Red Rocks Amphitheatre has long been revered by musicians due to its incredible natural acoustics, hosting U2, John Denver and Mumford & Sons among many other major performers.
This week, the world-famous venue is playing host to two concerts by Yonder Mountain String Band and Warren Haynes’ other project Gov’t Mule. I thought it might be interesting to share some photos that show what this space looked like decades ago.
The History of the Amphitheatre
John Brisben Walker began inviting musicians to perform on a temporary platform between Ship Rock and Creation Rock (two 300-foot monoliths that flank either side of the amphitheater). This phenomenon attracted musicians for millennia. In the early 1900s, however, John Brisben Walker introduced this practice at his amphitheater.
Denver purchased land and hired architect Burnham Hoyt to design a permanent venue. To maximize natural acoustics, Hoyt designed continental seating without an aisle – creating optimal conditions for natural sound quality.
Red Rocks Amphitheater remains known for its distinctive sound that draws top musicians from around the globe, in addition to hosting concerts, hikes, yoga classes, summer movies series screenings, and an Easter sunrise service.
On non-concert days, the park is full of locals exercising and tourists soaking in its stunning views and majestic landscape. The 30,000-square-foot Visitor Center provides tours as well as tours featuring performer’s hall of fame exhibits; for an enhanced experience try taking part in workout classes or rock climbing sessions!
The Seating
Red Rocks stands out among concert venues by its natural setting: towering sandstone formations provide a captivating background that enhances performers’ acoustic excellence, creating an engaging performance experience for both musicians and concertgoers. Both musicians and concertgoers praise this distinct rock formation for creating such an engrossing concert experience.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre boasts 70 rows of bench-style seating to hold over 9,000 music enthusiasts at one time, offering both general admission and reserved seating tickets; reserved seating tickets allow fans to sit in designated areas while general admission ticket holders may stand or seat anywhere within their section.
Tailgating in the parking lot prior to shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre can create a fun and social atmosphere, building anticipation of what lies ahead. Make sure to bring plenty of cold beverages, shade canopy and sunblock if tailgating outside; altitude dehydration can happen fast here!
The Venue’s Environment
Two massive monoliths of red sandstone flanking either side of the stage and one behind (known as “Stage Rock”) give this venue its unique atmosphere. Their natural acoustics combine with stunning views to make this experience unforgettable for performers as well as spectators.
Red Rocks provides the ideal experience, whether in general admission seating or standing up in the lawn area – no matter your seating choice! Its steep pitch and fantastic views allow everyone to see the stage from any perspective.
Red Rocks hosts concerts all summer, as well as hosting other events like Easter Sunrise Services and Film on the Rocks that generate funds to maintain its amphitheatre and support Denver cultural programs. Locals often bring blankets, chairs and coolers with them to each show – while alcohol is prohibited, you are allowed to bring factory sealed food containers containing food items instead. Visitors often bring blankets, chairs and coolers for comfort at these shows – and while alcohol may not be brought, factory-sealed containers with food can. Although alcohol cannot be brought, factory sealed containers can bring food with factory seals attached; just remember no alcohol may be brought onto Red Rocks; money raised from these events helps maintain amphitheatre facilities while supporting Denver cultural programs; additionally it serves as an ideal spot for weddings or other private events at Red Rocks amphitheatre.
The Venue’s Location
As early as 1905, Denver publisher John Brisben Walker hosted concerts on a temporary platform between Ship Rock and Creation Rock in Red Rocks – originally known by Ute Indians as Garden of the Titans but eventually becoming Red Rocks after its acquisition by Denver city government and construction of its amphitheater began in 1927.
A venue famed for its incredible acoustics and unique atmosphere has quickly become world renowned, drawing international artists. Concertgoers often tailgate before shows in parking lot surrounding theater, creating an experience more intimate and connected to natural environment than typical indoor concert.
Red Rocks amphitheater can fill quickly, so it is wise to arrive early if you plan on parking there for a show. Shuttle services such as Turtle Bus and 303 Party Bus offer quick rides from Denver directly into Red Rocks park for ease of parking access.