The World's Most Iconic Outdoor Concert Venue
Two 300-foot sandstone monoliths create natural acoustics that have drawn musicians from The Beatles to U2. Even without a concert, Red Rocks is worth the 15-mile drive from Denver for the hiking, views, and sheer scale of the place.
Most people know Red Rocks for concerts, but the venue is free to visit year-round when there's no event. The park opens at 5am for sunrise workouts and stays open until 9-10pm depending on season.
The main attraction is running or walking the venue stairs. There are 380 steps from the bottom row to the top, and locals use them for cardio workouts with mountain views. It's harder than it looks at 6,450 feet elevation.
Beyond the amphitheatre, Red Rocks Park has several hiking trails. The Trading Post Trail (1.4 miles) loops through the rocks and connects to the venue. The park also has a visitor center, gift shop, and Colorado Music Hall of Fame museum.
Pro Tip: Check the event schedule before driving out. The park closes to the public on concert days, sometimes as early as noon for evening shows. Nothing's worse than driving 30 minutes to find the gates locked.
Arrive early. Parking fills up fast, and getting stuck in the lot shuffle means missing openers. Plan to arrive 2 hours before doors for popular shows, 90 minutes for smaller acts.
Bring layers. Denver weather is unpredictable, and Red Rocks sits 1,000 feet higher than the city. Temperatures drop 15-20 degrees after sunset. A hoodie or jacket is essential even in summer.
Best seats? Rows 40-50 offer the sweet spot between being close to the stage and seeing the full light show with rock formations framing the view. The very back rows have the best acoustics and full panorama.
Food and drinks. Outside food is technically prohibited but enforcement varies. Sealed water bottles are usually allowed. The venue has concessions with typical stadium pricing ($12-15 beers).
Red Rocks is 15 miles west of downtown Denver, about 25 minutes without traffic. Take I-70 West to Exit 259 (Morrison) and follow signs. The scenic route through Morrison adds a few minutes but passes cute shops and restaurants.
Concert parking: $20-40 depending on proximity. The upper lots are cheaper but require a longer walk down (and up after the show). Lower lots cost more but save your legs.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft work, but expect surge pricing and long waits after shows. The designated pickup area handles thousands of people simultaneously. Budget 30-60 minutes post-show for a ride.
Money Hack: Park at one of the Morrison restaurants (with their permission and a meal) and take the free shuttle bus to the venue. Several spots offer this, and you get dinner plus easier parking. Just coordinate timing with the shuttle schedule.
For hiking/stairs: Weekday mornings are quietest. Sunrise attracts photographers, and early morning workouts before the heat hits are popular. Avoid weekends if you want solitude.
For concerts: The season runs April through October. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) have cooler weather and fewer crowds. Summer shows sell out fast and bring intense sun exposure for afternoon events.
Film on the Rocks: The summer movie series projects films on the big screen with the rock formations as backdrop. Less crowded than concerts and a more relaxed vibe. Check the schedule on the official site.
Planning your Red Rocks visit
Yes, the park and amphitheatre are free on non-event days. You can hike, run stairs, visit the museum, and explore without paying anything. Parking is also free when there's no concert.
No, blankets larger than 40"x60" are prohibited. Small seat cushions and thin blankets to sit on are usually fine. No lawn chairs or large tarps allowed.
There are 380 stairs from the bottom row to the top of the amphitheatre. At 6,450 feet elevation, it's a challenging workout. Many locals do multiple laps for cardio training.
Bring layers (it gets cold after dark), sealed water bottle, sunscreen for afternoon shows, comfortable shoes for stairs, and a small bag (large bags may be searched or prohibited). Check specific event rules as they vary.
Most shows are all-ages, but some have 18+ or 21+ restrictions depending on the artist and event type. Check the specific event listing for age requirements.
No, the park closes to the public on concert days, sometimes as early as noon for evening shows. Always check the event calendar before planning a visit.
Discover other must-see spots in the Mile High City