Red Rocks Amphitheater

Sorry about the delay in getting this post out to you all. I was in a car accident about a week and a half ago and it’s impacted a lot of things. More on that another time. Let’s talk about something more fun!

Billy has family in town and we’ve been enjoying some getting out and about with them. Billy and some of them went skiing on Friday (not my cup of tea, so I stayed home). The next day we all went to check out Red Rocks Amphitheater. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do for quite a while and it’s on my “before we move to the Netherlands bucket list”. In discussing it, I mentioned how U2 had an iconic concert video shot (in 1983) at Red Rocks, pieces of which were then played a lot on MTV in the early years of MTV (back when they played music). Somehow this is part of my cultural touchstone, but not necessarily everyone’s. I need to remember to thank my Mom for getting me MTV as a kid as it shaped a lot of my memories and views, especially events like Live Aid.

Back to Red Rocks. It’s one of a handful of places in the front range area (Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, for example) where red rocks were formed and are now exposed. Basically there are layers and layers, including some aquatic evidence (which seems funny given how high up Colorado is now), which then got shoved up in the air in really cool formations.

I grew up in Colorado Springs where I visited Garden of the Gods a lot, and I could see how they were from the same geological events. Absolutely beautiful.

In order to do as little damage to the area as possible (that’s my guess), there are a bunch of little parking lots dotted around. Here’s a picture of me and Billy partway up a long and steep walkway from a nearby parking lot on our way to the amphitheater.

Walking from the parking lot up a long, steep walkway into the amphitheater.

Once you enter the amphitheater, there are a lot of stairs. A lot. And they go far up into the skies. Ok, maybe not that far, but it seems like it.

There’s a “normal” set of stairs (normal stair sized and made of red concrete) on the outside of the amphitheater seats, a set of tall stairs next to the bleacher seats, and then the bleacher style seats themselves, which make a sort of stairs. Many people go to the amphitheater to run up and down the various stairs as exercise. (I think they’re kind of crazy, but they’re obviously in better shape than me).

Here’s a picture of Billy and I partway up the regular steps on our way into the clouds.

Partway up the steps inside the amphitheater.

Another picture of us partway up the stairs, looking back down. Notice all the cool rocks and awesome views behind us too.

Looking back at the steps we’ve done so far.

More beautiful views behind us. I’m resting really, making the excuse that I want to take pictures. 🙂 The steps are pretty aerobic and tiring for some of us.

Yay kisses! Part way to the top, and great views behind us.

We finally made it! From the top you can see a lot of Denver and surrounding area. Note the large rock outcrop on the left; there’s pretty much a matching one on the right. Beautiful scenery and I do love the red rocks.

Finally at the top! Looking back, you can see the stairs and amphitheater.

Another closer shot of the stage and the rocks right around it. It was the day before Easter and they were setting up the stage, sound, and lights. Billy and I spent a few minutes observing some of the gear and setup. 🙂

Red Rocks Amphitheater in March 2018, close shot.

A beautiful, sunny day (we lathered on sunscreen) and we all enjoyed walking around the amphitheater, the welcome center, and the trading post. Billy and the others went for a walk on a 1.5 mile trail from the trading post, and I decided to look around the music hall of fame in the building while they were gone. There was a lot of John Denver memorabilia and other information about concerts and recordings done in Colorado, all of which I enjoyed looking at.

All in all, a great day and I’m really glad I got to see it before moving, and I’m glad I got to enjoy the experience with other people who had fun with it as well. 🙂