Red Rocks Park’s natural beauty is well known to those who have attended concerts there, yet this park offers much more than a theater – including hiking trails like Trading Post Trail that show off the area’s geology and ecology.
Located at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre has long been the goal of musicians looking to perform, while even world-famous acts are overwhelmed by its natural beauty. Its massive fins of red sandstone form an amphitheater perfect for acoustic excellence and epic views of Denver skylines – not to mention an 868-acre park boasting meadows, wildlife habitats, and fossils dating back millions of years!
No matter the time of year or weather conditions, Rocky Mountain skies provide stunning backdrops for concerts and movies alike. Take part in one of 192 steps at an amphitheater seat or join thousands of yogis gathering to practice yoga for Yoga on the Rocks with breathtaking downward dog views that won’t fail to inspire! There is plenty to keep visitors occupied here!
Do not miss your chance to explore Red Rocks Park on the Trading Post Trail – an engaging 1.4-mile loop hike beginning from its touristic shop and hugging red rock formations that inspire artists, songwriters, and adventurers. Along the route lies Picnic Rock – with its weathered stones – before dropping down through grassy flats to Nine Park Rock’s base with nine “parks” where moisture collects – as well as Picnic Rock itself.
After stopping at the museum, head up to the theater for prime seats and to test its acoustics yourself. But there’s much more to discover on one of the park’s many trails – so be willing to venture off-path!
Hike the Trading Post trail clockwise to visit 10 of the park’s giant red rock formations, such as Ship Rock and Creation Rock, while taking in fantastic city views from above. For an unforgettable experience, climb the steps leading up to the theater – it hosts concerts and movies when events are not taking place, but nothing beats being there yourself!
The Trading Post Gift Shop
For unique gifts, Red Rocks Trading Post is the place to be. Situated within the park and with breathtaking views of Morrison and Denver skylines, this Pueblo Revival building houses the Colorado Music Hall of Fame while providing visitors with apparel, souvenirs, and memorabilia from Red Rocks.
Our Trading Post offers an eclectic array of Native American crafts, such as handmade rugs, jewelry, dreamcatchers, and wood carvings – not to mention Western clothing and souvenirs for you and your family to peruse! Stop in today and shop from our range of gifts that will please every member of your household!
Red Rocks Park offers more than just a theater; it also boasts an extensive network of trails where visitors can discover nature and geology. The Trading Post Trail offers breathtaking views of rock formations and canyons. With narrow, rough surfaces that traverse moderate to steep terrain, this trail makes an unforgettable hike experience.
Red Rocks Trading Post offers unique gifts for friends and loved ones looking for something memorable. Offering music-inspired t-shirts and hats as the ideal way to show your devotion, Red Rocks Amphitheatre Trading Post also has hiking guides and trail maps so visitors can make the most of their visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
The Colorado Music Hall of Fame
The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is an impressive museum that pays homage to Colorado’s rich musical legacy. Situated within Red Rocks Amphitheatre Trading Post, the museum honors musicians and institutions that have contributed significantly to Colorado music over time. Furthermore, mental wellness programs for musicians working within this industry are also offered here.
This hall was founded in 2011 and houses an extensive collection of instruments and memorabilia from artists of different disciplines. The inaugural inductees included John Denver and the legendary open-air concert venue Red Rocks; since then, many other Colorado musicians and media have been added, such as Boulder surf-rock band the Astronauts, singer Judy Collins, folk-music champion Harry Tuft, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (featuring Stephen Stills), Poco (with Steve Cropper), Manassas (featuring Stephen Stills).
Visitors to the hall can learn more about Colorado music through various exhibits and artifacts displayed within. There is also an exhibit dedicated to Red Rocks Amphitheatre history that visitors may view for free between 9 am-4 pm daily – even on show days! The Hall is free to enter.
After exploring the museum, take a hike on the Trading Post Trail. Starting from its namesake trading post and following along a 300 million-year-old Fountain Formation with its monoliths called Frog Rock, Sphinx Rock, Sinking Titanic, and Iceberg rocks, sometimes crossing roads at times; it also crosses wooden footbridges over brush-strewn washes before crossing another wooden footbridge over brushy washes before ascending Slickrock spines to Nine Park Rock.
You’ll enjoy stunning views of Morrison Cemetery and more red craggy cliffs at the summit. After that, the trail rewinds toward Red Rocks Park Road before crossing it back into the parking lot – something to watch during concert evenings as traffic congestion can become unbearable!
The Moovit app makes traveling to the Hall of Fame easy by public transit, bike, or car – it can be downloaded for free from both Apple App Store and Google Play and features live transit schedules and shared routes with friends and tracking your travel on a map.
Film on the Rocks
Film on the Rocks is an annual summer movie event at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Each show begins with live music and entertainment before starting their movie experience. Hosted by Denver Film and Denver Arts & Venues, Film on the Rocks celebrates cinema while simultaneously cultivating community through film. This series has featured films like Bohemian Rhapsody, Mean Girls, and Ghostbusters, among many more!
Film series events in the area are popular activities among visitors to the area. Each show offers an unforgettable outdoor experience; visitors often bring blankets or camp chairs to relax before the screen and pre-movie entertainment, typically consisting of bands and comedians. Films selected are chosen based on popularity and cultural significance – this event recently celebrated its 20th anniversary!
After two years of drive-in screenings and limited events in 2021 due to COVID-19 regulations, Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosts its show annually – drawing thousands of locals and tourists each year with tickets costing $15 per vehicle and valid for standard cars only.
This year’s movie series at Red Rocks includes iconic films like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, running until August. For a full schedule, please visit their website.
Each event also includes live music and comedy performances by local musicians that reflect the themes of each film, such as Oxeye Daisy, Brothers of Brass, or Josh Blue (to name just a few).
Film on the Rocks is an unforgettable way to experience Colorado summer in an idyllic setting. Whether watching your favorite flick or simply taking advantage of all that pre-show fun, your experience at Film on the Rocks will remain one that stands out.
Red Rocks Park features a short, easy loop trail starting from its historical trading post parking lot, perfect for beginners or families. However, please keep in mind that terrain may change dramatically with weather changes; especially if sand and mud get wet.
