian Conservation Corps arrived to assist with developing and building the amphitheatre. For $1 a day, workers would dig, excavate and use dynamite to clear away 25,000 cubic yards of rock and soil; work took 12 years. Denver architect Burnham Hoyt designed an amphitheatre modeled after Athens’ Theatre of Dionysus – it still stands today as part of Denver Botanic Gardens.
Red Rocks has hosted hundreds of shows and events since opening. Acoustic folk acts like Nat King Cole to contemporary heavy metal bands have performed at Red Rocks; rock legends from all genres have graced its stage. While Red Rocks may have earned itself a reputation for bad behavior, there have also been some amazing performances to be witnessed here.
Seating
This amphitheatre and park are located on traditional territory belonging to Cheyenne, Ute and Arapahoe tribes – making for an incredible musical experience that has seen concerts by artists including Jethro Tull, The Beatles and Diana Ross perform there. Their unique acoustics give an experience unlike any other and offer up unique acoustics unlike anywhere else! With seating capacity for 9,000 music fans who come here year after year for concerts at this landmark venue. Known for its incredible acoustics it offers extraordinary acoustics unlike anywhere else and has seen performances by big name artists such as Jethro Tull, The Beatles and Diana Ross performing at its historic Red Rock formations formations atop seating areas; all this provides unique acoustics unlike anywhere else! Located on Cheyenne Ute Arapahoe tribe territory: Park is located here!
There are 70 rows of head-on seating that incline toward the stage, guaranteeing an excellent view and sound experience no matter where you sit.
Since Red Rocks Amphitheatre offers both general admission and reserved seating, it is best to arrive early for shows to ensure a great seat. Furthermore, all venue rules should be observed, such as refraining from fighting, offensive language and gestures, climbing rock formations or climbing trees; no pets other than certified service animals are allowed and smoking at Red Rocks is illegal.
Parking
Many concertgoers who have never visited Red Rocks before can be dismayed at how far it takes them to enter. Though part of the experience, Kitts recommends carpooling with friends and arriving early so you can secure one of the lots closer to Red Rocks and grab a parking spot closer.
Upper North lot is the premier parking spot, due to its close proximity to the entrance of the amphitheater and breathtaking panoramic views. Unfortunately, this means an even longer walk back after each performance!
Parking in the South Lots (Lower and Upper) will require traveling a greater distance and climbing more of a vertical incline, but will make leaving after a night of dancing more relaxing. Vehicles may remain parked there until 10:00 am the morning after an event takes place; many visitors prefer this option so as to reduce stress in navigating heavy traffic after having enjoyed music and beverages all evening long.
Getting There
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an incredible natural phenomenon and must-see music venue, so to ensure the most rewarding experience from your visit and make the most of your trip there be sure to consider a few essential tips before attending your first concert there.
Arriving early for concerts at Red Rocks is ideal, as parking and traffic congestion in the area may make things hectic. Arriving early gives you time to admire its natural beauty as well as explore gift shops, visitor centers, concession stands, etc. at the venue.
If you’re driving, try parking in the Upper North lot for ease of entry and exit into the venue; nearby is Ship Rock Grille and Visitor Center. Shuttle services like Turtle Bus or 303 Party Bus offer affordable and hassle-free alternatives; just look out for their schedules in Denver or Boulder to book one of their shuttles to concerts!