Red Rocks’ legendary acoustics and impressive roster of musicians–from The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix–has drawn visitors for generations, yet Colorado venue has its own set of rules visitors should keep in mind when visiting.
On concert days, picnicking in the open areas surrounding an amphitheater is common. Be sure to bring food and nonalcoholic beverages in factory-sealed plastic containers.
Geology
Red Rocks Amphitheatre features many ancient rocks dating back to when dinosaurs roamed its terrain 280 million years ago. Sandstone outcroppings known as Fountain Formation form part of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and date back this far.
These rocks were formed by the same forces responsible for shaping today’s Rocky Mountains millions of years earlier, yet still contain fossils of 40-foot Plesiosaurs in the park and footprints from Jurassic Period era footprints along the Trading Post Trail.
An innovative Renaissance man, Civilian Conservation Corps and Denver architect collaborated to transform this site into its iconic state today – an unforgettable concert venue which blends natural beauty with structured design. Since its opening, thousands of musicians ranging from Jethro Tull to Phish have graced these stages and taken to the stage at Park West.
Architecture
Establishing an outdoor theater inside of a rock formation was no small undertaking; it took millions of geologic forces, laborers from the Civilian Conservation Corps, and visionaries such as Burnham Hoyt and Stanley Morse to make this truly remarkable venue possible.
Hoyt believed that an amphitheater should enhance its natural surroundings. To ensure this, he created continental seating arrangements so that the stage would be positioned behind Ship and Creation rocks, with its acoustic bowl framed by these natural monuments.
Project details were not without hitches: Civilian Conservation Corps workers responsible for building an amphitheater had to deal with immovable rock ledges carved into the mountain that prevented their progress; thankfully they used dynamite safely to blast away these obstructions without blowing up an entire mountain range!
Seating
Red Rocks stands out among music venues for its breathtaking natural setting and impeccable acoustics, which combine to make its concerts among the most unforgettable in history. It seats 9,000 enthusiastic listeners with towering red sandstone rocks as its backdrop.
With its steep pitch and stunning views, no seat at an amphitheatre can compare with enjoying one. Unfortunately, wind can reduce sound quality in higher sections.
For an unforgettable concert experience, consider purchasing tickets in the middle of the front rows. This ensures a clear view of the stage without obstruction from other patrons or structures nearby. Many concertgoers also arrive early and enjoy tailgating in parking lots or nearby parks before the show – creating a sense of community before taking their seats at their seats!
Weather
Red Rocks is an outdoor venue, making it susceptible to unpredictable weather conditions. Concertgoers should follow instructions from venue staff if bad weather arrives during a concert visit.
Last Wednesday during a Louis Tomlinson show in Denver, golf-ball-sized hail hit the crowd and injured many attendees – injuring several with bruises, cuts and broken bones.
The park’s website suggests concertgoers dress in layers, bring a poncho with them and pay attention to weather warnings for safety purposes if the weather becomes dangerous. Also noted on this site was its history of extreme weather events throughout its existence – most notably U2 who braved torrential rainfall storms with hailstones the size of marbles in 1983 at this legendary venue.
Parking
Red Rocks will leave an unforgettable memory on anyone who visits. From its natural scenery and incredible acoustics to its remarkable setting in Colorado’s scenic Rocky Mountains, attending an event here is truly special.
Red Rocks concert parking is included with your ticket price and lots typically open two hours before doors opening, giving you enough time to arrive early if you wish to avoid crowds or participate in any pre-show activities. We suggest arriving early if possible!
Tailgating is generally allowed before and during concerts in most parking lots; however, open flame grilling may be prohibited. We advise parking closer to the exit at the end of the evening for an easier post-show exit; rideshare services also exist as an alternative means of transportation.