Things to Do & Attractions Near Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (2025)

Red Rocks Amphitheatre isn’t just a concert venue, it’s a destination. The towering sandstone formations create one of the most spectacular settings for live music in the world. But when traveling for music events, savvy fans know that extending your stay to explore the surrounding area can transform a simple concert trip into an unforgettable vacation.

For visitors in 2025, the area surrounding Red Rocks offers more attractions and activities than ever before. Whether you have a few hours before a show or are planning a multi day live music getaway, this natural wonder sits at the gateway to both Denver’s urban excitement and Colorado’s mountain majesty.

At Red Rocks Park Itself

Before exploring further afield, don’t miss what the park itself has to offer beyond the concert experience:

Hiking Trails

• Trading Post Trail: 1.4 mile loop with stunning rock formation views
• Red Rocks Trail: 6 mile path connecting to Matthews/Winters Park
• Geological Overlook Trail: Short but steep path with panoramic views
• New for 2025: The Connection Trail linking the Upper Lot to the Trading Post

The park opens at 5:00 AM and stays open until two hours after sunrise, allowing for breathtaking dawn hikes when the red rocks glow in the morning light. Trails are well maintained and range from easy walks to moderate hikes. For 2025, new interpretive signs have been added, explaining the geological history of the formations.

Red Rocks Visitor Center & Museum

Located at the top of the Red Rocks amphitheatre, this free attraction showcases the venue’s rich musical history. Exhibits feature iconic performers, the geological formation of the rocks, and the amphitheatre’s construction. In 2025, the center unveiled a new interactive exhibit where visitors can experience the acoustics that make Red Rocks famous.

The “Colorado Music Hall of Fame” section pays tribute to artists with strong connections to the state. Don’t miss the wall of signed memorabilia from legendary performers throughout the decades.

Dinosaur Discoveries

Red Rocks sits in an area rich with dinosaur fossils. Throughout the park, you’ll find fossil imprints and marked locations where important paleontological discoveries have been made. For dinosaur enthusiasts, these prehistoric connections add another dimension to the park’s natural beauty.

Ship Rock Grille

Beyond just a restaurant, the Ship Rock Grille offers panoramic views that make it worth a visit even if you’re not hungry. For 2025, they’ve expanded their patio seating and created a special “Concert Day” menu featuring quick options for those heading to shows.

Morrison: The Gateway Town

The small town of Morrison sits just minutes from Red Rocks and offers several worthwhile attractions:

Morrison Natural History Museum

This small but fascinating museum houses an impressive collection of fossils discovered in the surrounding area, including several “first of their kind” dinosaur specimens. The knowledgeable staff offers hands on experiences that both children and adults appreciate.

For music lovers traveling in 2025, the museum has added a special exhibit on the “Sounds of Prehistory,” examining how the area’s geology affects acoustics, from dinosaur calls to modern concerts.

Bear Creek Trail

This gentle riverside path follows Bear Creek through Morrison and provides a peaceful nature walk with opportunities for wildlife viewing. The trail connects to larger trail systems for those wanting more extensive hiking options. Recently improved with new signage in 2025, it’s ideal for a pre concert stroll.

Historic Downtown Morrison

Despite its small size, Morrison’s main street offers antique shops, boutiques, and local art galleries perfect for souvenir hunting. The town’s historic buildings date back to the late 1800s, providing a glimpse into Colorado’s past. Walking tours are available through the Morrison Heritage Museum.

Golden: Historic Charm (15-20 Minutes from Red Rocks)

Just a short drive from Red Rocks, the town of Golden offers a perfect blend of historic charm and outdoor adventure:

Coors Brewery Tour

• Experience: Self guided tour of the world’s largest single site brewery
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Cost: Free (21+ only)
• Highlight: Complimentary beer samples in the tasting room

The famous Coors Brewery offers tours showing the brewing process from start to finish. In 2025, they’ve added a new “Music & Malts” program featuring a rotating exhibit connecting Colorado’s brewing and music histories.

Clear Creek White Water Park

Active visitors can try kayaking, tubing, or just wading in Clear Creek, which runs through downtown Golden. Equipment rentals are available from several outfitters along the creek. The gentle rapids near downtown are perfect for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture further upstream for bigger challenges.

Colorado Railroad Museum

Train enthusiasts will appreciate this comprehensive collection of narrow gauge locomotives and railroad artifacts. The museum features over 100 engines, cars, and pieces of railroad equipment, many restored to their original condition. Special “ride days” allow visitors to experience historic trains in action.

In 2025, they’ve added a new exhibit connecting railroad history to Colorado’s music venues, highlighting how rail travel helped establish Denver as a music city.

Lookout Mountain

Just west of Golden, this mountain offers stunning views of the Front Range and plains beyond. The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave sits at its summit, commemorating the famous showman who chose this spot as his final resting place. The twisting drive up Lookout Mountain Road is an attraction itself.

Idaho Springs: Mountain Town Charm (30 Minutes from Red Rocks)

A bit further but worth the drive, Idaho Springs represents your first taste of true mountain town Colorado:

Indian Hot Springs

After a long night of dancing at a concert, these natural hot springs offer perfect relaxation. Options include geothermal cave baths, private baths, and an outdoor swimming pool, all fed by natural mineral waters. In 2025, they’ve added new massage services specifically targeting “post concert recovery.”

Whitewater Rafting

Several outfitters offer rafting trips down Clear Creek with options ranging from family friendly floats to adrenaline pumping rapids. Half day trips fit perfectly before an evening show at Red Rocks. The 2025 season brings new “Express Adventures” designed specifically for people who to concerts with limited time.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

The highest paved road in North America takes you to the summit of 14,265 foot Mount Evans. The drive offers spectacular views and wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Allow 3-4 hours for the round trip from Idaho Springs. For 2025, a new reservation system helps manage traffic during peak times.

Denver Attractions (30-45 Minutes from Red Rocks)

Colorado’s capital offers countless urban attractions to complement your Red Rocks experience:

Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station

This immersive art experience defies easy description, offering visitors a mind bending journey through surreal environments. The four story exhibition features work from over 300 artists and includes music inspired installations that resonate with concert fans.

For 2025, they’ve added a “Sound Chamber” exhibit that will particularly appeal to music fans traveling for events at Red Rocks.

Denver Botanic Gardens

• Size: 24 acres of themed gardens
• Highlight: Japanese Garden and the Orangery conservatory
• Special for 2025: Extended summer hours before Red Rocks shows
• Added Bonus: Their own summer concert series

These beautiful gardens provide a peaceful contrast to concert excitement. Various microclimates create diverse garden experiences, from desert plants to water features. The gardens frequently host their own smaller music events, making this a perfect stop for music enthusiasts.

Red Rocks Themed Brewery Tour

Colorado’s craft beer scene pairs perfectly with its music culture. Several breweries, including Strange Craft, Ratio Beerworks, and Great Divide, have created Red Rocks themed beers and tasting rooms with music memorabilia. Custom tours connecting these music loving breweries have become popular live music getaway additions.

A new shuttle service launched for 2025 allows visitors to enjoy a brewery tour without worrying about driving to their concert later.

RiNo Art District

Denver’s River North Art District has transformed from industrial area to creative hub. Street art, galleries, innovative restaurants, and boutique shops make this neighborhood perfect for preconcert exploration. The district frequently hosts street performances and pop up music events, especially on weekends.

Outdoor Adventures (Various Distances)

Colorado’s natural playground offers endless outdoor opportunities within reasonable distance of Red Rocks:

Dinosaur Ridge

Just minutes from Red Rocks, this outdoor museum features visible dinosaur fossils and footprints embedded in the rock. The main trail takes about 1-2 hours to explore. For 2025, new augmented reality displays allow visitors to visualize the prehistoric landscape through their smartphones.

Hiking at Three Sisters Park

Located near Evergreen (about 20 minutes from Red Rocks), this park offers several trail options with mountain views and rock formations similar to Red Rocks but with fewer crowds. The Alderfer/Three Sisters Park has trails ranging from easy 1 mile loops to challenging climbs.

Fly Fishing on Clear Creek

Several outfitters offer guided fly fishing trips, including gear rental and instruction for beginners. The creek’s accessibility makes it possible to enjoy a morning of fishing before an afternoon sound check or evening show. Half day guided trips are perfect for concert day scheduling.

Seasonal Special Events (2025)

Depending on when your Red Rocks concert takes place, these seasonal music events might coincide with your visit:

Summer: Buffalo Bill Days in Golden (July 2025)

This four day festival includes a parade, authentic western music, mutton bustin’, and other old west demonstrations. The event celebrates Golden’s connection to the famous showman.

Fall: Oktoberfest Celebrations (September 2025)

Both Morrison and Golden host authentic German celebrations featuring craft beer, traditional food, and live music. It is a perfect complement to fall concerts at Red Rocks.

Live Music Getaway Travel Tips

When planning activities around your Red Rocks concert:

• Timing: Allow more time than you think you’ll need. Colorado’s relaxed pace and mountain roads can make schedules unpredictable.
• Weather Preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly; bring layers and rain gear regardless of the forecast.
• Altitude Awareness: Many visitors underestimate the effects of altitude. Stay hydrated and pace yourself, especially with alcohol.
• Transportation Planning: Some attractions offer shuttle services to Red Rocks. You can ask when booking activities.
• Advance Reservations: For popular activities in 2025, especially during peak summer months, book experiences in advance.

Key Takeaways for Exploring Around Red Rocks

When traveling for music events at Red Rocks, the surrounding area offers attractions that can transform your concert trip into a complete Colorado experience. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, the region provides perfect complements to your musical journey.

For 2025, many attractions have created concert friendly scheduling and transportation options, recognizing that Red Rocks visitors represent a significant portion of their traffic. Whether you have a few hours or several days, the area rewards exploration with experiences as memorable as the concerts themselves.

The region surrounding Red Rocks embodies the Colorado spirit that makes this music venue so special. It’s a blend of natural beauty, adventurous activities, and cultural richness. When planning your live music getaway, allocating time to explore these nearby attractions ensures you’ll leave with a deeper connection to the place that has hosted legendary performances for generations.