Anyone who’s attended a concert at this world-famous Denver venue knows it to be a one-of-a-kind experience, but what exactly makes it stand out?
Red Rocks’ massive sandstone formations – higher than Niagara Falls! – create an acoustic paradise for music enthusiasts. Continue reading to gain more insight into what makes Red Rocks unique.
It’s a World-Class Venue
Red Rocks Amphitheatre stands out among Denver‘s iconic venues as an international powerhouse for its unparalleled natural acoustics and unique atmosphere. As one of Denver‘s premiere outdoor concert spaces, this amphitheater draws big-name concerts across every genre–as well as hosting unique events like Easter Sunrise Service and Film on the Rocks series–year after year.
Ship Rock and Creation Rock are two monolithic walls at this venue that have over time developed slopes and tilts due to freeze-thaw cycles, with Ship Rock rising toward the sky like an enormous vessel. On concert nights, this amphitheater seats 9,525 guests who can experience music thanks to its unparalleled acoustics.
Amphitheater visitors can access it during daylight hours as well, featuring a 30,000-square-foot visitor center featuring a Performers Hall of Fame and information about how it took Mother Nature 300 million years to sculpt its iconic formations into what you see now. Plus there’s even a snack bar where visitors can dine on delicious buffalo tamales covered with green chile or elk sliders while taking in breathtaking mountainous vistas!
It’s Free
Since 1964, when The Beatles played their inaugural outdoor concert at this iconic site or U2 made history by filming a video there for their landmark 1983 video shoot, many of music’s top acts have graced its stage. Furthermore, more intimate concerts like Local Sets which showcase Colorado bands in an intimate environment have taken place here as well.
Red Rocks Park provides an ideal spot for hiking and picnicking during the day, offering trails that explore its dramatic geology, trees, wildflowers and views – plus yoga classes that take place outdoors!
Tailgating is an integral part of attending concerts at amphitheaters, creating a sense of community among fans while building anticipation for what lies ahead. When buying tickets, be mindful to sit nearer the front since windy conditions could push sound around and obstruct lower seats.
It’s Beautiful
Rock formations that comprise an amphitheater are a sight to behold even without concerts taking place within them. Sandstone monoliths such as Ship Rock jutting toward the stage and Creation Rock’s giant wreck-like form have taken on slopes and tilts due to glaciation history in their area, creating stunning visual displays.
Red Rocks’ extraordinary acoustics and majestic atmosphere have long attracted musicians. Many acclaimed live albums of recent decades feature shows at Red Rocks – for instance U2’s ‘U2 Live at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky” (1983), Mumford & Sons’ ‘The Road to Red Rocks” (2012) among many more.
Arrive early to explore this park, which boasts a visitors center with an underground museum, trading post and two Colorado Music Halls of Fame as well as miles of hiking trails – from Trade Post Trail or Red Rocks Trail you’ll feel the adrenaline pump through your veins while admiring breathtaking views of both its amphitheater and surrounding mountains.
It’s Historic
Red Rocks Amphitheatre stands as one of the greatest achievements of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal program and was constructed between 1936 and 1942 using Civilian Conservation Corps efforts.
Named for two monoliths that make up this venue: Ship Rock and Creation Rock, these tilted vertical rock formations stand taller than Niagara Falls and have been home to dinosaur fossils.
Red Rocks is an iconic music venue and home to some of the world’s greatest performances, inspiring musicians from around the globe to record some of their most celebrated live albums here. Music enthusiasts know that no trip is complete without seeing at least one live performance there! Red Rocks boasts amazing acoustics which has led many legendary musicians record some of their most acclaimed live albums at Red Rocks.
When not hosting concerts, the amphitheater serves as a popular park and hiking destination. Picnickers can come picnic there or just admire Denver from up on its cliffside view. Moviegoers can also enjoy it for free during its annual Film on the Rocks event screening classic and cult films from its archives for viewing.