Tips For Dealing With The Elevation At Red Rocks

The Red Rocks Amphitheater is Colorado’s most iconic venue. The amphitheater which is sitatued in the Red Rocks Park, a unique site famous for its gigantic rock formations. It’s incredibly awesome that a natural amphitheater like this was created by nature, with a stunning natural slope. Hence, when this site was discovered in 1820, the former “Garden of Titans” was built to become a highly unique venue! Today, the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado is the state’s most popular concert venue, with hundreds of thousands of fans flocking in to see their favorite artists. But one thing you must know, if you’re a first timer in this joint, is that the venue has an altitude of 6,450 feet! Yes, it’s an awesome venue, but here are some tips you must know on how to deal with the venue’s altitude!

red rocks rows

HISTORY

First of all, the venue has been there since 1906. It was discovered in the late 1800s but it was’t until Denver-based architect Burnham F. Hoyt came in to design a state of the art outdoor amphitheater. The structure and its elevation was maintained while the design followed its natural slope. The venue turned out to be a stunning setting for outdoor concerts and people from all across the globe had even traveled to Denver for a chance to attend a show here.

Despite having an elevation of 6,450 feet, the venue continues to be a favorite among concert goers in Colorado. The venue has a capacity of 9,525 and seats can go all the way up to 70 rows. The bleacher style seats make it easy for audiences to manuevre the way around the venue but if you happen to be seated at the 70th row, you may feel a little weird considering you’re so high up above sea level. Despite the elevation, the venue’s view of the stage (wherever you are seated) is still breathtaking. The Red Rocks is famous for its iconic stage backdrop, a large limestock formations which has been named as Ship Rock, Creation Rock, and Stage Rock.

8 Tips For Red Rocks Elevation

TIPS ON DEALING WITH ELEVATION

It’s totally awesome to visit this venue for a concert or just a simple stroll. Some folks even come here to do yoga, jogging, and other sorts of exercises. The Red Rocks Park is definitely the place to be. So how will you deal with the elevation that comes with visiting this venue? All in all, elevation sickness at the Red Rocks Amphitheater is very rare. But it wouldn’t hurt to know about these tips. Ultimately, you’re sure to have a blast as this venue has been known for its excellent management and customer service. Here are some of the most useful tips that concert attendees have attested to.

1. Arrive early at the venue.

You’ve got about 10,000 music fans trying to enter the venue at the same time. When dealing with elevation, the best way is to go slow. Walk up the stairs slowly. Taking your time will let you adjust to elevation much better. It would hard to take slow steps when you’ve got expert Red Rocks fans waiting behind you. So again, better arrive early.

2. Drink plenty of water.

You’re able to purchase water from the several concession stands in the venue. Staying hydrated will help you deal with the elevation better than when you’re parched. Try to leave the alcohol alone until you’ve adjusted. Also bring a Gatorade if you can. There are also water refilling stations around the area.

3. Take alcohol in moderation.

If you are consuming alcoholic drinks, best to take it in moderation and eat foods high in potassium.

4. Plan your steps.

Although it’s tempting to go around the venue and climb its many stairs, it’s best to take things slow. Take pauses in between trips. Don’t go up high too fast. 

5. Arrive one day early.

If you’ve never been to the Red Rocks before and you’re traveling to Morrison just to see a show, better arrive one day early. Folks who live at sea level and suddenly go way up high too fast might have trouble adjusting. So arrive early, you can book the many accoomodations around the vicinity. Let yourself adjust so you can have a fuss free concert day. If you want to know of things to do and where to stay, check out our Plan Your Trip page for our ultimate recommendations.

6. Bring sunblock.

If you’re visiting the venue during the day, it can get pretty sunny especially during the summer. Always equip yourself with sunblock to avoid possible sunburns.

7. Know the map.

The Red Rocks Amphitheater map is your friend. You will need this to know your way around the venue. 

8. Come equipped.

Other things that you should bring include rain gear, comfortable footwear, and a cushion or blanket. Depending on how erratic the weather can be, you might want to consider dressing in layers.

red rocks sunset

OTHER AWESOME FEATURES 

Besides its great view of the stage. The venue’s got several awesome features including top caliber sound and lights. Red Rocks is equipped with state of the art technology ensuring a fantastic visual and aural experience. The venue also has a ton of amazing scenes to check out, including the art exhibit, the Red Rocks Hall of Fame, hiking and biking trails, trading post, and the visitor center. The Red Rocks also has several entry and exit points, plus pick up points for a hassle free entry and exit from the venue. 

The venue has consistently updated its facilities and execute plenty of improvements including refurbishment of bathrooms, its official bar, the Ship Rock Grille, addition of a family and all gender bathroom. 

If you’re keen on seeing the most exciting concert and have an out of this world venue experience. You should consider checking out the Red Rocks Amphitheater! Whether you’re taking a day trip or staying for a few days, you’re sure to have the most terrific time. So hurry and check out upcoming shows over at this fantastic concert destination! We promise you won’t regret it!

red rocks crowd

REVIEWS FROM FANS

“It’s so cool that you can visit the amphitheater when a show isn’t on. It’s such a cool venue. We enjoyed walking around & taking photos from different vantage points. Later we went to the trading post and hiked around a bit. We could hear some music coming from the venue. It was sooo beautiful & unreal. I’m so glad we visited!,” said a review from Tripadvisor.
Nickelcitygirl from Canada mentioned “Attending a concert at Red Rocks was on our bucket list, and we are so glad we made it there! What an amazing venue. It’s just such a special spot, where so many iconic musicians have performed. Because it’s an outdoor venue, be prepared for the weather! It had been snowing earlier in the day and was chilly the night we were there. We brought lots of layers and wore them all by the end of the night.”
Over on Yelp, the Red Rocks has also garnered plenty of awesome reviews. “I’ve only been to Red Rocks twice in my three years living in Denver and every time has been so unforgettable and special. This venue is truly like no other with the beautiful rocks surrounding you, the view of the sunset over the skyline and the fresh air,” said Ellie B from Denver, Colorado.
Lastly, Veronica R. from Texas had this to say about her experience, “This was an amazing venue, Location, direction facing of venue setup, food and weather. Several parking lots but when full you must park elsewhere. Leaving the venue was smooth and amazingly fast. Audio was great and didn’t feel that it was crazy loud like other venues where your ears are ringing. There are lots of stairs no matter where you park.”