Red Rocks Amphitheatre's pair of geologically formed sandstone monoliths promote seamless acoustics for only-in-Colorado concert experiences. The open-air theater in Morrison (just 15 miles west of Denver) has charmed musicians from nearly every genre, from legends like The Beatles, The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix to electronic artists, opera singers and classical instrumentalists, including the Colorado Symphony. In 2015, Red Rocks Park and the adjacent Mount Morrison Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, which housed men who came to the area during the Depression era to build the amphitheater, were designated by the National Park Service as Colorado's 25th national historic landmark.
It's also on our list of 5 Things to See Before Summer's Over.
There’s no doubt that a concert outlined by ever-changing Rocky Mountain skies at the venue is a must, but the grounds of Red Rocks Amphitheatre supply plenty more to do. Test your endurance on the amphitheater’s steps, watch classic films under the stars or trace the footsteps of prehistoric creatures — it’s all part of the enchantment of Red Rocks.
1. Red Rocks Hiking Trails
Red Rocks Park has 868 acres of pine tree-speckled geological marvels, meadows, wildlife habitats and dinosaur fossils to investigate. The park’s grounds, situated at 6,450 feet, represent the intersection between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. As a result, there is a great mix of plant and animal life from both environments in the area.
Red Rocks has two hiking trails that provide access to area’s best natural landscape and panoramic views of Denver and beyond. The Trading Post Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that takes visitors around the park’s trademark rock formations, while the Red Rocks Trail connects with Matthew Winters Park to the north for a dramatic 6-mile hike. The Red Rocks Trail can also connect with the Dakota Ridge Trail to the east. While you’re on the trails, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of prairie dogs, rabbits, red foxes, Mule deer and other wild friends.
Find more hiking trails in Colorado.
2. Fossils at Red Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s 300-foot walls unintentionally document the 16-million-year history of the region. Don’t miss the fossil fragments of a 40-foot sea serpent, a marine reptile and flying reptiles. Dinosaur tracks from the Jurassic period can also be found in the park surrounding the theater.
Of course, the Red Rocks’ stone formations are standalone attractions. While some formations tilt backward, others slope as much as 90 degrees. The amphitheater’s two main stone slabs, dubbed “Ship Rock” and “Creation Rock,” are taller than Niagara Falls. Read about more places to see dinosaur fossils in Colorado.
3. Film on the Rocks
This star-studded event (literally) at Red Rocks Amphitheatre takes place nine times during the summer and has been a favorite of locals since its first show nearly 20 years ago. Each Film on the Rocks event features a crowd-pleasing film preceded by a live concert and a comedian. Movies start at dusk to take advantage of prime natural lighting. Look for cult-class films such as “The Big Lebowski,” “Ferris Bueller's Day Off,” “Grease” and new-age hits like “Deadpool” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”