The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the world’s great performing arts venues. Most famous for its setting, this open-air theater near Denver rests among majestic red sandstone outcrops. The large rock formations create a scenic appeal that is hard to deny, while also lending to the acoustic qualities of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This helps explain why the amphitheatre has long been a popular venue for live music and video recordings. John Denver, U2, Stevie Nicks, and the Dave Matthews Band are just some of the big name acts who have made live recordings and/or shot videos at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. To expand on its location, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is situated 15 miles west of Denver near the town of Morrison. It is part of Red Rocks Park, which in turn is part of the Denver Mountain Parks system.

Hotels Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Anyone who is interested in finding a hotel near the Red Rocks Amphitheatre can consider booking a stay at one of the two hotels in Morrison, Colorado. These hotels, which include the Arrowhead Manor (pictured) and the Cliff House Lodge and Hot Tub Cottages, are certainly among the closest to Red Rocks. Another good place to focus on is the town of Golden, as it offers proximity to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and is home to such hotels as the Hampton Inn Denver West/Golden and the Residence Inn by Marriott Denver West/Golden. Littleton and Lakewood are just two more places to keep in mind when searching for hotels near the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and those who want to expand their horizons even further can consider the entire Denver area in general.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre Seating

The seating area at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre basically begins where the stage ends. Sloping upwards from the stage, it is flanked by trees and rock formations and can accommodate up to 9,450 people. The seats are less like seats and more like curved rows of benches. It’s akin to the seating arrangements that the Romans installed in the Colosseum and numerous other venues.

Denver Map

The seats that are closest to the stage at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre understandably command higher prices than those seats that are farther away. The entire seating zone is a non-smoking area, and guests are not permitted to bring certain items into the seating area. Things that are not allowed inside include, but aren’t limited to, non factory-sealed beverage containers, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, glass bottles, cans, laser pointers, large coolers, large bags or backpacks, and audio or video recording devices.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre Parking

The Red Rocks Amphitheatre has several parking lots that are within walking distance of the venue. On days when there is an event, a parking staff is in place to lead drivers to the closest open spaces. When there isn’t an event going on, anyone who is driving to Red Rocks Park can park at the Top Circle Lot and the Upper North Lot. Both of these lots provide easy access to the Red Rocks Visitor Center.

Whether or not there is a special event scheduled, a visit to Red Rocks Park is worth including on a Colorado vacation itinerary. Hiking and biking figure among the activities that park visitors can enjoy when there isn’t an event going on. It is also possible to take a Red Rocks tour. The guided tours are offered on a daily basis at 10 am and provide insight into such things as the geology and music history of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.