Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the premier venues for live music performances. Boasting nearly perfect acoustics and hosting musicians from all around the globe, this natural concert venue has long been one of the top places for audiences to hear music live.
Burnham Hoyt’s vision and labor from the Civilian Conservation Corps combined over millions of years to produce this magnificent park.
The History of Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado stands out as an idyllic outdoor venue that marries stunning natural views with exquisite acoustic beauty. Conceived through a series of tectonic events that produced its iconic rock formation, this magnificent site stands as a testament to nature.
John Brisben Walker began holding informal music performances at Red Rocks in 1927, which helped establish it as an important venue for concerts. Denver then purchased the land and started work to build an amphitheater there in 1936 with men from both Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration doing most of the construction work.
Today, the amphitheatre has become an iconic music venue and national park. Additionally, it is popular with hikers, yoga enthusiasts and those simply looking to appreciate its stunning surrounding scenery.
The Venue’s Acoustics
Red Rocks Amphitheater’s distinctive amphitheater makes for an exceptional acoustic environment where sound reverberates throughout without being muffled by obstructions such as roofs. This allows musicians to truly experience their sonic landscape directly, as evidenced by some truly amazing performances at Red Rocks.
Red Rocks ensures every concert at Red Rocks is an unforgettable experience, whether featuring an eight-piece brass band creating lush soundscapes or an indie singer-songwriter creating emotive melodies. Red Rocks’ world-renowned acoustics ensure an unparalleled listening experience at each performance.
Acoustic magic does come with its own set of challenges. Wind, for instance, plays an enormous part in audibility from parking lots and surrounding natural terrain; calm conditions with favorable wind patterns can increase audibility while weather phenomena such as humidity or temperature inversion can impede it.
The Venue’s Seating
Red Rocks Amphitheatre can accommodate 9,000 excited music fans and provides an unforgettable setting, featuring enormous rocks that soar high above the audience and expansive views of Colorado countryside from every location inside the amphitheatre.
As the venue is at a much higher elevation than Denver, bringing plenty of water is highly advised. Also, dress comfortably because there may be over one hundred steps between parking lot and venue.
The venue offers accessibility features tailored to visitors with special needs. Wheelchair-accessible seating is provided in Rows 1 to 70; visitors with hearing impairments may choose seats in Rows 2 and 3, between Seat Number 14-21 or request an ASL interpreter or assistive listening device via emailing the venue at least seven days in advance of a ticketed event.
The Venue’s Parking
Red Rocks includes parking with every ticket purchased, and lots typically open around two hours prior to show time. Arrive early so that you’re assured a spot.
The Upper North Lot is situated nearer the venue and boasts stunning views. As this lot fills quickly, if you wish to reserve your space it’s wise to arrive early.
Lower South Lots are situated equidistant from the venue, yet both require more uphill walking to access them. Here you will find true lot scene action; to plan accordingly and bring comfortable shoes!
The Venue’s Food
Although Red Rocks does not permit alcohol consumption, factory sealed non-alcoholic beverages less than 32 ounces in size are accepted into the venue. A soft-sided cooler may also be brought along for food and water storage needs as well as stadium seating or blankets (if permitted by a show).
Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s Ship Rock Grille offers an exceptional dining and concert experience, boasting breathtaking mountainous scenery while serving delicious dishes like buffalo tamales smothered in green chile sauce and elk sliders.
If you’re attending a concert at this venue, I strongly suggest entering from the lower south lot. It’s one of the first lots to fill up quickly and is home to Shakedown Street – plus, it provides an easy access point in and out of the venue.