The Ultimate Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Guide


Red Rocks Amphitheatre: More Than Just a Venue, It's an Experience

Map of Red Rocks Park grounds, with details around all in-venue amenities including concessions, bathrooms, merch, smoking and more.

Think of a magical place where nature, geography, waves of music, and musical history all collide. That's Red Rocks. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a world-renowned venue and with good reason. Much more than an open amphitheatre, Red Rocks is a completely natural amphitheatre, nestled perfectly within the natural geological formations of the Rocky Mountains. Its natural acoustics are unmatched by any man-made structure. Each and every seat receives perfect sound and acoustics bouncing off the two large sedimentary rocks rivaling each other on either side of the venue.

In addition to having perfect acoustics, natural beauty, and a perfect view of the city skyline of Denver, Red Rocks also doubles as a music history museum. Shrines dedicated to the biggest performances to come to the iconic venue (including the Beatles, U2, Stevie Nicks, and The Grateful Dead) cover the halls beneath the venue.

Even more than that, you can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature and mountain ranges by taking a hike on one of the five trails within Red Rocks Park. You can finish your visit with a meal at the Ship Rock Grille.

While we'll touch on all the recreational activities offered at Red Rocks, the main purpose of this guide is to give you all the tips and tricks we've accumulated over the years around attending an event at Red Rocks (Many ETC employees have lived in Colorado and have been/are Red Rocks regulars). Which bathrooms have the shortest lines? Where should I park, or should I use ride share? Which seats are the best? These and all your other questions will be answered by the end of this guide.

If you are looking to buy tickets to a Red Rocks show, don't miss out! You can shop tickets for all Red Rocks shows right here at Event Tickets Center.



Everything You Need to Know About Red Rocks

As event enthusiasts, many of us at Event Tickets Center have been to Red Rocks on multiple occasions. As regulars, we've found a lot of tips and tricks that make those Red Rocks nights easier even more enjoyable, so we're sharing them with you!

Transportation

Parking

Parking at Red Rocks can be a struggle. Sometimes you may be ushered into a lot that makes your hike up to the venue or your exit from the park a horrible experience. We want to help you plan your parking so you don't have to worry about how it might affect your night. Everything you need to know about parking at Red Rocks including the lot names, a map of the grounds, and more are included in this Red Rocks parking guide.


Transportation

Getting to and from Red Rocks: Shuttles, Ride Share, and Taxis

Getting to and from Red Rocks is one of the most important pieces to a successful and enjoyable night of live music in the Rocky Mountains. Getting to Red Rocks is the easy part, but planning far enough ahead to know exactly how to get home is where many people fall short. Read about your options and come up with a solid plan so you don't get stranded at Red Rocks because you can't find a ride home.


Seating

Red Rocks Seating and Accessibility Guide

Where should you sit at Red Rocks? Front row? GA? At the top? Every section has its perks. If you have accessibility needs, this decision can be even tougher. Seating may single-handedly be the toughest yet most influential decision of your Red Rocks visit. Discover the benefits of sitting in each section and find the best spot for what you want out of your visit to Red Rocks!


Security

What to Bring to a Red Rocks Event

A night out at Red Rocks can be unpredictable. Weather, tailgates, concessions, and seating can all affect the experience. Make sure you plan ahead and bring everything you need so you can cut down on the unpredictability and make the most out of your night at Red Rocks.


Security

Red Rocks Guide to Gates, Entrances, and Security Lines

There are multiple factors that play into a positive Red Rocks experience, and the most undervalued one is the security lines. If you don't plan ahead, you could miss part of the show. Learn all the secrets to getting through security efficiently so you can make the most out of your night out at Red Rocks.


The Main Event

Navigating Red Rocks: Bathrooms, Merch, Smoking, and More

Once you're inside Red Rocks, it can be overwhelming at first. The stunning beauty, incredible acoustics and incredible views can be intoxicating. Navigating the venue is probably the last thing on your mind. But, knowing where the bathrooms are, the merch tents, the best bathrooms are all keys to success when it comes to Red Rocks. With this guide, you'll have everything you need to know in the palm of your hand.


Food and Drink

Red Rocks Food and Drinks: Pre-Show, Post-Show, and Concessions

Red Rocks isn't just an incredible venue, it's a melting pot for top food vendors too. Inside the venue, you'll find an array of concessions stands from Colorado favorites, and outside the park you'll find local food spots that will blow your mind. Knowing which spots to hit and which ones to avoid is a tough challenge. With this guide you'll be navigating the Red Rocks food scene like a pro, hitting all the local favorite spots.


Explore

Red Rocks Beyond the Music: Exploring Red Rocks Park

Red Rocks is so much more than a music venue. It's a full park with tons of activities that can keep you entertained for days. The hiking trails are filled with natural geology and wildlife. The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is filled with storied history, and the entire park is full of beautiful scenery. You can visit a hundred times and find something new every time. Discover everything Red Rocks Park has to offer.


Lodging

Red Rocks Hotels and Lodging Options

Red Rocks is an incredible venue that is worth taking a trip for. But where should you stay? This guide helps you navigate the best lodging options from cute B&Bs to luxury and budget-friendly hotels. Should you stay in one of the neighboring towns of Morrison or Golden? Or is it worth it to stay a little further away in Denver? This guide outlines all of that to help make your decision easier.