A famous opera singer came to perform and declared it “acoustically perfect,” and it’s been revered by musicians ever since. The venues setting in Red Rocks Park in Morrison, Colorado provides a gorgeous backdrop to an amphitheater that is unparalleled in sight and sound. Believe it or not, the Rolling Stones weren't around yet, and, in fact, Red Rocks didn't get its start as a music venue until the early 1900s, when Renaissance man John Brisben Walker set up a makeshift stage among the rocks. The giant sandstone outcroppings that form the walls of Red Rocks Amphitheatre are higher than Niagara Falls and are part of the geological Fountain Formation, deposited approximately 280 million years ago. Or attend Yoga on the Rocks for the most inspiring downward dog view ever. Another option is to join the ambitious locals who come to run up and down the stone steps of the amphitheater for a real thigh-burner. Both trails explore the park’s dramatic geology, trees, wildflowers, wildlife and views. Just being here will quicken your pulse, but if that’s not enough, consider hiking Trading Post Trail or hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding Red Rocks Trail.

It's open to visitors one hour before sunrise through one hour after sunset. Red Rocks is also a park, owned by the city of Denver. The internationally renowned and geologically formed Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre draws concertgoers, music history lovers, and outdoor exercise enthusiasts. In 1983, U2 experienced a watershed moment that made the Irish group internationally famous for its iconic album, 'U2 Live at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky.' It almost doesn’t matter who you see play at Red Rocks - just see someone. Live concerts have also been filmed at the venue. This list goes on and on, representing every genre. Sonny & Cher, the Carpenters, Carole King, Depeche Mode, Jimi Hendrix, Rush, the Grateful Dead, Stevie Nicks, Phish, Neil Young, Kenny Chesney, Florence + The Machine.

Or even the sprinkling of rain as James Taylor grins and sings, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain.” The Beatles performed here in 1964, marking the first rock ‘n' roll event of epic proportions. You’ll never forget the moon rising over Denver as Neil Young breaks into “Harvest Moon.” Or a mountain breeze carrying the riff of a Widespread Panic tune over the sandstone walls and into the inky sky. The high point of many a summer has been a life-changing Red Rocks concert.

Red rocks amphitheatre calendar