Visiting Red Rocks in Colorado was a random and pleasant surprise for me. How did we end up there? Here’s a little backstory.
Our family spent this weekend with my brother and his family in the suburbs of Denver. All 4 of our kids were born within months of each other and are the same gender! How we planned our family’s exactly the same I’ll never know! Especially because, they had one baby without telling anyone they were even pregnant and ended up having the first granddaughter instead of us! Plus, our 4th babies were born on the exact same day, even though they were due 3 weeks apart. Needless to say, with a buddy each, our kids love this family!
We were visiting family because our home was being rented out on Airbnb. Read more about our experience here.
I thought this weekend would just be about our kids playing and creating memories with their cousins and didn’t expect to do any sightseeing. On Saturday morning, my brother announced we were going to Red Rocks Amphitheater. Not knowing anything about it, I loaded the kids and we took off.
Fifteen minutes later, my eyes were in for a treat as I spied the large red boulders that surround the amphitheater. The closer we got, the more impressed I was. Climbing the hill to the amphitheater I couldn’t stop taking pictures or being in awe of the beauty so close to his home. We spent an hour exploring, rock climbing, stair-rail sliding, and window shopping the souvenir shops. When we left, I wished I could’ve spent so much more time here!
What is Red Rocks?
Red Rock Amphitheater is built between 3 massive boulders that create a natural acoustic paradise. There are 70 rows of seats for over 9500 people. The amphitheater is open for public use during the day. On non-event days it is open from an hour before sunrise until an hour after sunset. On event days it closes to the public at 2 pm. While concerts and event at Red Rocks can be expensive, admission to the amphitheater on non-event times is free!
Getting There
Red Rocks is on the opposite side of the city from the airport. From Downtown Denver its only 10 miles west. Its only minutes from the I70 freeway. Easy access to 4 parking lots. From the lower lots, there are a lot of stairs and climbing hills, so if you have mobility issues, use the upper parking lot.
If I could go back, I would include one or all of these activities.
1.Run the Amphitheater
I watched the runners start at the bottom of the parking lot and work their way up the hill and the stairs. Then they started at the bottom of the 70-row amphitheater and ran across the 100 seat row and up to the next row. Across, Up and Back, Up. I was so curious as to how many miles running all 70 rows is! I love a good running trail, so running between massive, beautiful boulders seemed like a fantastic run.
Alternately, some of the athletes were just running up the steps over and over. Butt-burning workouts are always fun to switch things up.
I would love to spend my workout in the Amphitheater!
2. Hike the 1.5-mile Trading Post Trail Loop
Starting at the trading post (souvenir shop) in the lower parking lot, there is a map for a 1.5-mile loop trail. It winds through and between with the rocks towering above. I love a good hike. Just short enough the kids would be able to do it, but long enough to get lost in the wilderness. Plus, its a loop. I love not having to backtrack.
I wish I could go back to hike at Red Rocks.
3. Listen to a Concert
With concerts happening 3-5 times a week in the summer, attending one would be amazing. My brother told me they light up the rocks making it look that much cooler at night. The acoustics in between the large boulder at the back of the theater plus the 2 big boulders on the side would create a natural sound heaven! In the Colorado Music Hall of Fame at the top of the amphitheater, there is a gallery showing all the famous stars who have played there So many famous and popular artists have performed in those Red Rocks.
I wish I could’ve experienced the sounds of a concert of my favorite artist.
4. Bike around the trails
My brother’s favorite activity at Red Rocks is to ride a mountain bike all over the trails. There is a trail that starts at the trading post and goes out and back for 5.8 miles with majestic views of the Red Rocks. Click here for more info on how to find the trail and what to expect.
I would love to mountain bike all around the red rocks!
Whenever we leave a place and I am left wanting more, I always say “Now I have a great excuse to come back!” In this case, since my brother’s family lives there, I am sure I will be back! Can’t wait!
What have you experienced at Red Rocks?
Red Rocks is so close to Colorado Springs. Check out this 5-day itinerary in CoS for a great family vacation.
If you love the Rocky Mountains, be sure to try this hike at Rocky Mountain NP.
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