Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s natural acoustics have long been appreciated by music lovers and artists. Once home to dinosaur fossils, today visitors can admire its picturesque setting while learning about prehistoric life at nearby Dinosaur Ridge.
Red Rocks was initially used as a temporary stage during concerts hosted by John Brisben Walker during the early 1900s, where performers ranged from U2 to contemporary pianist tinklers.
1. The View
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the world’s premier outdoor concert venues, boasting spectacular scenery with natural acoustics to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors. Concerts, yoga classes, Easter Sunrise Service services, graduations as well as special occasions such as weddings take place there regularly.
Ship Rock and Creation Rock are two massive 300-foot sandstone walls in an amphitheater’s two largest slabs that have their origin in an ancient seafloor that rose millions of years ago during a geological upheaval known as Laramide Orogeny, similar formations can also be found at Garden of the Gods and Flatirons.
No matter if it is for concerts or simply exploring its natural beauty, it’s easy to see why this landmark stands as one of Denver‘s iconic cultural and natural attractions.
2. The Sound
At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks marks the intersection of Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Its 868 acres of pine tree-studded geological wonders, meadows, and wildlife habitats serve as an oasis for nature enthusiasts.
At concerts, sound echoes through rock formations to create an extraordinary ambiance – but getting it just right can be challenging for musicians and audio engineers alike.
Ship Rock and Creation Rock provide ideal transfer points for sound waves to move between formations at either side of the amphitheater, according to Burke. Their height also enhances its acoustics as sound travels slightly slower at altitude; but weather, temperature, crowd size or type of concert may affect sound experience differently; sound levels also differ according to concert type and setting.
3. The Space
Red Rocks stands out as one of the premier music venues worldwide thanks to its natural rock formations’ incredible acoustics, making this iconic park one of the premier musical destinations worldwide. Along with concerts, Red Rocks Park hosts an Easter Sunrise Service every year as well as musicals, ballets, weddings, graduations, graduation parties and movie screenings – making Red Rocks an unparalleled musical venue!
For a hearty workout, Trading Post Trail and Creation Rock in the amphitheater present ample opportunity. And don’t forget Yoga on the Rocks for daily downward dog practice with breathtaking scenery as your backdrop.
Red Rocks is an absolute must for music enthusiasts of any genre and should be visited early for concerts as the venue can quickly fill up! Plus, its beautiful scenery provides plenty of distraction while waiting.
4. The Lights
Red Rocks Amphitheatre should be on every band or crew member’s bucket list. Offering breathtaking mountain views, world-class acoustics, and over 100 years of shows over its lifetime – this venue stands alone as a premier performance space.
Derek Vincent Smith, commonly known by his stage name Pretty Lights and known for outstanding performances at festivals like Suwannee Hulaween, Summer Camp Music Festival, and Camp Busci is back with an explosive 10-year anniversary show at Camp Busci this month! Expect a truly jaw-dropping spectacle. Set Design will be provided by Clearwing Productions so be prepared for an incredible display.
Parking in the northernmost lot will set your evening off right as it’s an easy walk into the amphitheater. However, those parking further south should expect some vigorous hills and stairs that require multiple breath breaks during their workout!
5. The Weather
Red Rocks Concerts typically go ahead as scheduled regardless of weather conditions; however, in extreme cases where safety risks to attendees arises they may choose to delay or postpone.
Denver‘s concert site stands approximately 6,450 feet above sea level and the summer sun can be intense. To stay comfortable at such altitudes, make sure to drink plenty of water and pack sunscreen to protect your skin.
Colorado’s climate can bring unexpected rainfall and cold temperatures at higher altitudes, so it is wise to bring along a rain jacket as well as warm clothing in the evenings. And don’t forget your dancing shoes because Red Rocks offers one of the world’s premier dance floors! Red Rocks allows guests to bring food into the venue; soft-sided coolers that fit under seats may also be brought.