Red Rocks Park: Day Trips and Tours from Denver

Whether you like rock ‘n roll, or prefer rock formations, Red Rocks Park has most certainly popped up on your radar. This Colorado institution is known as one of the best music venues in the world but it is also one of the most unique.

Soaring red sandstone rocks frame a 10,000-seater amphitheater while the canyons of Colorado lay beyond as the most dramatic backdrop west of the Mississippi. Explore this iconic landmark on a day trip to Red Rocks Park from Denver to see where legends like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and U2 have graced the stage.

Here's all you need to know about Red Rocks Park, one of the most exciting day trips from Denver.

How to get to Red Rocks from Denver?

Red Rocks is on the Western outskirts of Denver.

From Denver to Red Rocks by car

Red Rocks is only 25 kilometers from Denver, an easy 30-minute drive. Take the US-6 W for about 15 minutes then take the offramp onto the I-70 W. Follow the highway for a few kilometers then take exit 259 onto County Road 93 which takes you to Red Rocks.

Guided tour to Red Rocks from Denver

Although it is easy to drive from Denver to Red Rocks, a guided tour to Red Rocks is still the best way to visit this iconic location. These tours take all the stress out of planning an excursion yourself, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the ride.

What is the typical itinerary?

There are a few itineraries to choose from when you are looking at a day tour to Red Rocks. One of the most popular options is a half-day tour that starts with a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Next, you will visit Lookout Mountain to get a gorgeous view of Denver’s cityscape. The drive back to the city is a scenic one, taking you on Lariat Loop through the towns of Golden, Evergreen, and Morrison.

Another popular tour takes you into the charming town of Evergreen Lake to explore its historic main street and stop for a quick drink before visiting Echo Lake Park. You will drive up Squaw Pass and stop to admire the brilliant Rocky Mountains National Park and Continental Divide.

The Echo Lake is a beautiful high-altitude glacial lake at the base of Mount Evans where you can walk around and breathe in some fresh mountain air.

If geology is your game, book a tour that combines Red Rocks, Dinosaur Ridge and Phoenix Gold Mine. At the end of your 7-hour day trip, you will visit Idaho Springs to dine at a beloved southern-style barbeque restaurant.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Red Rocks?

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips to Red Rocks. Choose an itinerary that covers your interests and enjoy a lovely day out of the city with one of these tours:

Guided tours to Red Rocks from Denver

There are several itineraries to choose from if you want to do a group tour to Red Rocks. This iconic location is close to the city so add a few extra stops along the way for a lovely day trip.

You can visit gold mines and prospecting towns, see stunning lakes and drive on scenic mountain passes. You can even choose to go as far as Breckenridge for an epic day in the snow.  

Group day trips to Red Rocks and beyond usually start from Union Station or a location nearby and last around 4 hours if it is a half-day tour or 7-8 hours if it is a full-day trip.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Red Rocks from Denver

This is the most convenient and responsible way to enjoy a concert at Red Rocks. Book a shuttle service to take you to and from the venue, ensuring you are on time and having a good time. This service also includes a tailgating option where you can enjoy some pre-drinks ahead of the concert along with your fellow music fans.

Private tour to Red Rocks from Denver

A private day tour to Red Rocks is a great way to see the sights of Colorado at your own pace. Your guide will show you everything you want to see and you can take your time exploring the magnificent Red Rocks, Idaho Springs, Echo Lake, Mount Evans and more.

You can book a small vehicle or a larger van for a private group of people and customize your itinerary to your liking.  Your guide will pick you up at a central location or your hotel if it is within city limits, the ultimate convenience factor.

How much does a day trip to Red Rocks from Denver cost?

A half-day trip to Red Rocks and a select few other locations will cost around US$80 per person.

A full-day tour to Red Rocks that lasts around 8 hours costs US$140 per person or US$190 per person with lunch. If you want to do a group tour that includes the Gold Mine and Dinosaur Tracks it will cost US$180 per person.

A private tour to Red Rocks and the surrounding attractions costs US$290 per person but a larger group size brings down the price. A group of 6 will only pay US$135 per person.

A basic shuttle service to Red Rocks costs US$80 per person but a group booking of up to 7 people is US$300 with a tailgating service.

What will you see and do?

There are several stops in the Red Rocks region, making your day jam-packed and full of sights to see. The Red Rocks Amphitheater, visitors center and Hall of Fame are all the main attractions, taking you on a journey through this icon’s musical and geological history.

The tours have various options for the rest of the itinerary. You can visit quaint western towns like Evergreen where the prospecting legacy of Colorado is still alive and well. There are also natural attractions on the menu like a stop at Echo Lake to see the pristine glacier lake or a scenic drive on the mountain pass of Mount Evans.

For something a bit more niche, you can visit the Gold Mine and Dinosaur Tracks to learn about Colorado’s post-colonial history but also its Jurassic past.

The region around Denver is a treasure trove of attractions and your day trip to Red Rocks will be one for the books.

What are the opening times?

Red Rocks Park's opening hours differ throughout the year but it is scheduled to open one hour before sunrise and close one hour after sunset, each day of the year. Concert days will affect opening hours.

When is the best time to visit Red Rocks?

Colorado is prone to adverse weather conditions and late spring and autumn tend to have the mildest conditions. In the winter it can be snowy and cold at Red Rocks and in the summer it is very hot so shoulder seasons provide the best weather.

What are the other day trips from Denver?

• Day trips to Pikes Peak from Denver
• Garden of the Gods day tours from Denver
• Day tours to Mount Evans from Denver

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes to walk on the uneven terrain at Red Rocks.
• Bring something warm as it can get chilly at high-altitude lookout points.
• Red Rocks is primarily a concert venue to check the concert schedule before booking your day trip as this might affect your experience.
• Bring a refillable water bottle to enjoy free refills from your guide.