The Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver is an exquisite natural spectacle and acclaimed concert venue at once. Known for its stellar acoustics, its 300-foot monoliths, Ship and Creation Rock absorb rather than reflect sound waves, providing unrivaled aural delight for visitors to experience live shows ranging from Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong to Harry Belafonte and Ray Charles as well as Eagles, Willie Nelson, and Grateful Dead – to name but a few artists who have performed here over time.
Rock formations provide a stunning background to music, making this amphitheater an absolute must-see. There are trails nearby for hiking and mountain biking as well as yoga and other fitness activities; yoga classes also take place here regularly. Furthermore, it hosts various events from an Easter sunrise service through summertime Film on the Rocks movies and concerts to weddings and other special celebrations; making this amphitheater one of the go-to spots.
Even on days without concerts, visitors to the amphitheater can appreciate its geological formations and experience its acoustics. At weekends, locals can often be seen exercising up and down its steps while running, jumping, and burpeeing for exercise!
For those seeking relaxation and panoramic views, climbing the stairs to the viewing platform is a perfect way to spend their day. From here you can admire stunning views of the front range while watching the sun set over the city. In addition, there are exhibits about rocks and their histories as well as amphitheater formation.
Musically, Red Rocks is famous for producing some incredible moments. U2 recorded their live album Under a Blood Red Sky here in 1983 – considered one of the greatest albums ever made – while smaller, more intimate acts have recorded incredible albums here too; from country music singers and bluegrass musicians to new-age piano tinklers; Red Rocks is home to an extensive list of artists who have recorded here!
Red Rocks’ natural acoustics provide for an incredible sound experience, yet can also work against artists. While these natural acoustics create a beautiful environment for live performances, they can highlight some performers’ weaknesses; during one recent show at the amphitheater an experimental singer-songwriter’s harsh and grating vocals were easily heard without the typical mix of sounds to mask them; it served as a stark reminder that while Red Rocks is stunning it may not suit every genre of music equally.
As always, Central Park is a lovely spot to visit no matter the season; but summer brings its own magic with its rock concert lineup. Bring the whole family or just yourself and friends for an unforgettable performance under the stars. Be sure to arrive early; parking lots fill quickly. Plan to bring food and drinks into the park so that you can have an outdoor picnic before the show starts.