Red Rocks is famous for its natural acoustics and has drawn praise from artists ranging from U2 and John Tesh of new-age piano tinkler fame.
Denver bought the land in 1927, yet construction didn’t start until 1936 with assistance from Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration programs (public work relief initiatives during the Depression). The results are truly spectacular.
The History of Red Rocks
Music enthusiasts won’t want to leave Colorado without attending a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an internationally acclaimed National Historic Landmark known for its amazing acoustics and concerts by some of the biggest artists around.
Beginning in the early 1900s when Renaissance man John Brisben Walker set up a stage among its massive sandstone formations, an opera singer performed her first concert here and since then the place has become a haven for musicians of all kinds.
This amphitheatre was constructed between 1935 and 1941 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs to put unemployed young men back to work during the Great Depression. A memorial honoring these CCC workers can be found nearby; today it serves as an important cultural gathering spot for hikers, concertgoers and geology enthusiasts. Guided tours allow visitors to discover more about Fountain Formation or other rock formations at this amphitheatre.
Concerts at Red Rocks
Concert venue at Creation Rock and Ship Rock draws top artists who wish to showcase their talents in an epic setting. Its natural acoustics, featuring Creation Rock and Ship Rock as backdrops, have long been revered. Since 1964 when The Beatles performed there for their inaugural American show and Grateful Dead launched jam band culture here; musicians have traveled from far and wide to perform here at this iconic destination.
Red Rocks attracts music enthusiasts, hikers, families and outdoor exercise enthusiasts from around the globe who come to experience its unparalleled beauty. Red Rocks Park provides trails, visitors centers, two music Halls of Fames, trading posts as well as self-guided tours for visitors to explore.
Rock formations provide an impressive backdrop, while the amphitheater seats over 9,000 enthusiastic fans. The park is open during non-event hours for visitors who would like to use restrooms and picnic areas; pets on leashes are welcome as are food packages of one gallon capacity or smaller.
Parking at Red Rocks
Red Rocks Concert Park tickets typically include parking in their price, but lots typically open two hours prior to show time, making early arrival even more essential to secure an ideal spot and catch some of that pre-show excitement.
If you can arrive early, we recommend trying to secure one of the Upper North Lot (a crowd favorite) or Lower South Lot 1 spots near the venue as these lots provide direct entry without too many steps.
If you must park in a lower lot, be sure to bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes for the long walk from there to your venue. Remember that alcohol or marijuana aren’t permitted here – only at your seats!
Ride-Sharing Services at Red Rocks
This world-famous outdoor venue is an absolute must-see in Colorado for both visitors and residents. Surrounded by towering red rock formations, this iconic music venue boasts unparalleled views and legendary acoustics that create an unforgettable experience for music fans everywhere.
Concert-goers should prepare their travel to and from the venue carefully. Parking spots fill quickly, and traffic congestion often occurs at popular events. Carpooling or rideshare services can help ease travel hassles while reducing carbon emissions by sharing transportation costs among others traveling together to the event site.
Private shuttle services provide the ultimate luxury when transporting groups to Red Rocks concerts. Each service will customize to the needs and desires of each group and work around their schedule, eliminating the stress associated with finding a designated driver or hailing a rideshare service after the show is finished.