Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of Colorado’s crown jewels when it comes to live music. Nestled among stunning sandstone formations just west of Denver, the venue offers unparalleled views, top-tier acoustics, and an unforgettable concert experience. But if you're attending a general admission (GA) show at Red Rocks for the first time, there are some important things to know about claiming a row spot, arriving early for GA, and how to be ready to hike those famous stone steps.
Having spent over a decade covering Colorado shows, best place to eat morrison behind the scenes as a street-team volunteer, and scaling Red Rocks from top row to front row, I’m here to share hard-earned tips and insider advice to make sure your first GA experience is smooth, comfortable, and memorable. I've seen this play out countless times: thought they could save money but ended up paying more.. Let’s dive in!
1. Why Arriving Early for GA is Non-Negotiable
Red Rocks' general admission section is famously first-come, first-served. Unlike assigned seating, there are no reserved spots, so arriving early for GA is critical if you want a decent seat or standing room near the stage. Expect the venue entrance lines to start forming at least 2-3 hours before doors open, especially during popular shows in summer and fall.
Planning Your Arrival
- Park Early: Limited parking and road access means plan for extra time getting to the venue. The roads leading up to Red Rocks (Morrison and Bear Creek Canyon) can get congested. I recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before the official door time—sometimes even earlier if you want front rows. Wear Layers: Colorado weather is known for rapid swings. One minute it can be sunny and warm, the next chilly with a breeze. Bring a light jacket or hoodie you can peel off or throw back on. Have a Plan for Entry Points: There are multiple gates at Red Rocks, but for GA, the main north gates tend to be the busiest and most direct. Follow signage and staff instructions rather than crowd behavior to avoid confusion.
Why So Early?
“But I’ll just show up right at doors,” some say—and then get stuck behind hundreds of others who thought the same. Trust me, showing up late in GA usually results in being stuck way up in the top rows or on uneven stone seating with poor sightlines. The early bird not only gets the seat but avoids long post-show crowd bottlenecks.
2. General Admission Seating Strategy: Claiming a Row Spot and Hiking Those Steps
Once inside, your next challenge begins: choosing where to watch. Red Rocks’ GA sections are comprised mostly of long stone bench rows carved directly into the natural rock formations—not your traditional cushioned stadium seats.
Claiming a Row Spot Without Being “That Person”
- Don’t Reserve Entire Rows: It’s common for groups to try and reserve whole rows by stashing belongings, but this is rude and often challenged. If you want a spot for friends arriving later, leave just enough space for 2-3 people on either side. Be Mindful of Foot Traffic: Rows are narrow, so avoid blocking others’ paths. Allow easy access so everyone can get in and out of spots. Scout Your Row Early: Walk the rows before the show to see which areas get sun, shade, or have the best sightlines.
Be Ready to Hike Those Steps
Red Rocks sits in an amphitheater carved from rock cliffs, which means many GA rows require climbing stone steps. Depending on your stamina, patience, and footwear, this can be a workout.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are best. Flip flops or slippery soles can be dangerous on uneven steps. Plan the Approach: If you arrive early, claim your seat/standing area and note the nearest stairs for bathroom trips or concessions. Keep Hydrated: The physical exertion plus the dry Colorado air can sneak up on you.
3. Layer Up: Preparing for Colorado Weather Swings
I've learned the hard way that Colorado's weather is anything but predictable. Red Rocks is an open-air venue sitting over 6,400 feet above sea level, so it can feel warmer or cooler than Denver below.
What to Bring
- Light Jacket or Hoodie: Even on warm summer nights, temps drop after sunset. Pack at least one layer. Sun Protection: Early arrivals may face direct sun on the upper benches. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Rain Gear: Sudden showers are common fall and spring evenings. A compact poncho or light rain jacket fits easily in your bag.
Why Layers Matter
You can shed or add layers as the evening cools. I’ve often seen fellow concert-goers shivering after the sun sets because they didn’t bring something warmer. And because Red Rocks is partially natural rock, the benches cool quickly, pulling heat away faster than cushioned seats.
4. Comfort Hacks for Those Stone Benches
Sitting on cold, hard stone benches for hours can dampen even the best concert vibes. Here’s how to turn that rocky seat into a cozy spot.
Bring a Blanket or Cushion
- Compact Foldable Blanket: Far easier to carry than large cushions. It adds a warm, soft layer while protecting you from moisture and cold stone. Inflatable or Foldable Seat Cushion: Look for thin, lightweight models that fit in your bag. Avoid bulky camping cushions—trust me, you’ll regret lugging excessive gear.
Other Comfort Tips
- Earplugs: Protect your hearing with quality foam or musician-grade earplugs. Small Backpack or Crossbody: Carry essentials like water, snacks, jacket, and phone without overpacking. Phone Usage: Take two photos early in the show for memories and social media sharing (Facebook is great for sharing your experience with friends), then put the phone away to be fully present. The advantage here is enjoying the amazing sound and natural surroundings without getting distracted or annoying your neighbors.
Summary Table: First Timers’ Red Rocks GA Etiquette Cheat Sheet
Category Key Tips Why It Matters Arrival Arrive 2-3 hours before doors; plan for road access delays Claim better rows; avoid traffic and long lines Seating Strategy Claim space considerately; be ready to hike rocky steps Respect other guests; stay safe and comfy Weather Prep Wear layers; bring light jacket and rain gear Adjust to fast temperature changes Comfort Bring blanket/cushion; use earplugs; limit phone use after photos Enjoy comfort and immersive experienceFinal Thoughts
Red Rocks is a magical, one-of-a-kind venue, but its natural setup and popularity mean GA shows require a bit of pre-planning and respect for shared space. By arriving early for GA, dressing for weather, being ready to hike those steps, and following good etiquette around claiming a row spot, your first time at Red Rocks will be unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Remember, pack light but smart: layers, a light jacket, a small blanket or cushion, and a fully charged smartphone for those early photos and sharing your epic night on Facebook. Then put that phone away and soak red rocks after show traffic tips up the music, the views, and the community spirit.
See you at the show — and don’t forget to show some love for the venue that makes Colorado live music so legendary!