Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is located 15 miles west of Denver, Colorado in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Surrounding the amphitheatre are two monumental rocks (called Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that arch 300 feet into the sky, taller than the Niagara Falls, according to Redrocksonline.com.
History
The sandstone rocks are riveting to all ages. Paleontologists and geologists love Red Rocks because they have found fossils from the sea serpent, plesiosaur, plant life and dinosaur prints dating back 160 million years.
Visiting
More than 750,000 tourists visit Red Rocks each year. The amphitheatre hosts a variety of concerts each year with 350,000 people attending concerts annually. Others choose its stunning beauty to hold their wedding, meetings or functions at the facility.
Tours
According to Redrocksonline.com, tours feature paleontology, music history, geology and Civilian Conservation Corporation exhibits. Red Rocks Park is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the year.
Hikes
The Trading Post loop hiking trail is 1.4 miles in length, and goes through "spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow," according to Redrocksonline.com. Rock climbing is prohibited.
Wildlife
Rattlesnakes like to sun themselves on the rocks.
Bird watchers will see the mountain blue jay, golden crowned sparrows, the American kestrel and more. Tamer animals include the mule deer, skunks, raccoons and foxes. Beware that Red Rocks also includes venomous, sunbathing rattlesnakes and mountain lions.
Fun Facts
Dinosaur Ridge is located close to Red Rocks, where you can see actual dinosaur footprints. For more information, see the link in Resources. According to Redrocksonline.com, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre was once listed as among the Seven Wonders of the World.
Tags: Rocks Park, each year
