Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is an open-air theater that's built into a rock structure and offers an inviting atmosphere, a surrounding parkland with relaxing walkways, and unforgettable live performances. The venue can seat up to 9,525 people, and the natural acoustics from the disc-shaped rock create sounds that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Massive curved rocks are on both sides of the theater, creating natural walls that direct the sound.
Whether you love music, impressive rock formations, or tranquil parks, you'll enjoy a visit to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. While not every performance held on the stage is kid-friendly, plenty of them are, so you won't have any trouble finding a suitable performance. Of course, the park area is open to everyone and offers plenty of walking paths and impressive geological formations throughout its total 659 acres of space.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Denver - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do in Denver and 10 Most Instagrammable Places in the USA (Read all about Denver here)
What are the highlights of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Denver?
When you visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, the highlight of your trip is likely going to be the amphitheater itself. The natural acoustics created by the curved rock formations on either side of the seating and behind the stage create an unforgettable sound that amplifies performances in a way that standard theater buildings simply can't. Plus, the trip to the theater itself can be quite the adventure since you'll have a bit of a hike between the parking lot and your seat.
In addition to the theater at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, you can enjoy a prominent parkland that's preserved as a national historic landmark. It's notable for its iconic red sandstone that you'll find throughout the area, including among notable geological formations. Many of the rocks have a layered look to them that's created by the uplift of mountains over hundreds of millions of years.
A brief history of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Denver
Some view Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre as a result of destiny. Hundreds of millions of years of rock formations ended up with something that seemed perfectly suitable for an amphitheater with acoustics rivaling that of expertly designed concert halls. The area was first used for concerts in the early 20th century, but the amphitheater was built later and officially opened to the public in 1941.
Throughout the years, several notable performances have taken place at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. One of the first major performances was by opera singer Mary Garden in 1911, though subsequent decades saw artists like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and The Blues Brothers grace the stage. More recently, electronic artist Bassnectar was the first to crack and break some pieces of the amphitheater's rock walls with his heavy bass. As a result, sound and frequency-level limits have been put into place.
What else is good to know about Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Denver?
Visiting Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre means keeping a few important facts in mind. First, you'll want to dress like you're going to a park even if you're just planning on seeing a concert. The hike from the parking lot to the theater will be a lot easier if you have comfortable shoes on, though you can get a shuttle transport if you need to. If you plan to spend time exploring the area, consider bringing a bike, as biking is also welcome around the park.
Be sure to check the calendar before you visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, as it often hosts special events aside from regular concerts. One of the most popular is the Film on the Rocks event where the theater is used to show classic and cult-favorite films on a massive screen.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Denver
Location: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Phone: +1 720-865-2494
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