Red Rocks Amphitheatre stands out among all others and it’s no secret why artists from U2 to new-age piano tinkler John Tesh have recorded albums here; its natural acoustics are legendary.
Indie folk artist Samia kicked off the night with an engaging set that perfectly fit with its location.
What to Expect
The legendary acoustics and surroundings of this 9,500-seat outdoor venue outside Morrison make it a must for musicians and music fans alike, and big name artists often select it to film videos or introduce new songs.
Red Rocks hosts an eclectic mix of concerts year-round, from country to the Colorado Symphony and even weekly “Film on the Rocks” screenings. Its unique location between Great Plains and Rocky Mountains allows visitors to see some of the plant, bird, and animal life that makes Red Rocks their home.
Water: Bring along a large water bottle, so that it may be filled at one of the many refill stations throughout the amphitheatre. Staying hydrated throughout a show, especially at altitude, is highly advised.
Parking
Successful Red Rocks visits begin with convenient parking solutions. The Upper North Lot is often chosen due to its close proximity, early entrance privileges and stunning views.
This lot also allows tailgating before concerts and provides accessible spaces for individuals with limited mobility. Carpooling and ridesharing can help reduce traffic and wait times after the show.
Parking is included with your ticket, but make sure to arrive with plenty of time in mind – usually two hours prior to doors opening. Food and drinks may be brought, provided they are factory sealed and stored in soft-sided coolers no larger than six-pack size; strollers are not permitted. Check with the venue‘s food policy for further details on bringing any outside food/drink with you; vehicles can remain at the venue until 10:00 am the following morning.
Accessibility
Red Rocks doesn’t feature traditional elevators, but offers ramps and designated accessible seating sections to give visitors with disabilities an exceptional viewing experience. Furthermore, individuals are welcome to bring their own wheelchairs when attending concerts at this venue.
The front row of this 9,500-seat amphitheater will now be completely wheelchair accessible, and seats designated specifically for people with limited mobility will also be made available. In addition, an interpreter on stage will provide support to patrons who are deaf, blind or hard of hearing.
Changes were implemented as the result of a federal lawsuit filed against Denver by several Denver residents with disabilities who claimed they were charged more for wheelchair-accessible tickets sold on secondary market than other buyers.
Weather
While West of Denver provides an amazing setting, open-air venues such as Red Rocks are vulnerable to harsh weather. Although its design and incline help facilitate water drainage, concerts may still be affected by rain or snow showers.
Red Rocks Amphitheater encourages its guests to bring a poncho and wear sturdy shoes with good traction for optimal viewing experience. In extreme conditions, staff at Red Rocks may instruct attendees to seek shelter or leave the venue altogether.
Concerts at the venue generally go ahead rain or shine. However, should inclement weather pose any kind of safety risk, the venue reserves the right to delay or reschedule. This is a common practice among outdoor venues all across America as storms can quickly form in Colorado’s unpredictable climate. Be sure to check the hourly forecast prior to attending any show here!
Getting There
Music enthusiasts must visit this iconic venue, yet getting there and back can be tricky without access to a car or trying to limit emissions from driving.
There are multiple ways to reach Red Rocks. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient transportation solutions and can save time searching for parking or dealing with post-show traffic congestion.
RTD provides train service from Golden to the amphitheater, making a quick ride between entrance and venue. However, this ride is limited to weekend use only and may not arrive before show time; so try getting there as early as possible as parking can become challenging quickly.