Plan Your Trip To Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Construction

Construction on Red Rocks Amphitheatre began in 1936, headed by architect Burnham Hoyt and assistant, Stanley Morse. Hoyt and Moore’s goal was to limit the man-made components of the amphitheatre’s construction and preserve the views and the natural acoustics produced by the rock formations. This mission also helped to calm concerns from those against the construction as it might disrupt the natural landscape and wildlife of the area.

A large disc-shaped rock, Stage Rock, acted as a marker for the future stage placement. Rising up on either side of Stage Rock are two red sandstone monoliths, Ship Rock and Creation Rock. The amphitheatre’s planned seating area was excavated and leveled in the center of these formations. More than 90,000 square feet of sandstone and 30,000 pounds of steel were used to complete the five-year project.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s Debut

Red Rocks Amphitheatre officially opened on June 15, 1941. The occasion was marked by speeches from government officials as well as a Native American ceremony to acknowledge the native territory. The amphitheatre and park would be designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2015. Since it opened, the amphitheater has played host to memorable acts like Jethro Tull, The Beatles, U2, Diana Ross and more.

In July 1959, the amphitheatre’s stage was replaced and the orchestra pit was converted into storage space. Other renovations in the late ‘80s and ‘90s would result in the construction of a roof for the stage, a visitor’s center and other upgrades to the park and amphitheatre. More recently, acts like Thundercat, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Hozier and Puscifer have put on exciting shows at Red Rocks.

Where Is Red Rocks Amphitheatre?

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is situated at 18300 W Alameda Pkwy in the city of Morrison, Colo. The formations of Red Rocks Park rest where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains. All the land where the amphitheatre resides is the traditional territory of the Cheyenne, Ute and Arapahoe Peoples. Red Rocks Park contains more than 738 acres of land filled with fossils, geological structures, local wildlife and fauna which make for breathtaking views.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre Seating Chart

Seating Capacity

The amphitheatre has 2.5 miles of seating with the capacity to host 9,525 people. Red Rocks Amphitheatre has 70 rows of seats that face the stage, providing great views from anywhere in the venue. The seats located the closest to the stage are in Row 1.

Seating and sightlines: how to choose your view

• General admission sits closest to the stage and extends back, with standing, blankets or low-rise chairs allowed in GA areas.
• Reserved seating means you know your exact view before you arrive, and many fans love rows 12 to 20 for a balanced mix of sound and atmosphere.
• The amphitheatre rises about 100 feet from stage to top, so even higher rows have unobstructed views of both the stage and the surrounding rock formations.
• VIP seating and box options are available for select shows.
• If you plan to move between views, arrive early to settle into GA or to navigate stairs comfortably in reserved sections.

For current inventory across GA, reserved, and VIP, check the Red Rocks Amphitheatre schedule or browse a featured event like Crankdat at Red Rocks.

Be Prepared for Cold or Warm Weather

As an outdoor venue, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is subject to the area’s weather and climate, so wearing layers is a smart option. This way you can avoid overheating, but also stay warm if temperatures drop and the wind picks up. Umbrellas aren’t allowed, so grab a poncho or waterproof jacket instead, just in case the weather takes a turn. The key item is comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk or hike in the park. Many of the Red Rocks Park areas have slopes, lengthy distances to travel, and plenty of dirt.

High-altitude comfort tips:

• Red Rocks sits at about 6,450 feet. Hydrate often and pace yourself.
• Use sunscreen, sunglasses and SPF lip balm, and bring layers for cooler evenings.
• If you are arriving from lower altitude, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours and prioritize rest.
• The CDC notes that altitude illness risk increases above about 8,000 feet and recommends gradual ascent, avoiding heavy exertion and alcohol for the first 48 hours, and staying well-hydrated — useful guidance for visitors arriving from low elevations Travel to High Altitudes — CDC Travelers’ Health.

Activities at Red Rocks

If you’re not interested in checking out a concert or show at the amphitheatre, there are still plenty of local Morrison attractions to enjoy. For more Colorado travel ideas and nearby venues, explore TicketSmarter’s City Guides hub.

Hiking Trails

Before embarking on a hike or bike ride, know that the trails are 6,280 feet above sea level, so park guests with health conditions are reminded to be careful and stay hydrated. The park has five trails, four are pedestrian-only: Geologic Overlook, Funicular Trial, St. Vernon Creek and Trading Post.

On non-event days Red Rock Park and its trails open an hour before sunrise and close an hour after sunset. On event days, the park and trails are open until 2 p.m. The trails are about less than three feet wide and the terrain can become rugged. Trail areas might have road crossings, steep sections and sudden drop-offs, so hikers with children must maintain careful supervision.

Trail safety reminders:

• Check the forecast and watch for lightning or sudden storms.
• Stick to dry paths and solid rock with good footing.
• Carry a small first-aid kit, water, snacks, a map and a flashlight or headlamp.

Yoga

The Yoga on the Rocks experience features yoga classes led by an instructor each Saturday. Attendees should bring water and their yoga mats.

Exercising on The Amphitheatre’s Steps

Guests to the park can exercise solo or in small groups of less than 20 people throughout the week. On the weekends, groups are limited to 10 people max. If you wish to bring your pet, it must remain on a leash and be cleaned up after.

Health Tips:

• Stay hydrated!
• Eat foods with lots of potassium and carbohydrates (whole grains, veggies, fruits, etc.)
• Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours of a visit if coming from a lower altitude
• Pace yourself – the grounds’ high altitude means dryer air and lower oxygen levels

Fossils at Red Rocks

Dinosaur remains have been discovered and excavated in Red Rocks Park since 1887. Some of the jaw-dropping fossils that can be seen include Jurassic-era dinosaur tracks as well as the remains of a 40-foot sea serpent and evidence of flying reptiles. Nearby Dinosaur Ridge, where the Dakota hogback was revealed during 1937 road work, preserves hundreds of fossil tracks and trace fossils and is recognized as a nationally important tracksite — reinforcing that the Red Rocks area and environs contain Jurassic- and Cretaceous-era traces accessible to visitors History & Discoveries — Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.

Film on the Rocks

This event series has been running for more than 20 years and typically hosts five events throughout the summer. In June and July 2021, the park introduced drive-in shows to its event roster. Film on the Rocks will kick off with a live concert or comedy show before the film plays. Some of the classic and contemporary films that have been shown include Grease, Deadpool and The Big Lebowski.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center opened in 2003 and hosts both art and park-related exhibits. Several of the special event spaces are located here as well like the Ship Rock Grille, Red Rocks Hall of Fame and the Southwest Heart of the Rock Theatre.

Visitor Center hours:

• March to October: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• November to February: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• On event days after 2 p.m., access is limited to ticket holders.

Getting to Red Rocks Amphitheatre

• Buses
• Parking in Lower South Lot 2
• Pick-up and drop-off for guests in oversized vehicles
• Cab
• Drop-off area at Trading Post
• Drive
• Ride Sharing (Lyft, Uber, etc)
• Drop-off areas can be found at the Trading Post, Upper North and Upper South lots.
• Shuttle
• Upper South Lot: Pick-up and drop-off areas
• Serves guests in rows 1 to 36
• Top Circle Lot: accessible pick-up and drop-off area; also guests in rows 37 and up

Transportation tips:

• Arrive early for better parking and to claim preferred GA space.
• Weeknight shows can have heavier traffic, so pad your arrival time.
• Using rideshare can help you skip crowded lots and long walks at the end of the night.

Parking At Red Rocks Amphitheatre

The Red Rocks parking areas are free and open two hours before the start of an event. There are four parking lots that fill up on a first-come, first-served basis. The Upper North Lot is the closest to the seats from the parking lot, while the Lower North Lot is closest to the entrance and leads visitors to the base of the park stairs.

The Upper South Lot is designated for guests in rows 1 to 36 who use the Accessible Shuttle. This lot also leads up to a ramp making easy access for wheelchairs or persons with limited mobility. The Lower South Lots are the furthest from the amphitheatre and it’s recommended that comfortable shoes, regular or hiking, be worn as this is a rougher area.

Food & Beverage Services

Take time to enjoy the atmosphere and a few drinks before your event or just take in the majestic views around this venue. Red Rocks Amphitheatre food and drink options can be found throughout the Visitor Center and the park. Along with typical fare of pizza, chips and hot dogs, guests can get treats from vendors like Maui Wowi, Rolling Smoke BBQ and Gringo’s Tacos. Plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available for those with dietary restrictions. Other Red Rocks food options include the Ship Rock Grille and Row 71 Bar. The grille is inside the Visitor Center, while the bar is behind the Top Plaza.

If you are planning a full weekend around a show, book hotels, flights or a rental car through TicketSmarter’s Hotel & Travel Deals for easy bundling near Morrison and greater Denver.