In the small town of Morrison, Colorado, approximately 10 miles west of Denver, lies a stunning natural amphitheater that has graced the landscape for over a century. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a must-see – renowned as one of only seven natural amphitheaters in the world and one of four within the United States (with the other three found in Alaska, New Mexico, and Washington state). Carved over 200 million years by geological processes, the towering red sandstone formations not only provide a beautiful backdrop but also boast natural acoustics that have made the amphitheater a celebrated music venue in the Centennial State.
Originally, the rocks served as a venue for concerts organized by John Brisben Walker from 1906 to 1910, where temporary stages were erected for performances (to learn more about Walker, please check out my blog: Mount Falcon Park in the Beautiful Colorado Rockies.). Subsequently, the City of Denver acquired the area from Walker, investing what would be equivalent to approximately $850,000 today to develop a more permanent stage. Construction on this enhanced stage began in 1936, and by 1941, it was officially reopened to the public. Over the years, Red Rocks Amphitheater has hosted numerous legendary acts, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Sonny & Cher, U2, The Grateful Dead, Earth, Wind, and Fire, and many more.
Spanning a whooping 868 acres and reaching a peak elevation of 6,450 feet (1,965m) above sea level, Red Rocks Amphitheater is a unique venue characterized by its towering natural rock columns, including “Ship Rock” and “Creation Rock,” along with the smaller “Stage Rock”. Made up of “Fountain Formation,” which is characterized by Pennsylvania bedrock comprised of sandstone and conglomerate, the site is believed to have originated as far back as the Jurassic period (approximately 201.3 million to 145 million years ago). Originally known as the “Garden of the Angels” from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, it was later renamed “Garden of the Titans” until 1928, when the city of Denver acquired the land and christened it Red Rocks Amphitheater.
On non-event days, Red Rocks is open one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset. However, on event days, it opens one hour before sunrise and typically closes around 2pm. The closure times for the amphitheater can vary and are finalized the week of the event. To stay updated on closure times, it’s best to check the phone recording at 720-865-2494. Regardless of the closing time for the amphitheater, the surrounding areas like the Red Rocks Trading Post, Red Rocks Hall of Fame, and Visitor’s Center will remain open. The Visitor’s Center is open daily from 7am to 7pm March to October, and 8am to 4pm November to March.
During our visit, we got super unlucky due to a rave being slated to take place that night. Unaware of the 2pm closing time, the amphitheater was off limits by the time we arrived and we could only admire from a distance. My strong advice is to NOT be like us and make sure to check the website for scheduled events when planning your visit to avoid any disappointment!
Since we couldn’t access the amphitheater, we headed over to the Red Rocks Trading Post. Built a decade before the amphitheater, it’s open daily from 9am to 6pm. It’s closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. This charming spot offers a variety of unique Red Rocks souvenirs, apparel, and historical memorabilia. Originally constructed in a Pueblo Revival style in 1931, it provides a great view of the valley and rock formations to the south. Recognized as a Denver Landmark in 1994 and a National Historic Landmark in 2016, it’s a must-visit spot for those exploring Red Rocks.
Overall, if you’re ever visiting beautiful Denver, Colorado or the Rocky Mountains, I suggest taking a day trip over to Red Rocks Amphitheater. Only a short, approximately 30-minute drive west out of Denver, it’s very easy and doable, likely to take no longer than a few hours. With the cool historical aspect aside, it’s just plain awesome to see one of only seven natural amphitheaters in the entire world. Definitely give Red Rocks a visit!
