Sublime natural beauty and acoustics
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Why locals love it
Perhaps the best outdoor music venue worldwide, Red Rocks Ampitheatre is as legendary as the bands that choose play there; in their heyday Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and The Grateful Dead all made magic on this stage. More recently, big names like Edward Sharpe, Pretty Lights and Mumford & Sons have drawn massive crowds.
Why you should visit it
Looming slabs of blood-red sandstone that perfectly reverberate sound waves make this setting so iconic many bands choose to release dvds of their concerts here. Nearly every Coloradan has at least one story of an epic evening spent among the monoliths overlooking the city lights in the company of great artists.
Special tip
Tailgating before a show here is a time honored tradition, just be wary of cops wandering the parking lots.