CK Finally Made it to Red Rocks...

Recently I had the opportunity to visit Red Rocks (originally called the "Garden of the Angels"), an iconic and historic concert amphitheater venue right outside of Denver, Colorado (one of two Denver National Historical Landmarks).  Even though the venue is in technically in Morrison, it's owned by the City of Denver. 

The visit was bittersweet, because, prior to relocating to Colorado, I pulled the 2020 Summer concert list and highlighted several shows I planned to see.  I had even started making plans with my friend in San Clemente, CA to come visit me for a Pink Floyd cover band show.  I kept high hopes, and he warned me that the "two weeks" to lower the curve was just the beginning.  Turns out, he was right.  Denver cancelled all concerts at Red Rocks for the summer of 2020.  Silver lining: I am really glad I didn't purchase my tickets in advance!   

Alas, I finally made it out to Red Rocks on a beautiful autumn day to see the venue for myself.  For a Friday afternoon (right before sunset), I was surprised by the number of visitors walking the park.  I'll start by saying, I had no idea the amount of steps you have to climb to reach the amphitheater!  Wow, what a thigh burner!

(Heavy panting)

(Heavy Panting - Part Deux) 

(The stage at sunset)

(The sunshine over Denver)

Also, here are some cool tidbits and facts about Red Rocks, 
(compliments of my Google research skills...)

• Red Rocks was discovered in 1820 during an Army expedition.  It took the Civilian Conservation Corp 12 years to complete Red Rocks after dynamiting through the massive rocks to create the seating area.  It's hard to imagine, but Red Rocks used to be an ocean floor.  And, the rock formations are from an sediment spreading alluvial fan.
• The theater was modeled after the Theater of Dionysus in Athens, Greece.
• From the top row vantage point, you can see all the way to Denver International Airport, which is 26 miles away.  Sitting on the top row, a spectator is at the elevation of 6,435 feet above sea level.
• Red Rocks has two massive monoliths called "Creation Rock" and "Ship Rock."  These are 300 feet tall and rival London's "Big Ben."
• Every headliner gets a piece of the sandstone rock with their name carved into it.  The hallway leading backstage is lined with signatures of band members who have played at the venue.
• There is an Urban Legend circulating about a ghost called "The Headless Hatchet Lady."  According to legend, she preys on amorous teens.
• The venue was purchased in 1927 for $54,133 (inflation would make this equivalent to $744,362 today).  The venue was first purchased in 1872 has changed ownership 22 times since then.
• Red Rocks gets its color from iron oxide which is the same component that gives blood and rust its unique color.

• Red Rocks is over 200 million years of rock formation!
• Approximately 750,000 non-concert goers visit Red Rocks each year.
• There are 8700 seats at Red rocks, give or take.  If you line the seats side by side they would span 2.5 miles.  This makes Red Rocks a great destination for runners and fitness enthusiast (as it's a great training center...from the stage to the top row is 100 foot elevation difference.)
• The grounds are considered sacred by 32 Native American Indian tribes.  The area used to be inhabited by the Utes.
• Movie goers can come to Red Rocks for big screen showings.  The first movie shown at Red Rocks was in 2000 and it was Coppola's "The Godfather."  Also, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra performed.
• Breaking the record for most consecutive shows in a row at Red Rocks?  Huey Lewis and the News
• Widespread Panic holds the current record for the most performances at Red Rocks.  The first rock concert at Red Rocks was in 1959 featuring singer-songwriter Ricky Nelson.
• Red Rocks hosts Yoga on the Rocks.  I definitely have this on my bucket list for 2021.
• Red Rocks also hosts Sunrise Service for Easter...another bucket list item.  Easter Sunrise Service was actually the first ever event held at Red Rocks on April 6, 1947.

This guy seriously sounded like a full blow locomotion train

with his breathing pattern.  Great interval training.

Some crazy stuff that's gone down at Red Rocks:

• I couldn't verify this through an online sources; however a friend of mine who grew up in Boulder and visited Red Rocks multiple times told this story: A hippie girl climbed one of the monoliths during a Grateful Dead show, took some acid, thought the crowd was a swimming pool to dive into,  and did a swan dive into the crowd.  Ouch!
• After some pretty naughty behavior at the Ray Charles (1962) and Peter, Paul and Mary (1964) shows, the City banned alcohol (the venue was previously BYOB) at Red Rocks.  It was later brought back in the 90s and concert goers could purchase alcohol at in-house concessions at the venue.
• During a Schoolboy Q concert in 2014, three people were shot.
• The Beatles 1964 show on their first American tour DID NOT sell out at Red Rocks.  What's up, Colorado?!?  Let me repeat, this was their only American show that did not sell out.
• At a Jethro Tull concert (1971) fans stormed the gates and a riot broke out.  Law enforcement used tear gas on the crowd while the band continued to perform.  Denver cancelled all remaining concerts for that month.  The Denver Mayor (reminiscent of "Footloose" banned rock music at Red Rocks.  However, famed concert promoter Barry Fey helped lift the ban 5 years later.

Feeding time at the Red Rocks "zoo"...saw these guys 

on the drive out of the park.

These last two shots are not my pictures.  I actually downloaded it offline.

But, since I could not produce an actual concert picture from this Summer

I wanted to show what Red Rocks looks like during a show.

Thanks for visiting, friends, and have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

Love, 

CK