Red Rocks Amphitheatre brings together music, geology and history into one unforgettable destination. Millions of years of geological forces combined with labor from the Civilian Conservation Corps made this outdoor theater possible.
Discover more of the area by attending a concert or the Film on the Rocks series.
It’s a Music Hall of Fame
Brisben Walker, Denver‘s mayor at the time, invited musicians to perform on the rocks at this landmark venue during early 1900s concerts hosted by him. Following these successes, in 1927 Denver purchased this area from Brisben Walker and construction on an amphitheatre began under Denver architect Burnham Hoyt’s direction in 1936 with Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration help.
Since its official opening on June 15, 1941, Central Park has seen performances by iconic performers across many genres of music. Notable figures like The Beatles, Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix and new-age piano tinkler John Tesh have all graced its stages since 1941.
Red Rocks is famously associated with Widespread Panic, who always sell out shows here with different setlists each time they play here. Red Rocks Amphitheater also offers a 30,000 square-foot visitor center which showcases art from artists around the country as a great way to learn about its history and sandstone formations that make this amphitheater so distinctive.
It’s a Natural Wonder
Red Rocks, both a National Historic Landmark and legendary performance venue, stands as one of Colorado’s greatest natural wonders. The spectacular outcrops that enclose Red Rocks were formed 280 million years ago by the Fountain Formation and now serve as an amphitheater.
Renaissance man John Brisben Walker began hosting music performances here in the early 1900s on an improvised stage he created himself – boasting an acoustic sublimity that is the envy of modern concert venues.
Red Rocks Amphitheater’s seating is cut directly into natural rock formations, offering audience members multiple vantage points depending on their show. At its heart are two towering rock formations resembling Ship Rock and Creation Rock; each towering higher than Niagara Falls! In addition to live concerts, yoga, hiking and picnicking activities take place at Red Rocks Park as well as trading Post Trail hiking/biking/picnicking trails offering stunning views, trees, wildflowers, wildlife sightings and thigh-burning workouts! Finally there is “Film on the Rocks,” an outdoor movie series that marries live concerts with cinematic experiences under the stars!
It’s a Hiking Destination
Red Rocks Park is widely known for its breathtaking rock formations that make for the ideal outdoor music venue, but it is also an amazing hiking location. Spanning across 640 acres, there are miles of trails leading throughout this iconic place to allow visitors to fully experience its stunning natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
Red-Rocks-Park-and-Amphitheatre’s Concert Season runs between April and November, offering audiences an incredible line-up of talent such as Ice Cube, The Game, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Trevor Noah returning for two nights of standup comedy performances and many others.
It’s a Venue
The legendary venue is internationally acclaimed for its unmatched acoustics and ambience, and was designated a National Historic Landmark. Additionally, many well-known music videos were shot there.
Red Rocks has long been a place for musicians from different generations – from Ute tribe members and western expansion pioneers, through modern rock legends. Some of the biggest bands ever recorded albums here – U2 even having its groundbreaking 1983 live album recorded there: Under a Blood Red Sky.
Red Rocks should be at the top of any music lover’s itinerary. When not hosting concerts, its steps become popular spots for locals looking to work off pre-work stress on non-concert days – they even host workout series such as Yoga on the Rocks during summer! Plus there is the Visitors Centre with its fascinating museum chronicling Red Rocks history as well as memorabilia from many of its famous performers; musicians have even left signatures and messages in its service tunnel backstage – it truly adds another level of excitement!