See a concert inside a naturally formed sandstone amphitheatre at Red Rocks
The rocks were already there
An open-air amphitheatre seated between two enormous sandstone monoliths in the foothills, with the plains visible behind the stage. The rock walls were not built or clad — the venue was fitted into a formation that was already there.
Why it's unique
The acoustics are a consequence of geology rather than engineering. The two monoliths form a natural sound chamber that concert halls have tried and failed to reproduce, which is why artists talk about it the way they do.
There are other outdoor amphitheatres and other beautiful ones. There is not another where the walls are three-hundred-foot sandstone fins laid down two hundred million years before anyone thought to put a stage between them.
Before you go
Visiting is free and the venue stays open to the public on non-show days, which is the version most visitors never think to do. Locals run the steps as a workout and you can walk the stage.
Bring layers regardless of the forecast. It sits several hundred feet above the city and drops fast after dark, and there is no cover if the weather turns.