Only 15 miles west of Denver, you will find the beautiful Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The famous open-air theatre is built into an impressive red rock structure. It’s primarily known for its extraordinary concerts in the middle of a stunning landscape. However, there are way more things to do at Red Rocks Amphitheatre than attending a concert. In the following, we will tell you about seven activities you should not miss!
1. Attend one of the extraordinary concerts
Thanks to the geologically formed red sandstone structures, the theatre’s acoustics are one-of-a-kind. There’s no other place in the whole of Colorado where you can listen to such seamless acoustics.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that the unique open-air theatre attracted famous musicians from almost every genre. Not only had the Beatles played at Red Rocks Amphitheatre but also The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix. Besides this, visitors can enjoy electronic music, opera singers as well as classical instrumentalists. There’s the perfect concert for everyone at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
2. Explore the Red Rocks Hiking Trails
Of course, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is primarily famous for its concerts. But besides this, it’s located in an astonishing park at 6,450 feet above sea level. The Red Rocks can be found where the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains meet. Hence, an abundance of wildlife can be found within the park’s boundaries. When hiking, you can spot plants and animals from the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.
There are two different hiking trails within the park: the Trading Post Trail and the Red Rock Trail. Both trails lead through the area’s best landscapes and will reward you with some astonishing panoramic views of Denver and the surrounding area. The Post Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that leads through the park’s most stunning rock formations. The Red Rock Trail is a 6-mile walk leading from Matthew Winters Park to the north. Optionally you can connect the walk with the Dakota Ridge Trail in the east. If you’re lucky, you can spot some prairie dogs, Mule deer, red foxes, rabbits, and many more animals while hiking through the park. Just keep your eyes and ears open!
3. Discover the park’s history
You cannot only spot an abundance of wildlife while hiking but also discover a variety of different fossils in the walls of Red Rock Amphitheater. The walls are up to 300 feet high, higher than the famous Niagara Falls, and document the 16 million-year-old history of the region. The most impressive fossil by far is a 40 feet long sea serpent. When in the park, you should not miss the fragments of this ancient marine reptile. Besides this, you can spot a variety of fossils of flying reptiles. Not only do the red walls of the Amphitheatre document the park’s history, but also the theatre’s surroundings. In the park, you can find Dinosaur tracks dating back to the Jurassic period.
4. Join a Yoga session at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Ever since, Red Rocks Amphitheatre has inspired people who seek serenity and good health. The backward tilting and sloping stone formations exert a fascination on many. Would you like to refill your energy levels and connect to your inner self in the middle of the spiritual rock formations of Red Rock Amphitheatre? On eight selected Saturdays during the summer months, you can participate together with 2,000 other yogis in one of the special yoga sessions held at the theatre. The workout sessions take place from 7 to 8 am and are loved by many yogis from all over Colorado.
5. Watch a film outlined by the stunning Rocky Mountain skies
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is not only famous for its concerts but also its crowd-pleasing films. Whether you want to watch a cult-class movie such as “The Big Lebowski,” “Grease,” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day off” or a new hit such as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” or “Dead Pool,” you won’t be disappointed by the unique open-air theatre’s film selection. The movies start when the sun sets so that visitors can enjoy the prime natural lighting of the Rocky Mountain skies. Before the movie itself starts you can enjoy a beautiful live concert and a comedian. This special event takes place nine times during the summer months. Whether you are a movie lover or not, this event is well worth a visit.
6. Have a unique workout at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Did you know that Red Rock Amphitheatre is well known for workouts? Here, you can undertake a better workout than in any gym. The steps of the theater offer perfect conditions for runners and fitness freaks. They were designed in a way to enhance and preserve the stone formations’ natural beauty. When there are no events at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, exercise groups run down the steps at an amazing speed. Check the park’s information to make sure there are no events taking place and that you can use the theatre’s steps for your workout.
7. Learn about the Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s history at the visitor center
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre opened to the public in 1941. Learn all about its geological features, its musical history, and the park itself at the visitor center. The interactive and educational exhibition and the performers’ Hall of Fame make the visitor center well worth visiting. Furthermore, tours are available for groups with ten or more people. As part of the tour, you can watch a free documentary about the park and the various concerts at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.