Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an incredible venue that should not be missed by music enthusiasts. From legendary acts such as The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to modern icons like U2 and Mumford & Sons, this memorable venue provides an experience you won’t soon forget.
Millions of years, combined with labor from the Civilian Conservation Corps and vision from architects Burnham Hoyt and Stanley Morse, were required to bring this remarkable amphitheater to fruition.
The History
Over millions of years, geologic forces created the majestic red and gold rock formations that make up Red Rocks Amphitheatre today. However, it took one man named John Brisben Walker to transform them into an arena for live performances and music festivals.
In the early 1900s, he built a platform between Ship Rock and Creation Rock and invited musicians to perform, taking advantage of their natural acoustics created by rock formations.
Red Rocks has long been associated with musical legends and controversy. Alcohol sales were temporarily prohibited after fans at a 1964 Peter, Paul and Mary show began throwing beer cans onto stage; yet Red Rocks continued to attract artists with diverse fan bases; today Red Rocks hosts everything from rock concerts and yoga classes to movie screenings with sound enhancement.
The Amphitheater
Amphitheater formation has occurred over millennia as a result of geological uplift, erosion, and the rising and falling of inland sea levels. Dinosaur fossils have also been discovered here, making this area an invaluable destination for music fans. With concerts held here regularly it serves as an amphitheater magnet.
At Rock Bottom Gardens in Denver, its iconic rock formations and perch above Denver create a powerful mystique, while sunset illuminates its stage with pastel colors. This spectacular setting provides an unforgettable concert experience, creating a warm, energetic, and relaxed ambiance for live concerts and performances alike.
Before attending a performance at Red Rocks, it’s essential that visitors familiarize themselves with its terrain by familiarizing themselves with distance and vertical incline of walking from various parking areas to theater center. Use this map as a reference.
The View
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre offers much more than meets the eye; from stunning ochre rock formations that make up Red Rocks to concerts set against an ever-shifting Rocky Mountain sky to hiking trails dotted with fossilized footprints, Red Rocks has something special for all visitors to discover.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre seats over 9,000 in its unique seating area and provides general admission seating options to suit every preference and price point. While front rows offer optimal stage views, further back sections may experience partial obstruction of vision.
Arrive a couple hours prior to showtime if possible – carpooling can save money and lessen environmental impact! There are four ChargePoint stations at the venue available for electric vehicle owners.
The Museum
Red Rocks Visitor Center features self-guided tours through educational displays that explore both its geological and musical histories, along with free documentaries and the Red Rocks Hall of Fame.
Stevie Nicks has become one of the most iconic faces to grace Red Rocks over time, making headlines around the world with her live performance filmed for 1986 album “Rock A Little,” which became one of music history’s most celebrated concert videos.
Make sure to stay hydrated at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre located 6,450 feet above sea level by stopping by one of the concession stands located throughout. Don’t forget the Red Rocks App if ordering drinks is more your style – order beverages without ever leaving your seat!
The Music
Red Rocks Amphitheatre provides an unforgettable concert experience, whether that involves an entire 25-piece band filling the air with dense layers of music or solo singers sending their voices wistfully through its funnel-like venue. Sandstone formations contribute significantly to its acoustically perfect setting, but mother nature plays an equally large part.
My Morning Jacket’s performance at Red Rocks inspired them to use footage from that concert to craft an incredible music video. The Louisville rock outfit mixed traditional crowd and instrument shots with surreal visuals that demonstrate what it feels like attending shows at this legendary venue.
Red Rocks has hosted performances by both the Denver Symphony Orchestra and Colorado Symphony Orchestra for decades, often giving new life to popular songs by popular artists. Visitors can also take advantage of drinks available from Red Rocks’ concession stand including non-alcoholic options for those who do not drink alcohol or prefer not to.