At Red Rocks you are surrounded by 738 total acres of deer, dinosaurs, pines and prairie, geological wonders and spectacular vistas. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological phenomenon – the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world comprised of two, 300 foot monoliths. From Sting and The Beatles, to opera stars and U2, every artist aspires to play on this magical, spiritual and emotional stage. It’s official opening was in 1941, but there were events held on a temporary stage as early as 1906.

THE GEOLOGY OF RED ROCKS

Gradual earth movement slowly raised the great sandstone ledges from the prehistoric ocean floor, to form the “walls” of the amphitheater. Within these walls is contained a record book of the ages as nearby dinosaur tracks tell of the Jurassic period of 160 million years ago. Fossil fragments of the giant 40-foot sea serpent, Plesiosaur, the marine reptile Mosasaurus, and flying reptiles captivate students and geologists alike.

Some of the rock formations in Red Rocks slope as much as 90 degrees, while others tilt backwards. The southern monolith, that bears resemblance to a ship, is named “Ship Rock.” On the opposite side of the amphitheater stands “Creation Rock.” Both of the monoliths are taller than Niagara Falls and Red Rocks Amphitheatre was once listed as among the Seven Wonders of the World.