Experience Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater!

Contributed by Kristin Stoneman, The Hive Overland Park

Red Rocks Amphitheater is considered one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the world to see and hear live music and it has hosted some memorable performances by many artists. The stage is surrounded by incredible red rocks that tower above the seating areas with views of the Denver skyline and surrounding areas that are simply breathtaking. In 1983, U2 first performed at Red Rocks and delivered their famous Sunday Bloody Sunday video. I’m not sure the term “bucket list” was even a thing back then but fast forward many years later and a Red Rocks concert experience was added to my bucket list simply because of that famous video performance that stayed in my memory.

The first time I visited Red Rocks was with my husband and daughters and it wasn’t even for live music. A family vacation in Colorado brought us nearby so we stopped in one afternoon to simply explore the park, visitors center and amphitheater. We were surprised to learn that during the day and before most evening performances the venue is open to the public to visit. On this day, a small band was playing for free for the many park visitors, so we were able to walk up and into the seating area. The sound and views we experienced that afternoon were stunning and my husband and I knew we had to plan to come back for a future evening concert. We have been several times since and most recently to see musician and singer Sting. (Even at 72 years old Sting is amazing live and that night at Red Rocks he simply loved playing outdoors to a sold-out crowd of his fans).

Red Rocks is located a quick 20 minutes from Downtown Denver and just minutes from the quaint town of Morrison, Colorado which itself is worthy to explore. Morrison sits along Bear Creek and has wonderful local eateries to visit in the afternoon or before a show. My family enjoyed some great barbeque the afternoon of our first visit and enjoyed walking along main street.

The venue is very easy to get to and has free parking, but you will need to think about the elevation once you arrive. It sits at 6,450 feet above sea level so if you are not used to that elevation, you will want to make sure you plan for it to make your experience comfortable through the day and night. The steep walk into the venue and then up to the seats and even the top is a challenge so it’s okay to take breaks and take in the views as you climb. Don’t worry as everyone walking in with you will be a little out of breath too! The venue has a capacity of over 9,000 and has modern concessions and restrooms. Just remember the effect the elevation can also have on you if you decide to have a drink!

Day or night Red Rocks delivers as a memorable destination if you are in the Denver area. Stop in and make the climb up to the venue for some good exercise and simply enjoy the views or plan ahead for live music. Their music event schedule for the upcoming year is pretty eclectic but follow the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater site to watch for a concert or other events you’d like! They also host Yoga on the Rocks and Film on the Rocks events.

What is your bucket list or favorite concert venue? Tell us in the comments below.