Red Rocks Ampitheatre

Hubby loves music and attending concerts- so he was thrilled when his brother and family were moving close to Morrison, CO and Red Rocks Ampitheatre.  Red Rocks is the iconic venue where many greats have performed, recorded music and enjoyed the natural acoustics.  (Unfortunately the artists performing during our stay (Idina Menzel and Diana Krall) were not of interest-- but we WILL return!!)

Our sister-in-law just moved to the Denver area three weeks ago, yet has had a revolving door of visitors.  She has quickly learned the local tourist attractions, kid friendly entertainment and also the basic needs that their family needs as they settle in.  We were the third group she had taken to Red Rocks, so she has perfected which is the best route to take with young kids.

We started our hike reading the instructions regarding rattlesnake and mountain lion encounters.  Once we all had mastered the "raise your arms, make noise and don't turn your back" routine, we set out on our path.  Not 10 minutes into the hike, the kids were excitedly screaming as a 4 foot bull snake slithered across the path.  Thankfully it was not a rattler!

The hike challenged our bodies as we had not adjusted to exercising in the altitude.  We enjoyed majestic views as the large red rocks jutted to the sky.

Shade beckoned us to take a break.  The kids took shaded shelter as they climbed into little caves along the side of one of the enormous rocks.

Our hike ended at the gift shop.  Tucked into a side room, there was a tribute to "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" John Denver.  Childhood memories are filled with listening to my mom's fav John Denver records- singing and dancing around the house.  The display honoring him was nostalgic and interesting.  We all loved the bedazzled denim outfit!

From there we went to the Ampitheatre.  Diana Krall's roadies were setting up the stage behind a large net curtain.  Exercise buffs ran up and down the rows of seats and did push-ups.  Tourists mingled and admired the stage and views.

We proceeded to the cool air-conditioned museum.  The walls were lined with the lists of who had performed over the years.  It's amazing how the number of performances per year has grown since 1941 when it opened. The variety of musical genres is expansive- the Greatful Dead to the Denver Symphony to Metallica to Blues Traveler to the latest DJ mixing dance music.  Easter Sunrise services sound amazing!  Each year they also have movie nights- the evening starts with a local band and is followed by the showing of a movie.  So cool!

Unfortunately I cannot justify returning the beginning of September to see my favorite- Tim McGraw- perform.  However, we will be all over the 2016 schedule and will plan at least one visit to see the family and a concert at Red Rocks!