Things to Do Before or After a Red Rocks Concert

Attending a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Colorado. The world-famous venue sits between towering sandstone formations just outside Denver and hosts some of the most iconic concerts in the country.

But many visitors don’t realize that the area surrounding Red Rocks offers far more than just live music. If you’re planning a trip to the venue, it’s easy to turn your concert into a full Colorado adventure by exploring the nearby mountains, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.

Whether you’re arriving early or staying an extra day after the show, here are some of the best things to do before or after a Red Rocks concert.

Whether you’re arriving early or staying an extra day after the show, there are plenty of ways to turn your concert trip into a full Colorado adventure. From scenic mountain drives to outdoor activities near Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors have endless options. If you’re planning your trip, our complete guide to things to do in Estes Park highlights the best adventures, scenic drives, and local experiences in the area.

Quick Answer: What Should You Do Before or After a Red Rocks Concert?

If you’re attending a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, many visitors spend the day exploring the Colorado mountains before the show. Popular options include scenic drives through the Rockies, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, exploring the mountain town of Estes Park, or experiencing outdoor adventures like ATV tours. Because Red Rocks is only about 90 minutes from the park, it’s easy to turn your concert trip into a full Colorado mountain adventure.

Take a Mountain Day Trip from Red Rocks to Rocky Mountain National Park

If you have a full day available before or after your concert, consider visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Located about 90 minutes from Red Rocks, the park offers breathtaking alpine scenery, wildlife viewing, and some of the most famous mountain drives in the United States.

Visitors can explore highlights such as:

• Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America
• Bear Lake and surrounding alpine hiking trails
• Wildlife viewing areas where elk, moose, and bighorn sheep are commonly spotted

If you’re planning to visit, check out our Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary to see how you can experience the park’s most scenic locations in just a few days.

Take a Scenic Drive Through the Colorado Rockies

One of the easiest ways to experience Colorado’s mountain scenery is simply by taking a scenic drive. After a Red Rocks concert, many visitors head toward the mountains to explore winding roads, alpine forests, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Some of the most beautiful scenic drives near Red Rocks include:

• Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
• Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Big Thompson Canyon on the way to Estes Park

These drives offer incredible views and frequent wildlife sightings, making them a perfect daytime activity before or after an evening concert.

Sample Red Rocks Concert Day Itinerary

If you’re visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre, you can easily turn your concert trip into a full Colorado mountain adventure with a scenic day trip.

Morning – ATV Adventure in the Mountains
Start your day with an ATV adventure near Rocky Mountain National Park. Guided ATV rides near Estes Park typically last about three hours and take visitors through scenic mountain trails with incredible views of the Rockies.

Midday – Lunch in Estes Park
After your ride, explore downtown Estes Park and enjoy lunch at a local favorite like Bird & Jim or Claire’s Restaurant and Bar. The town offers beautiful mountain views, unique shops, and a relaxed alpine atmosphere.

Afternoon – Scenic Drive Back to Denver
The drive between Denver and Estes Park is one of the most beautiful routes in Colorado. As you head back toward Denver, enjoy sweeping mountain views, canyon drives, and the possibility of wildlife sightings along the way.

Evening – Red Rocks Concert
Finish your day with an unforgettable show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic concert venues in the world.

This combination of mountain adventure, scenic driving, and live music creates a perfect Colorado day.

Experience an ATV Adventure in the Colorado Mountains

For visitors looking for something more adventurous, an ATV adventure in the Colorado mountains is one of the most exciting ways to explore the region.

Just a short drive from Rocky Mountain National Park, Backbone Adventures offers unforgettable off-road experiences through scenic mountain terrain near Estes Park.

ATV adventures allow visitors to:

• ride through rugged mountain trails
• enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies
• experience one of the most unique outdoor activities near Denver

For many travelers visiting Red Rocks, an ATV ride becomes the highlight of their Colorado trip.

Explore the Mountain Town of Estes Park

The charming town of Estes Park sits at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and is one of Colorado’s most popular mountain destinations.

Visitors enjoy:

• local restaurants and breweries
• shopping in the historic downtown district
• wildlife viewing around Lake Estes
• outdoor adventures throughout the surrounding mountains

If you’re planning a visit, our complete guide to things to do in Estes Park highlights the best activities, scenic locations, and local experiences in the area.

Plan the Perfect Red Rocks + Mountain Adventure Trip

Many visitors attending concerts at Red Rocks extend their trip to include time in the mountains. A simple itinerary might look like this:

First Day
Explore Denver and attend your concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Second Day
Drive into the mountains and explore Rocky Mountain National Park.

Third day
Experience an ATV adventure near Estes Park before heading home.

This combination of live music and mountain adventure creates one of the most memorable travel experiences in Colorado.

Why Red Rocks Visitors Love Day Trips to Estes Park

Many travelers visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre are surprised to learn that the Colorado mountains are only a short drive away. Because the venue sits just west of Denver, it’s easy to spend the day exploring the Rockies before returning for an evening concert.

One of the most popular mountain destinations for Red Rocks visitors is Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The scenic drive alone is worth the trip, winding through beautiful canyon roads and mountain landscapes.

Once in Estes Park, visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, scenic drives, local restaurants, and outdoor adventures. Many travelers also take advantage of the opportunity to experience an ATV adventure or ebike ride around Lake Estes in the Colorado mountains, one of the most exciting ways to explore the area.

For those planning their trip, our complete guide to things to do in Estes Park highlights the best activities, scenic spots, and local experiences near Rocky Mountain National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Red Rocks