{openx:9}What do the Beatles, Dave Matthews and U2 have to do with Colorado? Each group had a landmark performance at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado and helped bring the venue into the eyes of the world as a special place to see a concert while also enjoying some stunning landscape. The surrounding park is also a haven for outdoor adventurers, and features a restaurant, gift shop, concert memorabilia and even an official Colorado Welcome Center.

Those visiting the Denver area at the time of the summer concert season will not be disappointed if they decide to catch a show at Red Rocks as part of their itinerary. Seeing the park on its own is quite impressive, but seeing a concert at Red Rocks will even impress the music buff with myriad concert experiences. The natural rock amphitheater offers perfect acoustics and hearing music in the awe-inspiring setting of massive red rocks is truly moving.

The theatre seats 9450, but truly offers an intimate experience for the concert goer, as the red rocks seem to envelope the entire crowd, making concerts even more moving and intense. A panoramic view of the Denver city lights can be seen once the sun sets and often times a classic Colorado lightning show in the distance will add to the unique concert experience.

Red Rocks isn’t only for music lovers—the surrounding park features several trails for hiking and biking and each offers the stunning Colorado landscape as a backdrop. And a visit to the amphitheatre to check out things while it is empty is also an amazing experience. The quiet, empty amphitheatre makes the towering red rocks seem even more massive and awe-inspiring. Those who aren’t quite acclimated to Colorado better take a deep breath before ascending down the steep concrete steps into the amphitheater—and even more breaths for the trip back up.

After trekking up and down the huge cement steps, visitors might want to fuel up at the Ship Rock Grille. The restaurant and outdoor patio are great places to have a bite to eat while soaking in the surrounding beauty of Red Rocks and enjoying a meal at the Ship Rock before a concert is a great way to kick off an evening at the park. The restaurant features reasonably priced (entrées $9.50 to $14) grille faire with a Colorado twist, including bison sliders, rattlesnake empanadas and buffalo meatloaf. Vegetarians will be pleasantly surprised and satisfied with the Garden Stack—a huge and delicious portion of grilled vegetables with herb aioli, and of course, french fries.

Cruising through the visitor center and checking out the amazing concert photos gives one a sense of just how many acts have performed at the legendary Red Rocks, and how the park seems to evoke a special show from each artist. Elton John, Buddy Guy, Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, Crosby Stills, Nash and Young, Bruce Springsteen, and the Moody Blues, are just a few of the many who have left their mark on Red Rocks. Or perhaps, Red Rocks left its mark on them.

Film on the Rocks, a series of summertime second run movie showings, is another favorite pastime at Red Rocks. For just $10 per person, enjoy an evening featuring a band, followed by a movie screening at sunset. Patrons can bring their own food to the event to have an al fresco picnic while experiencing one of the most unforgettable settings in which to enjoy a movie. Some films that have been shown in the past include classics such as Jaws, Office Space and Top Gun.

Red Rocks Park also houses one of ten official Colorado Welcome Centers where helpful and knowledgeable volunteers can answer questions and provide information on the abundance of destinations, parks, and activities that Colorado has to offer. Free brochures and maps, as well as friendly advice, can help enhance any visit to Colorado.

Whether catching a summer concert, exploring one of the parks hiking trails, enjoying a casual meal overlooking stunning Colorado scenery, or checking out the memorabilia that records some of the legendary shows at the amphitheatre, Red Rocks is an incredible destination that will linger in the souls of visitors long after they leave.

For more information on Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, visit www.redrocksonline.com

Park and Amphitheatre Hours
The park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily free of charge. In the event of a performance the Amphitheatre and Visitor Center will generally close to the public in the early afternoon hours.

Visitor Center Hours
May-September: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October-April: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ship Rock Grille, open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and in the evenings before ticketed performances. Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Find more information on the Colorado Welcome Center at Red Rocks on www.colorado.com