In a state filled with incredible natural attractions, Red Rocks Park stands out. It offers a unique combination of fun activities and experiences made possible by its distinctive geography. Learn more about what you will discover during your visit below!
What Youll Find at Red Rocks Park
Just outside of Denver, youll discover a one-of-a-kind place: Red Rocks Park. Though Red Rocks is located in Morrison, CO, it is owned by the city of Denver. Red Rocks Park is a Denver Mountain Park, National Historic Landmark, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once listed as one of the seven geological wonders of the world and is considered sacred by many Native American tribes. Its the site of endless natural beauty in harmony with modern entertainment. Its a place that should be on your bucket list of places to visit, and there are several reasons why. Take a look below at some of the wonders youll discover at Red Rocks Park!
Gorgeous Hiking and Biking
Concerts may be one of the first things that come to mind when you think about Red Rocks Park, but the hiking and biking available here are also a huge draw. The park spans over 700 acres of geological wonders, spectacular vistas, and a variety of distinctive flora and fauna. Red Rocks Park is in a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, and consequently, youll get to see plants, birds, and animals from both regions. Two trails, the Trading Post Trail and the Geologic Overlook Trail, are contained entirely within the park. These are pedestrian-only trails. Theres also the Red Rocks Trail running through the eastern side of the park that splits into connections with Jefferson Countys Matthews-Winters park and the Dakota Ridge Trail. You can hike, mountain bike, or explore the trail via horseback. Expect to see dramatic views that stretch for miles and landscapes filled with a palette of vibrant natural colors while hiking at Red Rocks Park. Youre allowed to bring your leashed pup along for the hike, but keep in mind that some of these trails can get crowded. There is not a great deal of shade, so be sure to pack sunscreen and bring plenty of water with you. The elevation of Red Rocks Park is over 6,000 feet, so educate yourself about altitude sickness before you visit so you can avoid getting it! Take a look at the Red Rocks Park trail map beforehand so you can plan your visit! Theres also a map that shows the different parking lots.
Trading Post Trail | 1.5 miles | Easy
Along the Trading Post Trail, youll see ten of the parks giant rock formations, pass through valleys, and walk in an open meadow before looping back to the trailhead at the Trading Post. This trail is one of the most popular in Red Rocks Park, as the hike enables you to experience a majority of the magnificent park. As you admire the huge rock formations, youll be amazed as you consider that they are part of the Fountain Formation, which can also be glimpsed in the Boulder Flatirons, Garden of the Gods, and Red Rock Canyon. In addition to covering a vast expanse, these rocks date back almost 300 million years and are thought to have formed as an early version of the Rocky Mountains.
Geologic Overlook Trail | 1 mile | Easy
Youll also get excellent views of the spectacular rust-colored rock formations and sandstone cliffs on the Geologic Overlook Trail. You can even hike through a tunnel in the rock at one point! This is also a good trail for seeing wildlife, including mule deer. A highlight of the short hike is the Geologic Marker, which has a lot of great information about the unique geology of the area, not to mention it is in a spot that has great views.
Red Rocks Trail | 5.8 miles | Moderate
The Red Rocks Trail spans Red Rocks Park as well as the Matthews-Winters Park. This hike passes through some steep, rocky terrain, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Youll discover another picture-worthy tunnel and a cave on this hike where you can escape to find some shade for a little bit. You can add the Morrison Slide Trail to this hike as an added challenge, which is worth the extra effort as youll enjoy beautiful views at the top.
Dakota Ridge Trail | 2.4 miles | Moderate to Difficult
Both mountain bikers and hikers are allowed on the Dakota Ridge Trail. It is steep and rocky, so it will test the skills of even seasoned mountain bikers. Try to make some time to admire the spectacular red sandstone formations, though! Youll also get great views of Denver on this hike.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is world famous as an excellent, award-winning outdoor music venue. The earliest recorded performance at Red Rocks took place in 1906, and throughout the years it has seen countless famous musiians as well as local acts. It consistently ranks at the top of travel lists as one of the best outdoor music venues in the U.S. and the world, with dramatic natural beauty that also provides spectacular acoustics. In fact, many ascribe the word perfect when describing the acoustics produced by the gigantic sandstone monoliths Ship Rock and Creation Rock. The fact that the acoustic perfection provided by Red Rocks is from natural processes is rather incredible, and youll be awed as you stand beneath the dusky, burnt sienna rocks and wide open sky. Theres nothing quite like a concert here, with breathtaking surroundings that will make you feel like youre far away from city streets. As per usual, this incredible outdoor music venue has several excellent acts and events lined up for the year. No two are quite alike, and there are artists from several different genres represented. Though the seating capacity at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is 9,525, you can be assured that each seat has a view of the stage, and no matter where you sit, youll be able to enjoy the perfect acoustics. From March through October, several performers have been announcedtake a look below at some of the 2019 Red Rocks concerts and events!
Schedule of Upcoming 2019 Red Rocks Amphitheatre Events
This isnt everything that is coming to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, but its a sample of what kinds of events you can expect to find this year.
April
Stick Figure | April 20th Pardon My French | April 26th The 1975 | April 30th
May
Interpol | May 1st 4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince With the Colorado Symphony | May 7th The Music of Abba | May 8th Vulfpeck | May 9th Luke Combs | May 12th Trevor Noah | May 19th Florence and the Machine | May 20th & 21st Celtic Woman: Ancient Land Tour | May 26th Phil Lesh & the Terrapin Family Band | May 29th Chromeo-Thievery Corporation | May 31st
June
Moe. | June 1st Billie Eilish | June 5th Brit Floyd | June 6th Michael Franti & Spearhead | June 7th Lettuce | June 15th Turnpike Troubadors | June 18th John Fogerty: My 50 Year Trip | June 20th
July
Blues Traveler | July 4th The Avett Brothers | July 5th-7th Pink Martini & Mary Chapin Carpenter with the Colorado Symphony | July 14th Lyle Lovett and His Large Band | July 15th Norah Jones | July 16th Diana Ross | July 22nd Tedeschi Trucks Band | July 27th John Prine with the Colorado Symphony | July 28th
August
My Morning Jacket | August 2nd & 3rd Joe Bonamassa | August 11th & 12th Shakey Graves | August 15th John Butler Trio | August 16th Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats | 21st & 22nd
September
Amos Lee | September 2nd Gary Clark Jr. | September 4th The Wood Brothers | September 5th Greensky Bluegrass | September 13th-15th Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit | September 17th
October
Mac Demarco | October 6th Vampire Weekend | October 8th Illenium | October 11th & 12th Wardrunda | October 17th
Exercising at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
In addition to the fantastic concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, there are also fantastic exercise opportunities. Runners and those looking for a challenging workout at 6,400 feet wont be disappointed! Want to exercise in a unique way at Red Rocks? Sign up for Yoga on the Rocks, and youll enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience! There are worlds of difference between yoga in a studio and yoga in the great outdoors, not to mention in a location as stunning as Red Rocks. Roll out your mat on the wood and stone underneath the wide blue sky, draw in a deep breath, and get ready for the yoga of your life! Whether youre looking for a satisfying workout or spiritual experience, Yoga on the Rocks will deliver. Sessions take place early in the morning, so afterward you can go on to take on the day fully refreshed and energized! Cool down with a relaxing hike after on the Trading Post Trail, taking advantage of the early hours to enjoy the sights without the crowds. Or, extend your workout and add challenge by running up and down the stairs. Youll feel the difference of a workout in the great outdoors as the fresh breeze blows gently by and the sun spreads its rays over the earth, illuminating the warm hues of the rust-colored rocks. As you stretch and move through poses, youll feel your stress melt away.
Tickets for Yoga on the Rocks
Be sure to get your tickets in advancethere are no drop-ins or sales at the door, and Yoga on the Rocks is a popular event that sells out quickly. $1 of each ticket sold for Yoga on the Rocks is donated to a good cause. For days that The River Yoga is hosting, the portions will go to Love Your Brain. For days that Kindness Yoga is hosting, the donations will go to Parvati.org and MAPS Initiative.
Prices:
One session: $16 4-pack: $62 Season pass: $118
Yoga on the Rocks 2019 Schedule
June 8 | The River Yoga | Katy Rowe June 15 | The River Yoga | Jennifer Jarrett June 22 | The River Yoga | Kady Lafferty June 29 | The River Yoga | Danielle Barbeau July 20 | Kindness Yoga | Jordan Smiley July 27 | Kindness Yoga | Dhyan Bhakti Kaur August 3 | Kindness Yoga | Beth Sanchez August 10 | Kindness Yoga | Tracy Hamm
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Sessions at Yoga on the Rocks start at 7:00 a.m. and run through 8:00 a.m. Make sure to bring your yoga mat and plenty of water with you! Its also a good idea to learn about altitude sickness if you dont live in the area. That way, you can avoid getting it!
Barre on the Rocks
This year, there will also be a session of Barre on the Rocks on July 13th with Kaye Straub from the Barre Code. Tickets are $16, and the session runs from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. As with Yoga on the Rocks, all you need to bring is your mat and some water!
Film on the Rocks
Throughout the summer, you can catch a film screening at Red Rocks, which is preceded by a live concert and local comedian.
Red Rocks Trading Post
Also known as the Red Rocks Pueblo, the Trading Post offers souvenirs, apparel, and historical memorabilia for purchase. The Trading Post acts as a visitor center and museum of sorts, chronicling the history of Red Rocks through various artifacts and exhibits. Its also a great place to begin a walking tour of Red Rocks Parknot only are the views from the porch stunning, but the trailhead for the Trading Post Trail is here.
Make Colorado Your Home
Just over an hour from Denver and Red Rocks Park, youll discover a beautiful mountain oasis. Winter Park and the surrounding area is far enough away from the crowds that yu can relax while still enjoying close proximity to tons of great activities. Real Estate of Winter Park provides the most extensive listings of all Winter Park real estate and homes for sale, and our knowledgeable experts are here to help you with any questions you might have. Dont hesitate to contact us todayyour dream home awaits!
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