Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s unique combination of sandstone monoliths, natural acoustics and breathtaking scenery make it a must-see destination for music enthusiasts. Famous musicians from Jimi Hendrix to U2 and Mumford & Sons have performed at Red Rocks over its lifetime; an experience you don’t want to miss!
Natural beauty makes the venue an ideal backdrop for professional photographs – just take a look at the gallery below to see for yourself!
It’s a Natural Wonder
Red Rocks is not only a concert venue; it’s also a natural spectacle. The amphitheatre’s walls were once part of the ocean floor before slowly rising due to a geological process that also formed the Rocky Mountains. Red Rocks boasts distinctive formations such as Ship Rock and Creation Rock that help produce its appealing sound.
Red Rocks was initially revered by the Ute Tribe. Later, as western expansion brought more musicians eastward, John Brisben Walker hosted concerts there on a temporary stage until members of the Civilian Conservation Corps assisted with building a permanent amphitheater nearby.
Today, the rocks remain home to an array of events ranging from music performances (ranging from legendary Phish shows and Jimi Hendrix performances to yoga classes at 6,450 feet) as well as yoga classes at 6,450 feet. As well as musical talent, you may also witness sightings of mammal species including mule deer, coyotes and mountain lions.
It’s a Historic Site
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is more than a natural wonder; it represents Colorado history.
The park features numerous giant sandstone monoliths, with Ship Rock in the north and Creation Rock in the south being among its most well-known. Both rocks boast beautiful hues and shapes while their unique acoustics create an extraordinary concert experience for concert goers.
Early 1900s Renaissance man John Brisben Walker began inviting musicians to perform on a temporary stage nestled between Ship and Creation Rocks. Over time, Denver Parks manager persuaded the city to purchase it; Denver architect Burnham Hoyt produced designs for a theater then received federal funding through Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration programs.
Today, this venue boasts seating capacity for 9,525 and has hosted some of the biggest names in music. Additionally, the amphitheater is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and widely lauded for its sustainability goals. On non-concert days, however, locals take advantage of it to exercise or tourists to admire its sights.
It’s a Music Venue
Red Rocks’ unique combination of acoustics, scenery and setting make for an unforgettable concert experience. An impressive roster of artists have graced its stage since 1964 – from The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to U2 and Mumford & Sons; anyone with a hit record has almost certainly graced these grounds at least once!
Visit the Visitors Center when visiting an amphitheater to gain more knowledge of its rich history, see memorabilia from past shows, and view all the awards obtained from leading music industry magazine Pollstar.
Since 1906, when its inaugural concerts took place, this amphitheater has been serving audiences. Back then it was known as The Garden of Titans, with John Brisben Walker creating temporary platforms between Ship Rock and Creation Rock – two towering formations on either side of its seating area.
It’s a Great Place to Visit
Music alone may entice visitors to Red Rocks, but the venue offers so much more for you to discover than its music alone. Amid pine tree-studded geological marvels like dinosaur fossils and hiking trails lie geological marvels like Ship Rock and Creation Rock which slope at angles up to 90 degrees; together these formations helped form the amphitheater at 6,450 feet.
Red Rocks Park’s visitor center features educational displays, a short documentary and performers’ hall of fame; you can purchase cozy Red Rocks sweatshirts and souvenirs here as well. On concert nights, this visitor center acts as the starting point for several guided tours of amphitheater stages and backstage tunnel; its surrounding area, representing both Great Plains and Rocky Mountains environments, is filled with plants and animals; hikers often make time to visit Dinosaur Ridge trail which showcases around 300 Cretaceous dinosaur footprints!