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Red Rocks Park and Ampitheatre
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 5:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
87 reviews for Red Rocks Park and Ampitheatre
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a firefighter. As a kid, I'd volunteer to water the plants, but pretend that I was actually putting out fires. I'd even kidnap the neighbors' pet beagle, Sherman, and cart him around in the back of a red wagon. Sure he wasn't a Dalmatian, but I was only about knee-high at the time, and he played the part well. I wasn't quite strong enough to carry a ladder, but it didn't matter. I wanted to be a firefighter.
That is to say, until as a pre-teen I watched the U2 video "Sunday, Bloody Sunday." The martial beat, the fiery beacons, Bono marching; it was all so insufferably cool. I was captivated; I must have seen that video at least fifty times. From then on my dream changed, now I wanted to be a rockstar.
At the time, I thought the video was filmed in Ireland. The accents seemed a giveaway. The massive stones bridging the stage must have been carved from the Irish Sea by millennia of buffeting by an angry ocean, I reasoned. It was only much later that I realized that this was actually filmed in America at Red Rock Amphitheatre.
So, during a recent trip to Colorado, a visit was in order. The amphitheatre is more intimate that I would have guessed; the rock formations are so massive that on TV it seems larger than life. The venue would actually qualify as fairly small, but probably a magnificent place to see a band. There isn't a bad seat in the house and the rows are spacious. The stage is bracketed by the aforementioned rocks and the backdrop is the Colorado plains and the city of Denver. Behind the stage the foothills quickly rise to the peaks of the Rockies. A small group playing along the side during one visit demonstrated favorable acoustics. Although there were no large bands playing during my visit, the summer outdoor concert series must be amazing.
In the base of the amphitheatre is a small visitor area which consists of a restaurant and a musical Hall of Fame. It's pretty cool to wander through and see the signed memorabilia and listings of every act that has ever played the place. There's also an interactive series of panels that gives you a range of advice: from sage (dealing with altitude sickness) to idiot-proof (don't step on rattlesnakes). There are trails that meander through and near the park which make for good running; although I did not see a rattlesnake, I did encounter a deer on the path in front of me. Much less intimidating, I must report.
Speaking of running, they also hold the annual Run the Rocks race here. This is a great event to be involved with: it's a scenic course, bands adorn the trail and it benefits the American Lung Association of Colorado. Even as the temperatures dipped into the 20 degree range, there still was a nice turnout for a good cause this year.
Although I never became a firefighter (or more's the pity, a rockstar), a memory from halcyon days reminded me to see Red Rocks, and I can't recommend it highly enough for visitors to the Centennial State.
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Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the most beautiful places in the world to see a concert. Recently I was there for the four night 2009 Phish run this summer and it was simply EPIC. The natural rock formations that frame the stage are a magnificent backdrop for music performances.
Red Rocks Amphitheater is a relatively small venue too, so tickets for big name acts can be hard to get. At night the Denver city lights twinkle below, I've even seen spectacular lightning shows over the high plains to the east off in the distance.
There's more to do at Red Rocks Park than just see your favorite music artists too, like the new visitors center, it's very well done. I would have rated Red Rocks 5 stars however security needs to chill, they could have been much more relaxed and should have been friendly to concert goers, they put a damper on the festive vibe.
Red Rocks is great. Everytime I have family or friends in town this is a must on the list of places we visit. The views here are great and the history of Red Rocks is a lot of fun to learn about. This amphitheatre is unlike any other.
Had I never been to a concert here I would have given this place 5 stars. I know, weird. This is THE place to see a concert. I've only been to one though and it was Counting Crows earlier in the summer. Ticket prices are very pricey and I ended up with general admission. It drives me crazy when people pay to go to a concert and then do nothing but talk throughout the whole thing. This is what happened here. Rather than being able to enjoy the concert I heard rambling in my ears behind me.
There are also posted signs for designated smoking areas, but people were too lazy to walk over to them and instead smoked in the stands, which was annoying.
Red Rocks really is a great place. If you go during the day on a weekend you're pretty much guaranteed to see some intense workouts on the steps. During the warmer months, you might see a wedding at the trading post.
I hope to go back next summer for a concert and I'm hopeful I'll have a better experience.
Red Rocks is the only concert venue in North America that's big enough to hold Bono's ego.
It's pretty damn monumental, folks. It must be seen to be believed. With a breathtaking view, fantastic seating and acoustics, and a four month-long season of great artists from around the world, Red Rocks is a practically flawless place to see a show. Can you think of a fault? Well, maybe one.
The beer here is overpriced.
When that's the only mark you can count against a concert venue (and since it's more or less a universal truth across the country), you know you're in for something special. And they serve Fat Tire for the same price as Coors Light, so really, that's a moot point, anyway!
What can you say about this place that hasn't been said before? It's nothing short of magical--as a result, I make it a point to only see very special concerts here. I've only been here for four acts before (and two Film on the Rocks showings, which are also a lot of fun!): Judas Priest will make it five in August. I'm wondering how they're going to fit Halford's Harley on stage...but I can't wait to find out! (don't worry, I'm taking photos...there's no backdrop I'd rather have to a concert)
This place is truly one of the spectacles of the Eastern Rocky Mountains, and if you've spent any time in Denver without visiting here, you're doing yourself a disservice. Grab a friend, a date, the kids (and some brews, for tailgating) and check out the scenery, the sounds, and the sublime experience that is Red Rocks Ampitheatre.
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Red Rocks is my go-to spot for taking out of towners who only have a little bit of time in the city. It's only a 20 minute drive from downtown, and even if you're just stopping in for an afternoon stroll, I guarantee your guests will be blown away by the view. Concerts and movies? That's another thing altogether. If you've never been to either, you're missing quite an experience.
Tips: Don't miss the view from the gift shop. This is where weddings are frequently held so tread lightly during daylight hours (I think I might end up on someone's wedding video, oops.)
Unless you're into expensive beer and wine, tailgate before Movies on the Rocks. Bring something comfortable to sit on and don't bring glass bottles. There's not a bad seat in the house but if you want primo up-front seating, get there extra early. Yvonne C. and I got season passes to movies on the rocks and I just purchased Monolith Tix, so I'm totally looking forward to my summer on the rocks!
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Disclaimer: I did NOT see a concert here, I went for a private event.
This location is amazing!! You have beautiful 360 degree views of the surrounding areas which are beautiful both during the daylight and night. The huge red rocks around the venue are unbelievable. Highly recommended for a private event. There's plenty of space and different areas you can hang out in. Also, there's plenty of CLEAN restrooms :)
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By far the best outdoor ampitheatre I've ever been to. So majestic as the stage is nestled between gorgeous red rocks and breathtaking views. The feeling you get when you're walking around is truly spectacular. I love everything about this area-- you really feel like you're somewhere special. Been inside the museum, been to the concerts, and now finally actually hiked the easy 1.5 mile loop. So serene and amazing. Easy day hike if you're looking to just hang out in nature but not wanting to rough it. But even if you are, just run up and down the stairs/bleachers. Bring water and your camera.. You won't want to forget this.
This venue, Red Rocks, made concert experiences so much better. Even at the NIN show of August 2008, Mr. Trent Reznor said he enjoyed the venue because it was just a sea of black t-shirts. {He} could see the fans faces.
My other grand appreciation for Red Rocks was the beautiful night that The Black Keys and My Morning Jacket graced our ears with their lyrics. Amazing experience with the sound, the wind, the staff, and trekkin' out to Morrison just to hike as if to the fountain of youth. If possible, I would have all the greatly appreciated bands of the world play at this venue, its honestly magical.
This was a pretty cool day trip for my friend and I, since we were pressed for time to do sight seeing while in Denver. We only had a small pocket of time to borrow my sister in law's car, and I had been meaning to check this place out during past ventures to Colorado.
The place is a little confusing to find the right place to park and hike around from when you first enter because of the numerous stops at the side of the road and parking lots for events, but we stumbled upon the main gift shop and were able to find our way to the small hiking trail. I forget that Denver gets so much snow in the winter (being a Californian), and that early Spring tends to find the plants and scenery a bit brown and dry. I assumed it would be as lush as the past two summers I had visited.
The short hike was nothing eventful and the signs for the trail were inadequate in my opinion because it just looks like you can walk any direction as long as there is a path. The rock formations were cool, and we did not have time to walk into the amphitheatre as we had planned. We ended up wasting time trying to find the place and taking odd pictures and such. I plan on staying in Denver sometime soon for an extended amount of time and want to see a show there in the future. Can't wait!
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I really don't have much to say about this place. Pictures speak a thousand words. It is breath taking. I wish I lived a little closer, so I could go out and relax on one of the trails.
The only thing I want to warn you about is if you want to hike the trails or go to lunch at the restaurant ....make sure you don't go when there is a concert. They close down the park when they have a performer. That is what happened to us. Luckily we got there a little bit early so were were able to do still do a little sight seeing. but we were not able to hike like we wanted.
I have never seen a show here yet so I cannot give it 5 stars but it gets 4 stars just for it's beauty and location. The views are spectacular and the whole ambiance is nothing short of amazing. We always take people here when they're visiting and they all fall in love with it. If you're in the Denver area you have to check it out.
We also ate at the restaurant which I thought would've been a lot pricier but it wasn't. The food was average and the service was good. I would definitely eat here again before a show or something.
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Unlikes any other music venue in the world. It's no wonder why most bands that come through here choose to make it the locale for their DVD session. John Walker had sharp vision to develop this music-lover's oasis without ruining the natural beauty. Flanked by two giant natural sandstone monoliths, the open-air amphitheater yields perfect acoustics and visibility, proving that nature sometimes does triumph over science.
Aside from concert-going, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy here almost every day. Park your ride and tailgate before a game. Ride your bike through the numerous road or dirt trails. Get a hike in before the show. Supplement your exercise routine ala track stars by running up and down the commanding stairs. Pop some popcorn and watch movies on the big screen. Get dirrty with your mate under the moon amongst the expansive grasses. Perfect for the audio- & kineto-phile.
Ticket prices are average for most of the big-name acts this venue tends to attract. I only wish they had more shows.
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This place is truly magical. Go see a show, any show, and you'll be blown away. From Jurassic 5 to Sound Tribe to Oakenfold to Flaming Lips, I've never been dissapointed and always leave with a smile on my face. It's the best venue in the country.
Best place to see a concert hand's down. Yes, hand's down. No, I don't what that means, but aren't we getting off topic? What I want my words to mean is that if this venue were some kind of super-hybrid animal it would have the speed of a jet, the brain of Hawking, the leaps of a young Spud Webb, and some kind of machine gun/ chain saw weapon. You pickin up what I'm droppin? This place is amazing.
I've traveled cross country by plane and car to get here and it's always worth it. To see Denver spread out in front of you, with these enormous monoliths of dark rusty rock jutting up on either side, makes for what has to be one of the most perfect theaters nature ever made. From the moment you pull on the property, it feels like a park. But the lot scene is always jammin.
Every now and then, I'll trade or sell a ticket in the lot and hike up the hill behind the theater. Why? No lines. To anything. You bring what you want then trade/sell the ticket and your way ahead. The view is even better, and the sound is still funneled to you by the rocks. I've only done it twice, but it was great.
Summation: this is one of the best large outdoor venues on the planet. If your favorite band is playing there, it's worth the trip. And Denver ain't no slouch either.
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Red Rocks is indescribably awesome. We unfortunately were only able to hike here and not see a concert while in Colorado for vacation, but I've added seeing a concert here to my bucket list, for sure. We did the Trading Post Trail, which is a short loop, only 1.4 miles, but it was awesome. There is not much shade, so definitely bring lots of water with you. It was easily the most unique and memorable place I've been hiking yet -- as someone else said, the pictures speak for themselves. I can't recommend this place enough. When there aren't concerts going on, you can also walk into the ampitheatre area and check it out. Lots of people were in there getting exercise on the stairs. Also check out nearby Dinosaur Ridge if you want to see dino footprints right alongside the road! So cool!
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I have never been to an amphitheater so absolutely mindblowing and spectacular. It is such a beautiful place, and also the best place to see a concert. I have seen concerts all over and there is NOTHING like seeing a concert at Red Rocks. The greatest thing about it here is they let you visit and use the amphitheatre as you wish, for free, even on concert days. At concerts, you can bring food and water and how many venues would let you do that?
The sound quality is so fantastic. It is also a very spiritual place to visit. If you are visiting Denver it is worth driving here to take a self guided tour and read about the history and see what bands have played here in the past. Can't wait to see Wilco this summer!!.
Completely worth the drive if you are visiting the Denver area. We were here at sunset and got gorgeous pictures overlooking Denver proper. I also saw a mule deer (this may be small potatoes to some, but as a city dweller, all wildlife is appreciated - and by appreciated, I mean photographed).
Take the time to read up on some of the groups that have performed here - it's a pretty impressive list! The tourist information booth was closed during our visit, but reading the wikipedia entry off of a friend's iPhone gave me a greater appreciation of what I was seeing.
Finally, wear walking shoes and be sure to explore the area!
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Everyone has heard of Red Rocks, but not everyone has taken the time to appreciate it! If you live in Denver and haven't been up there, shame on you!
Its open to the public every day (unless theres an event). I've been there while people were having a jam session. You can join them, or just enjoy their music!
If you're looking for a new place to exercise, you can run the stairs.
Or, just go to absorb the beauty and history of it!
There's nothing like seeing a concert here! I've even seen some of the WORST concerts here,(Mariah Carey. Hey, they were free tickets from the City, dont judge me!) but you're seeing it at Red Rocks!
Check out a movie here in the summer, it's awesome!
Oh, and don't mind the peeps "doing the pot", it's for medicinal purposes!
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Aside from the most horrible event trek from your car to the seating and stage area, this is an incredible venue!
It's crazy to be hanging out in the middle of ginormous natural rock formations. The view goes on for what seems like forever and just when you thought you knew all the stars try looking up and you'll suddenly discover a whole new mass of stars shining super bright!
I've been here for concerts, movies and several other miscellaneous events, and it never stops amazing me. The sounds reverberates through the red rocks and gives you a surround sound feeling. The steep incline provides a great view of the stage from every seat.
Minus one star for combination of the high price of anything you want to eat or drink (though you are allowed to bring in your own food and non-alcoholic drinks), and for the no joke hike to and from your car, (a little exercise is good for you!)
*Added bonus for being free and open to the public when there aren't shows there so you can go and hang out. It's also a great spot for super motivated people (unlike myself) to get a great workout with a completely breathtaking view!
By far one of my favorite all time venues!
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Can I rate this 10 stars even though we can only pick 5?
Red Rocks is truly deserving of its high rating and all the accolades it gets. I've only been here once to attend the Monolith Festival in 2008, and I was more attracted to going to this park than the whole festival itself. Acoustics are a dream here. I've sat from the front row to all the way in the back and it's amazing all around. Red Rocks is easily better than any venue I've been to in California.
Bathroom facilities were kept clean and I like that it's pretty easy to get around the park. The little museum at the amiptheatre is neat too and seeing the list of all the bands that have performed there makes me wish I could go here more often. The restaurant at the museum is ok, I had buffalo burgers which were alright. Kinda overpriced, but I'll forgive 'em for that.
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The venue in and of itself is a sight to behold. Throw in some live music with friends and strangers in a mountain under the stars - it's hard to imagine something more perfect. This wilderness just makes you happy to be alive.
Wow, that was pretty hippy. If you've been then you know it does that to you. Seeing a show here is a really different way to experience music. It's awesome. Just go. The hike up and back from your car is treacherous in the intensely rewarding kind of way. Dress prepared to be at the weather's mercy. Rain or shine, you won't want it to end. Take a moment to delight in the force of nature surrounding you. Hard to find anywhere more beautiful.
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As a rule, I dislike large venues. Frankly, they attract too many idiots, and I just don't want to know what idiots listen to the music I do.
I've been here once for a music festival and it was pretty good. There were lots of douchies out, but that didn't detract too much from the bands I went to see.
Parking
We had to have parked downwind from a septic tank outlet. Yuck.
Security.
They made me peel my freaking oranges. Yeah, I was bringing in orange-shaped bombs. Or orange-shaped vials of drugs. And she had the gall to look INSIDE the orange once I had peeled half of it, to make sure that nothing illicit was hanging out inside. I had brought food so that I wouldn't have to buy your overpriced crappy foods over the course of the 10 hours we would be there. I think she got bored of rummaging through my bag, because after I opened up the oranges, she peeked in the bag again, frisked me, and let me go. At least be consistent. If you're going to make me peel my oranges, at least make me taste my honeydew and slice my baguette. One thing that was awesome though was a cop eating an orange creamsicle. Yes, I was jealous.
Acoustics
Not bad for an outdoor venue. The rocks flanking the place give it some weird reflections, but the reflections aren't coherent so there's no slap echo. Normally, it's freaking loud. Bring ear plugs. If you don't have ear plugs, you will use tissues, or toilet paper, or napkins, or fingers, or pebbles, or whatever will fit in your ear canals and is within reach. The steepness of the seating and layout of the place means there's no rear reflection, so that's a plus.
Tickets
Only popular bands play here. Prices are a bit more than at a comparable large indoor venue, but the fees will get you. Damn you live nation/ticketbastard. They don't have their own box office, so you have to go through these rapists.
Red rocks, I want to hate you but it's not your fault.
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Every single time I go to Red Rocks it's an "event". I go to a lot of concerts and this, by far, is the best venue ever for concerts and outdoor movies.
It starts with tailgating in the parking lot. Then a breathtaking hike up to the entrance. It doesn't really matter where you sit. If you sit in front you get a great view, it's crowded, warm, and fun. The further you go back, the more laid back it gets and you get to see a view of the city. Sometimes you even get to see fireworks! There are side planters that are first come, first serve so if you have tickets in the 50th row, you can still get a great close spot if you get there early - and a great place to mingle with strangers.
Tips: Bring a water bottle cap. They take it away from you and even if you request to have it back, they say it's against the rules and you have to stand there with your open bottle of water with your hands up and your mouth open wondering why. I'm really not sure why this is? Anyone??
Always check on their website first to see if you can bring a camera or food. Sometimes they allow it, sometimes they make you go back to your car if they find it in your bag :)
Whether you are a local or a visitor. This is a must see. They let you walk around during the day - it's a great place to exercise, too!
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My friend and I found ourselves yet again at Red Rocks for another Film on the Rocks, only this one also included an attempt at the World's Largest Guitar record. Unfortunately, we weren't able to beat the record of 1,377 and I haven't been able to find how many actually brought guitars, but there definitely more people without. :(
On the plus side the audio was a lot better than it was for the Breakfast Club*. And the rocks were beautiful, as were the stars, and the city lights.
(Too bad it was fixed on the last one of this summer)
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/31/2008
I am a great fan of Red Rocks. What better concert setting could you ask for, than to be under the… Read more »
Simply stunning.
Just a short drive from Denver, Red Rocks is as good as it gets when it comes to live music. There is no other venue like it in the world. I've traveled to Red Rocks a number of times to see some of my favorite bands and I'll be back again soon. The natural beauty in itself is worth a visit, but, to see a live show here is the equivalent of mecca for live-music fans. Sober or not, you might just have an existential moment or two during your visit. And, if you don't believe in God when you get there, you just might when you leave.
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Most amazing concert venue I think on the planet! Have seen Kasabian, Oasis, and The White Stripes here. Wonderful accoustics, and being outside is very exilerating, esepcially at night under the stars. Bring a poncho though in case it rains!
Have also been up here to just show visiting friends around during the day- have eaten at the cafe during the day thats there- the Rattle Snake Empanadas are delicious! You can see down town Denver way in the distance from the ampitheater! Very pretty sight!
Excellent view; strange audio dynamics; I love the multiple parking lots for shakedown and laid back vibe; at least every ratdog, willie nelson, plq, etc. show that I have seen here has been ultra-mellow.
Overall, I am much more used to CA scene. Here there were a large percentage of paranoid parking lot goers, so maybe local heat is aggressive - but I have never had problems.
I gotta stress how cool the multiple parking lot thing is ... There is a long walk up from the parking lot, so hopefully you're used to the general altitude of the denver area by now (hopefully, because denver is in a valley from here and part of the view you see, during the shows).
I have seen the musicians come out and play ad-hoc over by the visitor center and everyone was respectful (didn't mob, etc.)
Hard to find a cab\charter to come out here, unless they need something from parking lot - or\and charge a ton to get back into Denver ... The campgrounds are usually laid back, if you can't get back to where you're going, yet (but sometimes turn into a chaotic bumcamp and not a place for obvious chillness).
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One of my favorite moments at Red Rocks was late last summer when I was watching Matt & Kim perform during Monolith. Matt took the stage and all he said was, "Kim, I think we've died and gone to Rock & Roll Heaven. I seriously don't think we made it off the plane." Because that really does sum up a music experience at Red Rocks.
The place is beautiful with monoliths all around. It isn't overly large and with the stadium rows you can see from practically anywhere. And not only is it great for music you can also check out Film of the Rocks (cult classics and local bands) or use the trails to work out in an environment that might take your mind off of how hard you're working.
Every time I go there I'm awed by the fact that I can go to a place like this.
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If I were from New York City, I would be "Never been to the Statue of Liberty guy..."
If I were from Arizona, I would be "Yeah, I think the Grand Canyon is around here somewhere guy..."
If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning, I'd hammer in the evening...la..la...la...sorry, got sidetracked there...
Anyway, I say these things, because I'm from Colorado, and until recently I was "Jackass from Colorado, who's never been to Red Rocks guy..." Nope, I'm not one of the 2 million fibbers who claim to have been at the immortal U2 "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" show.
I finally went there to see The Arcade Fire, mainly because I missed them when they played the much more diminutive Larimer Lounge less than a year before. Speaking of which, anyone know how they managed to fit all seven of them, with equipment, on the stage at Larimer Lounge? The point is, it was a major step up for them, and it was exciting to share in their moment. Meanwhile, I was having a little moment of my own. It's so cool to go to a place that is so breathlessly described, only to find out that it is not at all overrated. It really is one of the coolest places on the planet, and its reputation is well deserved.
I don't know what took me so long. You take for granted that some things will always just be there for you, especially when they're literally carved out of stone. Although, try telling that to New Hampshire's Old Man of the Mountain, now only visible on a lousy quarter. Let's hope they never try to put Red Rocks on a quarter.
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Hands down my all-time favorite venue to see a show. It really does not get better than this! Red Rocks is definitely one of the things that I miss most about living in Colorado.
I've seen a number of shows here (Beck, Ben Harper, Coldplay, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Black Keys...) and the sound has been consistently good and there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Even when you are way at the top, you have an amazing view of the city below.
Be sure to dress in layers and bring a rain jacket because it can get cold up there and there's no telling what the crazy Colorado weather will bring. Plus, it just makes good sense. Try and get there early and have some beers in the parking lot before you make the climb up to the venue. And be forewarned, you will inevitably hear some loser yell "Red Rock Rocks!" in the middle of your favorite song. Just please don't let that person be you.
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Why as adults, we're not allowed to jump up and down, scream, giggle and do cartwheels, when we're doing something we love, bites.
Fine, so it's unacceptable, but that's how Red Rocks makes you feel.
An incredible place to see a band or two.
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TOP TEN TIPS FOR ENJOYING A SHOW AT RED ROCKS:
1. Bring layers. You may be roasting in the parking lot, but the weather can change on a dime here in CO. You know this. You live here.
2. Bring rain gear. It'll be fast, and it might even feel great, but it WILL rain on you. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
3. Wear comfortable shoes. Honey, you look really cute in those stilettos. You're ready for a night on the town and DAMN your calves look fantastic. But you need to dress for Red Rocks like you'd dress for a hike in the mountains, because guess what? Seeing a show at Red Rocks IS going for a hike in the mountains.
4. Ladies, wear something you can easily cop a squat in. And by "cop a squat," I mean pee in the bushes. The Brilliant Powers That Be who staff/equip the parking lots have only alloted a mere two Port-o-Potties per lot. There WILL be lines... long ones. If you wait until the last minute, you're screwed. If you don't, you'll be forced to get your pre-party on while waiting outside a stinky plastic closet. Neither option is great, so do yourself a favor and find a friendly bush. There are plenty of 'em, and you won't be the only one. Bring a friend to act as lookout.
5. NOT THAT I'M ADVOCATING ANYTHING ILLEGAL, but if you happen to be in the business of vending stuff in parking lots... USE CAUTION. Undercover cops abound. If you're vending anything that happens to contain the name/logo of the band you're seeing, be prepared to have your stuff snatched. If you're vending food, be prepared to stay on the move. They won't allow you to set up camping stoves (what? no grilled cheese?), but if you're selling food out of a cooler, you'll probably be okay. Even if you're selling such innocuous wares as jewelery, crystals, or handmade clothes... KEEP MOVING. Most of the staff won't sweat you if you're mobile. If you set up Shakedown Street at your car, though... well, they'll probably shut you down.
6. Find space wherever you can. There are no bad seats. Sit down front if you want to see the band. Sit up top if you want to get the best view of the amazing Colorado backdrop. Sit somewhere in the middle if you want to get the best acoustics.
7. If you get there too early, they'll make you park in a lot that's closer to Kansas than it is to the actual venue itself. Plan accordingly.
8. Beers are expensive inside. Catch your buzz in the parking lot. I'm not saying you can smuggle anything in, but... it's been known to happen. People get creative.
9. The first gateway off the road leads to the upper lots. The second one leads to the lower lots. If you park in the upper lots you'll have an easy walk IN to the show... but it's all uphill on the way out. Conversely, if you park in the lower lots you'll be in for a major hike on your way in... but after the show, it's an easy out. You make the call.
10. You're about to see a show in one of-- no, THE-- most amazing outdoor concert venues in the world. Amidst all the fun and music and partying and good times, don't forget to stop and look around you. You're one lucky little concert-goer, my friend. Enjoy it.
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Red Rocks is the super cool Colorado jewel that I love to lord over all my non-Colorado friends. Whether you are there for a concert, a movie or just checking out the splendor of nature - Red Rocks is just about the coolest place I've ever been. My absolute favorite place to see a concert as I've never had that "Oh, God. I'm gonna die of being trampled" breathless feeling other venues drown me in. Seeing a film here in the summer is also a great evening as you can bring a blanket and snuggle with your honey. The Drive-in might be gone, but spirit of it will remain as long as Red Rocks keeps showing these summer films!
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Our vacation in Denver last year was highlighted by an afternoon at Red Rocks Park. We took the little hike which was fun and very scenic, and then capped it off with a romp through the Amphitheater. Very Cool!!
People (mostly 30 something women) were jogging up and down the rows and rows of bleachers. That's some work out!
We need to come back and see a concert there one of these days.
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This Place Is The Best. Since moving back to the SF Bay I sure do miss Red Rocks. I have been to shows all over the Country and you cant beat this. The sound is impeccable, the view is amazing, and the Vodka-Lemonade stand about half way up, stage right isnt bad either.
If you arrive a little early be sure to grab dinner at the Ship Wreck Grill (you may need reservations depending on the show) and try the snake its pretty good, everything Ive had there is good. And then when your done eating be sure to take a stroll down the hall to see pics of Red Rocks Past, they even offer a video if youve got the time.
If you ever get a chance to go to Red Rocks... GO. I have flow back on more than one occasion just to see shows there, and its always worth it.
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This is the kind of place you hear about all the time, even if you don't even live in Colorado.
Came here for the first time last night to see 311/Snoop. This place was gorgeous amidst the inconspicuous cloud of smoke (It was 311/Snoop, by the way, haha) This is the most beautiful place I've ever been for a concert, and I loved the way you can see the city lights in the backdrop.
Glad I'm going here for a few more shows this summer. One more reason why Colorado is the best place on earth!
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I thought long and hard about what would be my 100th review, and I came to the conclusion that it could only be a place that holds as many memories for me as Red Rocks does.
I must've seen about 40 shows here over the years, most recently I flew from my home in San Francisco to see The Fray in September, another memorable show! The acoustics here are impeccable, I've never heard music sound better, ever! The fact that you can sit in your seat, watch an incredible band, be outside, and look out over the entire city of Denver is almost a spiritual experience!
This is a place that is a must for every music lover, no matter where you're from, it's on par with the Fillmore in SF and (extinct) CBGB in NYC.
There is really almost no way anyone in their right mind could ever give Red Rocks less than 5 stars, if they had the option for 10 stars, it would be easily 10 stars!
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Really beautiful! we were so stoked to go see this place since we know so many amazing artists and bands have played here. Was quite brisk at night when we went to the Red Rocks Grill for dinner on Valentines day but the rocks were just amazing all illuminated! Went back for the short 1.4 mile loop around the park the next day and it was quite nice.
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My first concert at the Rocks was White Snake around 1990ish and I was blown away by the amphitheater. The concert was great, but on the downside, it rained almost all night. I remember my friend and I had to buy ponchos, they were bright orange and had black lettering on the back that said "I was rained on at the Rocks." The lead singer told us (the crowd) that we "all looked like a bunch of f$!%ing condoms!" Since then, I have been to a number of concerts here and have seen movies as part of the Films at the Rocks series. Every single time it has rained. Sometimes just a little sprinkle, sometimes a downpour.
This last weekend my son and I went to see The Fray. Single File opened for them, and they were horrible, then Meese came on, they were pretty good, then The Fray and, of course, they were awesome. The downside, it rained and was very windy all night.
I love the Rocks and would rather go see a performance here than Fiddlers or a smaller venue and I always have fun here, but come on with the rain! Is it just me?!?
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Life should always be this beautiful.
Seeing music at Red Rocks is a privilege and if you ever have the opportunity, take a moment to remember how lucky you are to be there to experience it that way.
Nothing but love.
