After 21 and a half years of living in this geological phenomenon of a state, I finally went to a concert at Red Rocks. Seeing a show at Red Rocks feels like a rite of passage as a Coloradan, and I am disappointed to say it took me this long to accomplish.
I was supposed to see Daniel Caesar at Red Rocks last October, but the man canceled the show for no good reason and left me itching to find a replacement. When I saw that Larry June — my boyfriend’s favorite artist right now — would be joining Wiz Khalifa for 4/20 on the Rocks, I knew this was my chance to rectify my Daniel Caesar misfortune.
I went in with little advice beyond reading the FAQs on Red Rocks’ website, and I am here to share some lessons with those of you awaiting your first chance to rock out in the hardest amphitheater ever (no puns intended).
1. The place is surreal
Going to Red Rocks was unlike any concert I had been to. There was no big moment when the lights went down and the crowd screamed (obviously, you can’t control the sun), but the sky changed colors, and the distant city lit up as the night wore on.
When it was finally dark, I looked up to see the Big Dipper and saw the stage lights reflecting off the natural rock surrounding the venue. All I could think was, “Wow.” I am not a huge fan of any of the five artists that played on Sunday, but the venue alone was worth the time. Prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything else.
2. You can bring more stuff than you expect
I am used to venues that barely allow you to bring your wallet in, so when I got through screening with a tote bag full of stuff, I was shocked. You can bring extra clothes, blankets, snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, as long as they fit in a tote bag or single-pocket backpack.
The venue information said that attendees can bring empty water bottles in, but I never found a place to fill mine, and the security attendant didn’t even check that it was empty. I would recommend bringing Gatorade or rolling the dice with a full water bottle to avoid buying it bottled.
3. Layer up
If you know Colorado, you know it can be 80 degrees during the day and then miraculously hit 40 or less at night. I prepared for the temperature drop, but not well enough. I came in a T-shirt, cargo pants and a pair of Nike Dunks. I needed to throw on a hoodie and a puffer jacket before the show even started, and I wish I had worn some thicker socks or a second layer of pants.
Red Rocks faces east, and the natural amphitheater is quite steep, blocking sunlight long before sunset. It wasn’t fully dark out until the fourth of five sets that night, and my toes were freezing off by the second act. Either plan the merch you buy into your outfit or come prepared with extra clothes.
4. Get there early
My boyfriend and I got to the venue 45 minutes before doors opened, and we were lucky to get a parking space in a lot close to the entrance. There are several small lots in the park, many of which are quite a hike to the venue. You’ll have to spend some time standing in line on the way up, but the gorgeous views will make the time pass quickly.
We found decent seats, and the rest of the amphitheater filled up within 30 minutes of sitting down. There were several people lining the stairs for the entirety of the performance. Because there are no seat number assignments, attendees take up extra space, leaving some people stuck on their feet along the edges.
5. Aim for the middle and memorize your row number
Most of Red Rocks is general admission seating. If you get there early enough, grab a seat in the center rather than aiming for the closest spot to the stage. The stage is walled off on either side, so closer side seating will obstruct your view of the performers.
Row numbers are printed on the stairs next to each row in a very inconspicuous place that you have to bend down to see. Find that number. Every time my boyfriend or I went on a side quest, we lost our seats and hopelessly wandered around the crowd.
6. Don’t skip leg day before you go
Red Rocks will make you lose your breath fast. From the steep incline to the entrance to the endless flights of stairs up to the amphitheater, your quads and calves will be hurting. Hit that Stairmaster before you go. Staying on your feet and moving with the music helps to keep warm, too.
7. Red Rocks still manages to be accessible
I noticed the many ways Red Rocks catered to people with disabilities. The walk up to the entrance is on a ramp, and there is accessible seating on a lower level of the park that doesn’t require any stair use. There were ASL interpreters in front of the stage, who, although dimly lit, had excellent stage presence.
8. Let the drinks come to you
Red Rocks employees walk around the seating area with coolers full of beers, seltzers and other canned alcohol. I recommend grabbing a snack at one of the concessions stands before the show starts, then waiting for the booze to walk in your direction to save you some trips.
9. Your ears will thank you
I’m used to leaving concerts with horrible tinnitus that lasts for hours. My ears are very sensitive to sound, but being at a venue with no roof to amplify the reverberation left me with hardly any hearing issues following the concert.
10. It’s worth it to leave early
When the performer starts with the “I love you guys, thanks for coming out” routine, head for the stairs. Most parking lots converge on one small road, so getting out early will help reduce the time you spend in traffic. You’ll still be able to hear the last song echoing off the rocks as you head out.