If you’re preparing to head to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a concert soon, then it’s definitely time to get excited. Red Rocks is widely considered one of the most magical music venues in the entire world, and it’s not hard to understand why, even if you’ve never been there before.
The indescribable experience of sitting among those rocks while watching the sun go down is reward enough. But amazing music adds a whole new dimension to the experience, thanks to acoustics so perfect that they sound almost otherworldly.
You don’t have to wait until the band hits the stage at 7 PM to get the fun started, though. A Red Rocks concert is really just the cherry on top of what could be an entire day full of top-tier experiences. The rest of the sundae is everything else you plan and enjoy before the show starts.
Whether you’re rolling in from Denver or somewhere nearby like Golden or Littleton, there are plenty of incredible ways to fill your day with fun, adventure, and connection. You could spend your day hiking while admiring the Rockies, sipping a dusky IPA in Denver’s unparalleled RiNo district, or scratching a shopping itch in Old Town Littleton’s quirky shops.
By the time you take your seat at Red Rocks, you’ll have already had a day well worth bragging about and looking back on.
Explore Denver Before the Show
If you’ll be starting your day in Denver, you’re in luck! The Mile High City is positively loaded with fun things to do before it’s time to make your way to Morrison for your concert.
Take a craft brewery tour
Denver is to craft brewing what Napa Valley is to wine, so you really can’t consider any visit to Denver complete without partaking in a memorable brew or two. A brewery tour is an amazing way to maximize your experience, not to mention learn a thing or two about Denver’s place in the wide, wonderful world of craft beer.
Our very own RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour is an amazing example of what we’re talking about, as it combines two of Denver’s best-known points of pride – craft beer and stunning street art. You’ll sample truly unique brews from some of the area’s best local breweries, get an inside look at Denver’s rich brewing history, and soak up the very best of RiNo’s incredible creative energy.
The pace is dynamic but steady, so you’ll have plenty of time to bond with your travel crew and maybe even make a few new friends. You’ll also enjoy countless photo ops and opportunities to connect with RiNo at its best. You’ll absolutely leave fully primed to enjoy your concert, likely with a few new favorite beers in your mental filing system.
Go on a food tour
If you think America’s food scene starts and stops with New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, it’s officially time to think again. Denver’s food scene has been over here quietly flexing on the rest of the country for a while now. So, whether you’re into elevated farm-to-table eats or prefer the idea of experiencing the best smothered burrito in town, there’s a Denver food experience that’s just right for you.
Can’t quite decide or traveling with a mixed group that reflects lots of different tastes? Signing up for a food tour is one way to make sure everyone gets up from the table and heads to Red Rocks happy. You get to sample the best of what the area has to offer without having to commit to one huge meal, and you leave fully ready to dance your heart out at Red Rocks.
Other Denver options to check out
If you’ve got a little more time to kill or simply want to make sure you properly experience Denver before heading out for Morrison, consider trying one of the following options on for size:
- Traveling with a group full of art and culture lovers? Drop into the Denver Art Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art and wander around for a couple of hours.
- Looking for a fun, active way to see the sights while enjoying some fresh air? Consider renting a bike or a scooter and cruising your way along the beautiful Cherry Creek Trail.
- Or maybe you’re into people-watching, shopping, and curious wandering. If so, stop by Union Station for all of the above and more. (The Great Hall has excellent cocktails, by the way.)
Ultimately, it’s fully possible to spend the entire afternoon in Denver and still leave feeling like you’ve only just scratched the surface, so explore to your heart’s content.
Hike Before the Concert
If you’re thinking that one of the best, most natural pairings for music in the mountains is… well, actual mountains, you’re definitely not wrong. For outdoorsy types, a trip to the mountains that doesn’t include some quality trail time is its own kind of tragedy.
If that sounds like you, then lace up your hiking boots and consider adding an option like one of the following to your pre-concert itinerary.
Red Rocks Park
You don’t have to wander far from Red Rocks Amphitheatre itself to experience some seriously mind-blowing hiking. The nearby trails are absolutely gorgeous and well worth a closer look.
For example, the popular Trading Post Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that leads hikers through the area’s trademark red sandstone formations. It’s long enough to give you a comprehensive taste of what’s amazing about Red Rocks without leaving you too tired to dance and sing your heart out at the concert later.
Naturally, Red Rocks has lots of other trails that are worth checking out, as well. Examples include Mount Morrison Trail, the Red Rocks and Morrison Side Loop, and the Mount Vernon Creek Trail Loop.
Beaver Brook Trail
If you’ve got something more challenging in mind, then consider heading to Golden for the afternoon and checking out the Beaver Brook Trail. It’s packed with wow-worthy details like waterfalls, wildflower blooms, and spectacular views that will leave you wondering why you ever choose to stay inside with the Wi-Fi instead.
Evergreen
Planning on rolling into town from the Evergreen area? Here are some excellent can’t-miss options to look into:
- Lair o’ the Bear Park is an incredible pick if you’re hoping to spot some local wildlife.
- Three Sisters Park treats hikers to a wide range of different trails, from beginner to strenuous, making it easy to choose an experience that fits your preferences.
- Elk Meadow Park offers a classic Colorado meadow setting to take in, complete with plenty of sprawling Insta-worthy views.
When choosing to start your Red Rocks concert day with a hike, know your endurance capacity and be sure not to overdo it. Nothing kills a concert vibe faster than realizing you’re too sore to climb those famous Red Rocks stairs.
Explore Downtown Golden
Golden, Colorado, is truly the ideal middle ground between Denver and Red Rocks in Morrison, both literally and figuratively. Think historic old-west-coded vibes mixed with eclectic college-town energy!
Thinking of opening your concert day with a nice little day tour of Golden? Try a nice, brisk stroll down Washington Avenue or dip your toes in Clear Creek after a picnic. Or you can spend a couple of hours ducking in and out of the area’s quirky little shops and galleries.
And if you get thirsty? Check out one of the town’s many taprooms and breweries. It’s worth noting that Coors itself is even headquartered here, a beer culture icon if ever there was one.
Check Out Old Town Littleton
Old Town Littleton is another charming pre-concert destination that’s worth your time. It’s got everything you’d hope to find in a spot like this – green tree-lined streets, independent boutiques, and loads of small businesses that help reinforce that refreshing local feel.
Consider spending your afternoon browsing souvenirs at one of the area’s many quaint gift shops, followed by an amazing cup of coffee and maybe a quick bite at a cozy little coffee shop. Old Town Littleton operates at a slower pace than Denver, but that’s part of its charm, not to mention a nice way to balance the electric energy of a Red Rocks concert later in the evening.
Restaurants in Morrison for Dinner
If you’d prefer to enjoy your dinner a little closer to the concert venue itself, you’ll be thrilled to know Morrison has plenty of fantastic options to explore. Here are a few popular local highlights to take a closer look at:
- The Morrison Inn is positively famous for its Mexican fare. Make sure you order one of the venue’s phenomenal margaritas to go with your meal!
- The Cow an Eatery has a location in Morrison and is a great place to head if you’re into burgers, fries, and comfort food of all stripes.
- Tony Rigatoni’s is definitely the place to go for dinner if your group is into pizza and pasta, because it serves some of the area’s very best.
Just keep in mind that Morrison isn’t huge. So wherever you choose to go, consider making reservations on concert days if you’ve got your heart set on anywhere specific.
Tailgating the Red Rocks Way
Speaking of worthwhile ways to grab a bite to eat before a Red Rocks concert, tailgating is definitely worth a mention. Tons of concertgoers make it a point to head to Red Rocks early, specifically so they can hang out in the parking lots and meet fun new people while enjoying some excellent food and drinks.
Tailgating is also a smart way to beat traffic and make sure you’re spending your pre-concert time chilling with friends and showing off your folding chair game instead of vegetating in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Just keep in mind that freeform doesn’t necessarily mean a free-for-all. Come prepared to practice good tailgating etiquette. Be respectful of others, clean up after yourself, and pace your drinking so you’re not “that guy” who somehow never even makes it past the parking lot.
Timing Your Trip: How Early Should You Leave?
One of the biggest mistakes anyone ever makes when preparing to head to a concert is underestimating the amount of time it actually takes to make it to Red Rocks. Traffic on big concert days can get especially gnarly, and parking fills up faster than you think.
Here are some solid estimates to keep in mind when planning your commute:
- From Denver: Around 35-40 minutes, depending on traffic
- From Golden: Around 20-30 minutes
- From Littleton: Around 20-30 minutes
- From Morrison: Around 15-20 minutes, depending on where you plan on parking
Always err on the side of caution when planning your commute. In fact, a good rule of thumb to follow is to add 15 minutes or so to the above estimated times on big show days, just in case. Your future self will thank you when you’re not sprinting up the stairs in a panic at the last minute.
Consider Bus to Show
If you’d rather bypass the hassle of driving and parking altogether, Bus to Show is an alternative worth considering. It’s basically a rolling pre-party and a terrific way to get your transportation sorted while still having loads of fun.
Buses depart from Denver and other key areas, and there are often fun perks like brewery partnerships involved (like Bierstadt Lagerhaus). Relax, laugh, sip on a pint, and arrive at Red Rocks in good spirits with plenty of time to spare.
Sample Itinerary: Concert at 7 PM
Naturally, exact showtime will vary, but let’s say you’re looking to make a concert that starts at 7 PM. Here’s an example of how you might schedule your time to maximize your day:
- 12:15 PM: Start a brewery tour, like Denver Microbrewery Tour’s RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour.
- ~ 3 PM: Tour ends. You leave happily hydrated by delicious beer.
- 3-5 PM: Snag a late lunch or early dinner in Denver. (Go ahead and carb-indulge so you have dancing fuel for later.)
- 5:30 PM: Catch the Bus to Show from Bierstadt Lagerhaus.
- 6 PM: Arrive at Red Rocks with plenty of time to grab your seat and absorb the view
- 7 PM: It’s showtime! Go wild.
Of course, you can tweak this itinerary to fit your actual plans for the day, but this gives you a solid idea of how to plan things well.
Red Rocks Is More Than a Concert Venue
It’s a full-scale experience that deserves to be savored in every possible way. Starting your day right and making the hours leading up to your concert count are great ways to make the most of it. Sipping mind-melting craft beer in Denver, snagging dinner in Morrison, and spending an afternoon hiking through rock formations are just a few ways to really enjoy your time.
After all, the show itself is just the grand finale. The bigger adventure starts the moment you leave your house. Make it count!