Red Rocks Concert Guide: Transportation, Parking & Tips from Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most iconic concert venues in the world, and if you're planning to see a show there, you're in for an unforgettable experience. Located just 15 miles west of Denver in Morrison, Colorado, this natural amphitheater carved into ancient red sandstone formations offers incredible acoustics and breathtaking views. But getting to Red Rocks and navigating the venue requires some planning.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Red Rocks transportation from Denver, parking options, what to bring, and insider tips to make your concert experience as smooth as possible.
How to Get to Red Rocks from Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre sits approximately 15 miles west of downtown Denver, with travel time typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. From Capitol Hill Denver, the drive takes about 30 minutes in normal conditions, making it one of the most convenient Denver neighborhoods for Red Rocks concert access.
The venue is located at 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465.
Best Red Rocks Transportation Options
You have several ways to get to Red Rocks from Denver, each with pros and cons:
Red Rocks Shuttle Services from Denver
Taking a Red Rocks shuttle is one of the smartest ways to get to the venue, especially if you plan to enjoy a few drinks at the show. Several companies offer round-trip Red Rocks shuttle transportation with pickup locations throughout Denver.
Commercial Shuttle Services
Red Rocks Shuttle: One of the most popular options, offering pickups from Union Station in downtown Denver. Shuttles typically run for all major concerts with departures timed to arrive before doors open. The service includes a designated bathroom/food stop on the way. Cost is approximately $30-50 roundtrip per person.
RRX Shuttles (On Location): The official Red Rocks shuttle partner offers pickup locations at multiple Denver spots with pre-show happy hour specials for riders. Shuttles depart 30 minutes after the music ends from the Upper North Lot. Passes must be purchased in advance and are will-call only.
Rocky Mountain Ride: Offers both shared shuttles ($69-79 per person) and private shuttles ($129 base fee plus $69 per passenger). Pickups available from Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and other locations. They provide complimentary water, allow alcohol on board (21+ groups), and include camp chairs for tailgating.
Mr. Chauffeur Colorado: Provides private shuttle service from Denver to Red Rocks with professional drivers who understand venue operations and traffic patterns. Ideal for groups wanting door-to-door service from hotels or vacation rentals.
Why Choose a Red Rocks Shuttle
Stress-free experience: No driving, no parking hassles, no worrying about getting home safely after the show
Avoid parking challenges: Parking lots fill up quickly at sold-out shows, and you'll avoid the post-concert traffic jam
Drink responsibly: Enjoy the show without designated driver duties
Meet fellow fans: Many shuttle services create a community vibe with other concertgoers
Cost-effective for groups: When you factor in parking, gas, and potential rideshare surge pricing, shuttles often make financial sense
Booking Your Red Rocks Shuttle
Book your shuttle as soon as you buy concert tickets, especially for popular summer weekend shows. Shuttle services sell out on high-demand nights. Most services require advance booking online.
Driving and Red Rocks Parking
If you prefer to drive yourself, Red Rocks offers free parking included with your concert ticket. However, there are important things to know about the parking situation.
Red Rocks Parking Lots
Red Rocks has five main parking lots accessible via four different entrances:
Upper North Lot: The most coveted parking spot at Red Rocks. Offers the easiest entry to the amphitheatre with the least amount of stairs and climbing. Provides access to both the top entrance (near the Visitor Center) and bottom entrance via a ramp. This lot fills up first; arrive early if you want to park here.
Lower North Lot: Larger than Upper North and easier to access if Upper North is full. Requires climbing the massive staircase on Trading Post Road to enter the venue. This is a rite of passage for Red Rocks concertgoers but involves a significant uphill walk.
Upper South Lot: Currently has ongoing construction with limited spaces. Provides access via a ramp up the side of Ship Rock. Has a designated ADA parking section.
Lower South Lots (1 & 2): Known as the "party lots" at Red Rocks where you'll find the most active tailgating scene. Expect longer walks to the venue but great pre-show atmosphere.
Top Circle Lot: Designated for limo and shuttle bus drop-offs.
Red Rocks Parking Cost and Hours
Parking at Red Rocks is free and included in your ticket price for most concerts. Parking lots open 2 hours before door time, and vehicles can remain until 10 AM the following day.
Arrive early to secure a good spot and avoid traffic. The Upper North Lot fills quickly, often within the first hour of lots opening.
Red Rocks Parking Tips
- GPS address: Use 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465 for most accurate directions
- Arrive 2+ hours early for sold-out shows to get your preferred lot
- Carpool to increase chances of finding parking and reduce environmental impact
- Know your entrance: There are four entrances off Highways 93 and 74
- Park as directed: Red Rocks staff will guide you; vehicles blocking traffic will be relocated
- Remember your parking spot: It's dark after shows and lots are large
- Expect a hike: All lots require walking uphill on partially dirt paths to reach the venue
- Wear appropriate shoes: Leave the stilettos at home; closed-toe walking shoes are essential
Uber and Lyft to Red Rocks
Using rideshare to get to Red Rocks is possible but comes with significant challenges, especially for the return trip.
Can You Take Uber to Red Rocks?
Yes, you can take Uber or Lyft to Red Rocks. Drop-off points are located at the Upper North Lot and Upper South Lot (18300 W Alameda Pkwy Morrison 80465 for Top Circle drop-off).
However, rideshare availability after concerts is extremely unreliable. Here's why:
Limited cell service: Mobile phone reception can be spotty in the mountain location, making it difficult to request a ride
Surge pricing: Expect 2-4x normal pricing after popular shows
Long wait times: Thousands of concertgoers all trying to get rides simultaneously creates massive delays
Pickup chaos: The designated pickup location (Jurassic Lot near Entrance 2) can be confusing and crowded
Driver shortage: Many rideshare drivers avoid Red Rocks pickup due to traffic and low availability of return fares
Uber/Lyft Recommendation
If you must use rideshare, consider taking it TO the venue but arranging alternative transportation (shuttle, designated driver) for the return trip. Many concertgoers have reported waiting 1-2 hours for rides after shows, sometimes well into the night.
Free Public Transportation to Red Rocks (Coming 2026)
Great news for sustainable transportation: A free pilot shuttle service will launch Memorial Day weekend 2026, connecting RTD's Golden Light Rail Station to Red Rocks and Morrison.
2026 Free Red Rocks Shuttle Details
Service period: Memorial Day through Labor Day 2026 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Route stops: Jefferson County Government Center at Golden Station, Matthews/Winters Park, Martin G. Lockley Center at Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rocks Trading Post, downtown Morrison, and Morrison Natural History Museum
Important limitation: This pilot program will NOT service concerts initially. It's designed for daytime park visitors and hikers. Concert shuttle expansion may come in future years based on pilot success.
What to Bring to Red Rocks
Red Rocks has specific rules about what you can and cannot bring into the amphitheatre. Here's everything you need to know:
Red Rocks Permitted Items
Bags: Single-pocket bags no larger than 13" x 15" x 8". Small purses and fanny packs up to 6" x 9" are allowed. Multi-pocket bags are prohibited.
Water and beverages: Factory-sealed non-alcoholic beverages up to 32 oz, OR empty reusable water bottles up to 32 oz. Hydration packs (CamelBaks) up to 2L are allowed but must be emptied and can have only one pocket besides the water reservoir.
Food: Personal snacks in a clear one-gallon plastic bag. Fruits and vegetables must be pre-sliced. Plastic utensils only. Soft-sided coolers up to 10" x 7" x 7".
Comfort items: Blankets up to 40" x 60", stadium seat cushions under 18" wide (no legs), seat cushions
Weather protection: Ponchos, raincoats, layers, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen
Other: Binoculars, personal point-and-shoot cameras (no removable lenses unless artist permits), empty poster tubes, prescription medication in original containers
Red Rocks Prohibited Items
- Bags larger than 13" x 15" x 8" or with multiple pockets
- Alcoholic beverages (can be consumed in parking lots but not brought into venue)
- Glass containers of any kind
- Professional cameras with removable lenses (unless artist approves)
- Umbrellas
- Gum (seriously, 50 pounds of gum was scraped off seats in 2023)
- Marijuana (consumption prohibited throughout park)
- Large open-flame barbecues, tents, canopies
- Weapons of any kind
What to Wear to Red Rocks
Think of a Red Rocks concert like a mild hike. Here's the ideal outfit:
Footwear: Closed-toe comfortable walking shoes are essential. You'll be walking on dirt, uphill, and climbing stairs. Sandals and heels are a bad idea.
Layers: Colorado weather changes rapidly. Bring a light jacket even if it's 80°F during the day; temperatures drop significantly after sunset at 6,450 feet elevation.
Sun protection: Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Even evening shows involve daytime tailgating and walking.
Rain gear: Pack a poncho or rain jacket. Colorado afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly.
Red Rocks Concert Tips for First-Timers
Arrive Early
Doors typically open 2 hours before showtime. Arrive when lots open to:
- Secure good parking
- Avoid entrance lines
- Enjoy tailgating atmosphere
- Explore the venue and grab merch before it sells out
- Get your preferred seating (for general admission shows)
Understand Red Rocks Seating
Red Rocks has 70 rows of seating carved into the natural rock formation. Lower row numbers are closer to the stage. The venue holds 9,525 people.
Reserved seating: Check your ticket for row and seat number. Rows 1 and 70 offer wheelchair-accessible seating.
General admission: Arrive early for best spots. Some people claim space on the planter boxes along the sides (bring a blanket for this).
Standing room: Many shows offer standing areas. Expect to be on your feet the entire show.
Pro tip: Sight lines are excellent from almost anywhere in the amphitheatre thanks to the natural design.
Prepare for Altitude
Red Rocks sits at approximately 6,450 feet elevation. Denver is already at 5,280 feet, but if you're visiting from sea level, the altitude can affect you.
Symptoms: Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea
Prevention:
- Drink significantly more water than usual
- Limit alcohol consumption, especially in your first 24-48 hours
- Pace yourself when climbing stairs
- Arrive a day early to acclimate if possible
- Consider taking it easy the day before a show
Navigate Bathrooms Strategically
Bathroom lines can be extremely long, especially for popular shows. Here are the insider tips:
- Use bathrooms during opening acts, not between sets
- The bathrooms on the north side of the stage (down the stairs) typically have shorter lines
- Go before you think you need to. Lines grow as the night progresses
- Men: Many concerts have expanded restroom facilities
Concessions and Food
Red Rocks features local Colorado vendors including Rolling Smoke BBQ, Anthony's Pizza, Birdcall, and Machete Tequila & Tacos. Prices are typical for concert venues (expect $12-15 for meals, $8-12 for drinks).
Refillable water stations are located throughout the venue. Bring that empty water bottle and use them.
Beer and wine are available for purchase. Alcohol is not permitted to be brought into the amphitheatre but can be consumed in parking lots before the show.
Weather Preparedness
Red Rocks is a fully outdoor venue with minimal covered areas. Shows proceed in almost all weather conditions.
Rain and hail: Common in Colorado afternoons. Your vehicle is often the safest shelter if severe weather requires evacuation. Keep your ticket stub for re-entry.
Sun exposure: You're fully exposed to the sun with no shade. Sunburn is common. Reapply sunscreen.
Cold: Even summer nights can drop into the 50s. Layers are essential.
Wind: The amphitheatre can be windy. Secure loose items.
Leave No Trace
Red Rocks is committed to sustainability. Sort your waste into compost, recycling, and landfill bins. Use refillable water stations instead of buying bottled water. Pack out what you pack in.
Where to Stay for Red Rocks Concerts
Choosing the right neighborhood to stay in makes a huge difference for Red Rocks concert logistics.
Why Capitol Hill Denver is Perfect for Red Rocks
Staying in Capitol Hill Denver offers the ideal combination of proximity, walkability, and local character for Red Rocks concertgoers:
Distance: Only 30 minutes from Red Rocks in normal traffic conditions
Neighborhood amenities: Return to excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and bars after the show
Direct booking advantage: Vacation rentals in Capitol Hill often cost less than downtown Denver hotels while offering more space and character
Easy highway access: Simple route via I-70 West to Red Rocks
Local vibe: Experience Denver like a resident, not a tourist
Other Denver Neighborhoods for Red Rocks Access
Golden (20 minutes): Closest town to Red Rocks with hotels and restaurants, but less nightlife
Downtown Denver (25-35 minutes): Maximum hotel options but higher prices and less character
LoDo (30-40 minutes): Downtown location with more bars and restaurants than Golden
Morrison (5 minutes): Tiny mountain town right at Red Rocks with very limited accommodation options
Red Rocks Concert Season and Booking
The Red Rocks concert season runs from April through November, with the busiest period being June through September. Concert announcements for the following season typically begin in August and continue through the winter.
Buying Red Rocks Tickets
Tickets are available through AXS (the official ticketing partner) and sometimes through artist presales. The Red Rocks Box Office is only open on show days, typically 4 hours before showtime.
Popular shows sell out quickly. Sign up for the Red Rocks newsletter or follow them on social media for announcements.
Best Time to Visit Red Rocks
May and September: Ideal weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, lower accommodation prices
June-August: Peak season with most shows but highest prices and crowds
April and October-November: Cooler weather but great shoulder-season deals
Red Rocks Beyond Concerts
Red Rocks Park is open to the public from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset every day (except on concert days when it closes around 2 PM for sound checks).
Non-Concert Activities at Red Rocks
Hiking: Multiple trails including the Trading Post Trail and Red Rocks Trail
Fitness: Morning yoga on the rocks (check schedule) and stair workouts are popular
Visitor Center: Free admission with exhibits on the venue's history and geology
Trading Post: Gift shop with Red Rocks merchandise
Photography: The natural formations are stunning, especially at sunrise
Film on the Rocks: Summer outdoor movie series
If you're visiting Denver, even without concert tickets, Red Rocks is worth a daytime visit to appreciate the incredible natural amphitheatre.
Planning Your Red Rocks Trip from Capitol Hill
Here's a sample timeline for a Red Rocks concert when staying in Capitol Hill Denver:
3:00 PM: Leave Capitol Hill for Red Rocks (lots open 2 hours before doors)
3:30 PM: Arrive at Red Rocks, park, set up tailgate spot
4:00-6:00 PM: Tailgate, explore venue, grab food and merch
6:00 PM: Doors open, find your seats
7:00 PM: Opening act
8:30 PM: Headliner
10:30 PM: Show ends, return to parking lot
11:30 PM: Back in Capitol Hill, grab late-night food or drinks in the neighborhood
Final Red Rocks Transportation Recommendations
Best for groups: Red Rocks shuttle services (shared cost, no parking hassle, responsible drinking)
Best for families: Drive yourself and park (flexibility, store extra items in car, leave when you want)
Best for solo travelers: Join a shuttle service to meet other fans
Best for locals: Uber/Lyft to the venue, prearranged ride home OR designate a driver in your group
Avoid: Relying on Uber/Lyft for the return trip from sold-out shows
Book Your Red Rocks Experience
Red Rocks Amphitheatre delivers one of the most spectacular concert experiences in the world. With proper planning for transportation and knowing what to expect, you'll create unforgettable memories in this natural wonder.
Looking for the perfect home base for your Red Rocks adventure? Capitol Hill Denver vacation rentals offer the ideal combination of location, value, and local character. You'll be close enough for an easy trip to the venue but far enough to enjoy Denver's best neighborhood for restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife when you return.
Start planning your Red Rocks concert trip today; and don't forget to book your transportation early!
Visiting Denver for Red Rocks? Stay in Capitol Hill for easy access to the venue, walkable neighborhood amenities, and authentic Denver character. Book direct and save on your Denver vacation rental.