Nestled in the stunning mountains of Jefferson County, Colorado, the Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States. As a main feature of Red Rocks Park, visitors have the chance to hike, bike and camp in the surrounding areas and take in the natural splendor of the surrounding landscape. The park takes up 868 acres and sits at 6,450 feet above sea level and is known for its dynamic red sandstone rocks which jut out of the surrounding area and give visitors a chance to see plants, birds and other wildlife. Of course, the main highlight of the area is the amphitheatre itself, which is the only naturally-occurring venue in the world that offers perfect acoustics.
The area was originally under the stewardship of John Brisben Walker in the early 1900s, who saw the potential of the natural amphitheatre and produced a series of musical performances at the venue throughout the decade. It wasn't until the late 1920s that George Cranmer, manager of Denver Parks, convinced the city to purchase the land and turn it into a true public space. The actual construction of the venue took over 12 years and was opened in 1941. The two large monoliths on either side of the seating area are called Ship Rock and Creation Rock, both of which are taller than Niagara Falls. The amphitheater was known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and its inclusion to that list shows just how breathtaking the venue truly is.
The amphitheater is one of the most highly-regarded venues in the music industry, and countless artists have come to play at the storied locale. Musicians and groups such as The Beatles, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, U2, The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix and many more. The amphitheater has also become very popular for live recordings and DVD releases, thanks to its picturesque setting and dynamic acoustics.
While the Red Rocks Amphitheater is known worldwide for its concerts and other large-scale exhibitions, at its heart the venue is a public park. Guided tours are offered each day which will teach visitors about the history of the amphitheater, its unique geology and the surrounding wildlife. Whether visitors are camping, hiking or coming in for a show, the Red Rocks Amphitheater is an awe-inspiring spot that will surely make an impact on all who make the trip.