Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park is an easy day trip from Denver, and there’s plenty to do even when a concert isn’t scheduled. Visitors can tour the museum and visitor center, shop for souvenirs, and check out the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, while hikers can hit the 6-mile (9.6-kilometer) Red Rocks Loop Trail, which showcases sweeping views of the concert venue in all its glory. To see more of the surrounding Rocky Mountains foothills, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre on a small-group or private tour from Denver and explore nearby highlights such as Lookout Mountain, Bear Creek Canyon, and the charming mountain town of Evergreen. Or, get a taste of both city and nature by combining your Red Rocks visit with a Denver city tour. Whether you choose to explore on your own or with a guide, you don’t want to miss the epic scenery of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain wilderness.

• The weather at the park can change suddenly, so pack a jacket or extra layer of clothing.

• Red Rocks Park is 6,450 feet (1,966 meters) above sea level; be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which is common at high altitudes.

• If planning to attend a concert, arrive early and allow ample time to park and pass through security.

• Wheelchair accessible seating is available; accessible tickets must be purchased in advance.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre lies in the foothills of the Rockies, roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of downtown Denver. The Red Rocks visitor and help center, located on Alameda Parkway in Morrison, is open daily and provides additional information for getting around.

Summer is the warmest and most popular time to visit. Spring and fall visitors find slightly cooler temperatures and bargain rates, with autumn visitors getting the opportunity to see the mountains speckled with colorful foliage. Some hotels and attractions may close in winter when temperatures drop and the area gets snowy. To avoid crowds, visit Red Rocks Park in the early morning—hiking trails are open from one hour before sunrise until one hour before sunset. The Red Rocks Loop Trail is open year-round.

For more than 100 years, this sandstone outdoor venue has been world-renowned for its natural beauty and stunning acoustics. Some of the world’s largest musical acts have performed here, including legends such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Fleetwood Mac, plus opera singer Mary Garden, U2, and Rush. From the way the sunlight reflects off the sandstone just before sunset to the way the twin, 300-foot (91-meter) rocks behind the stage perfectly capture sound, there’s a level of magic here that borders on the surreal.

​​Yes, you can tour Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre—no concert tickets required. It’s open year-round for self-guided tours, with the option to explore the visitor center, see the Hall of Fame, and view classic concert footage. On event days in summer, the venue closes in the early afternoon.

Yes, it’s worth seeing Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. While seeing a concert is the best way to experience the music venue, it’s fun to explore any day of the year. You can take a self-guided tour of the amphitheater and enjoy panoramic views from trails through the surrounding park.

Yes, going to a show at Red Rocks can require substantial walking over unpaved trails. The Upper North Lot is closest to the venue itself, but spots there fill up quickly. Wear comfortable shoes and consider taking a shuttle from Denver—shuttles generally drop visitors at the Upper North Lot.

You can visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre all year, but the concert season runs April–November. Even in the offseason, the venue is worth visiting. Snow highlights its namesake red rocks, there are hiking trails, and you can take a self-guided tour of the open-air amphitheater.

That depends: If you’re seeing a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a pair of comfortable, closed-toed walking shoes is enough. To explore the hiking trails in the surrounding park—such as the 1.4-mile (2.3-kilometer) Trading Post Trail, or the 6-mile (9.7-kilometer) Red Rocks Trail—you might want sturdier footwear.

It’s a good idea to wear layers to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre—especially if you’re seeing a concert. At this elevation, temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, even in summer. Bring a waterproof coat, too, since the shows go on even when it rains. (Umbrellas are not allowed.)