Red Rocks Amphitheatre Itinerary + Colorado Springs: The Ultimate 4-Day Colorado Adventure
Planning a trip to Red Rocks Amphitheatre? This 4-day Red Rock Amphitheatre itinerary blends the iconic Red Rocks concert experience with the charm of Colorado Springs. Whether you’re flying in for live music, outdoor adventures, or epic eats, this guide helps you make the most of your time in Colorado.
Red Rocks Itinerary + Colorado Springs Overview
In this post, I’m sharing our 4-day Colorado itinerary that combines a Red Rocks Amphitheatre concert experience with outdoor adventures and foodie stops in Colorado Springs. Whether you’re headed to a show or just looking to explore two of Colorado’s most iconic spots, this guide is packed with ideas to make the most of your trip.
➡️Day 1: Arrival + Colorado Springs
➡️Day 2: Hikes + Head to Red Rocks
➡️Day 3: Concert Day at Red Rocks
➡️Day 4: Departure + Optional Denver Stop
Day One: Arrive in Denver + Explore Colorado Springs
Kick off your Colorado adventure with a scenic drive to Colorado Springs, a walk among iconic red rock formations, and a memorable dinner in one of the city’s most unique restaurants.
Morning
Assuming you are flying to Colorado, plan to arrive in Denver around 9–10:00AM to make the most of your day. After landing, rent a car and head straight for Colorado Springs, a scenic 90-minute drive that sets the tone for an adventure.
Afternoon
Kick off your trip with lunch at Shugas. It’s small and popular, so expect a wait, but the food is fantastic and the artsy, cozy vibe makes it worth it. After lunch, spend your afternoon exploring Garden of the Gods, where the trails can be as easy or as adventurous as you’d like. It’s ideal for low-key hikers and offers incredible views without the high-altitude exertion.
Evening
Check into The Antlers Hotel, where the rooms are simple but offer a stunning mountain view—perfect for your morning coffee. For dinner, make a reservation at The Rabbit Hole, a whimsical underground restaurant that was once a city morgue. It’s a memorable spot with elevated bar bites and playful cocktails.
Day Two: Outdoor Adventure + Travel to Golden
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and one more trail before saying goodbye to Colorado Springs. Then, head toward Golden for a new change of pace and proximity to Red Rocks.
Morning
Wake up and walk to Urban Egg for breakfast. This spot takes morning meals seriously, with creative options and excellent service. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to Pulpit Rock Park. This area offers a bit more of a climb than Garden of the Gods, but it’s manageable and comes with rewarding views.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at ViewHouse for a quick bite before hitting the road. Then, head toward Golden, where you’ll base yourself for the rest of your trip. You can either check into the Origin Hotel Red Rocks right away or fit in another activity en route, like Red Rock Canyon Open Space, the Manitou Incline (for a serious stair challenge), or even a brewery tour at Coors (just be sure to book ahead).
Evening
Once you’re settled into your hotel room, grab dinner at Nomad, the in-house restaurant. We ended up dining here several times and were never disappointed. If you’re feeling adventurous, The Fort or The Hungry Goat nearby offer unique menus with stellar reviews.
Day Three: Concert Day at Red Rocks
Take it slow today and soak in the quiet charm around your hotel before heading to one of the most legendary concert venues in the country—Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Morning
Start the day with another meal at Nomad—you won’t regret it. From hearty breakfast burritos to great coffee, it’s a solid way to fuel up before a laid-back day. With your concert later tonight, keep things slow with some window shopping near the hotel or a relaxing walk along the dirt trail that runs parallel to the highway. It sounds unremarkable, but it was surprisingly peaceful and popular with walkers and bikers.
Afternoon
Depending on the concert start time, you may have a chance to squeeze in one more nearby activity or just relax and save your energy. If you’re not looking to explore too far, enjoy a casual lunch and hang around the hotel area, which offers snacks, ice cream, and small local shops.
Evening
Tonight’s the night! For getting to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, you have a few options. The hotel offers shuttles and private car service recommendations, or you can do what we did: use Uber, either scheduled in advance or called as needed. Just keep in mind that during sold-out shows, it might take longer to get a ride. Once at the venue, take in the iconic views, grab a drink, and if the concert you are attending is GA only, I recommend getting there early, especially if you’re hoping to be close to the stage. And don’t forget a refillable water bottle, they have stations inside!
Day Four: Wrap Up & Departure
Savor a final breakfast and, if time allows, squeeze in one last stop before heading home. Whether it’s the Denver Botanic Gardens or just a peaceful drive, end your trip on a relaxing note.
Morning
One last breakfast at Nomad, and this time, go for something bold, we loved the huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos. I know it might seem a little ridiculous to eat at the same place three times, but once you’re there, you’ll understand, there’s not much else nearby, and honestly, the food is just that good and convenient.
Afternoon
Depending on your flight time, you may have some wiggle room for one more quick adventure. You’re about 40 minutes from Denver International Airport, so if you have extra time, I recommend stopping by the Denver Botanic Gardens, we didn’t make it, but it’s high on my list for next time.
Evening
Return your rental car and head to the airport, closing out a trip full of nature, great food, and an unforgettable Red Rocks experience.
Where To Stay
For this 4-day adventure, we stayed at The Antlers in Colorado Springs and the Origin Hotel Red Rocks in Golden, both offered convenient locations, great views, and easy access to all the highlights on our itinerary.
📍Colorado Springs, CO: The Antlers while the hotel itself is pretty standard, the location is central, the price is reasonable, and the mountain views from our window made it the perfect home base.
📍Golden, CO: Origin Hotel Red Rocks is ideally located for concert-goers, offering a modern and comfortable stay just minutes from the amphitheatre—making it incredibly convenient for getting to and from shows. Plus, their onsite restaurant, Nomad, quickly became our go-to spot for meals during our stay.
📍VRBO: If you prefer a little extra space or a home-away-from-home feel, vacation rentals through VRBO are a great option in Colorado Springs, Denver, and even Golden. Staying in Denver is especially convenient for concert-goers, with several shuttle services available to and from Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This makes it easy to return your rental car early and settle in for a stress-free concert experience with no parking headaches required!
Getting Around
For this 4-day Colorado itinerary, I highly recommend renting a car, this gives you the flexibility to explore Colorado Springs, Golden, and everything in between at your own pace. However, if you’re planning a shorter trip focused solely on a Red Rocks Amphitheatre concert, there are convenient options to Uber or take a shuttle from Denver. Several companies offer roundtrip service to the venue, making it easy to enjoy the show without the hassle of parking or driving back late at night.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Colorado Springs and attending a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Whether you’re exploring for a few days or just headed to the show.
- What’s the best way to get around Colorado for this itinerary?
Renting a car is your best bet. It gives you the flexibility to explore both Colorado Springs and Red Rocks at your own pace. - Is Red Rocks Amphitheatre worth visiting without a concert?
Absolutely. You can hike around the amphitheatre or visit the museum during the day, it’s a bucket list destination for a reason! - Where should I stay near Red Rocks?
The Origin Hotel Red Rocks is a top choice and recommended by the amphitheatre, it’s close to the venue with music-themed vibes and easy transportation options. - Can I visit both Colorado Springs and Red Rocks in one trip?
Yes! This itinerary is designed to help you do just that, spend 2 days in Colorado Springs and 2 around Red Rocks/Golden. - What should I bring to a Red Rocks concert?
Comfortable shoes, refillable water bottle, layers (temperatures drop quickly after sunset!), and a seat cushion if you plan to sit.
Final Thoughts on Red Rocks Amphitheatre Itinerary + Colorado Springs
Whether you’re planning a getaway for concerts, hiking, or just soaking in the mountain views, this Colorado Springs and Red Rocks Amphitheatre itinerary offers a little bit of everything, nature, music, food, and making unforgettable memories. I hope this itinerary helps you experience the magic of Colorado in just four days, and inspires you to make the most of your time whether you’re headed to the trails or the stage.
Safe Travels, Jacki
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