Park of the Red Rocks - Denver, CO
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Outspoken1
N 39° 39.971 W 105° 12.447
13S E 482206 N 4390728
This description reflects the early development of Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Waymark Code: WMA1X2
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 11/02/2010
Published By:Groundspeak Charter Member BruceS
Views: 24

"Right on this road through the 639-acre PARK OF THE RED ROCKS; geologically, the formations are of the type known as Fountain Formation of the Pennsylvania period, the Cambrian variety, consisting chiefly of quartzitic sandstone, with some shale, limestone, and flat-pebble conglomerates. The varied strata were formed by silt deposits on the bed of a sea that once covered the Middle West. A violent upheaval caused the sea to recede; rock strata were chattered and thrust upward at a sharp angle, leaving the ends exposed as they are today. Erosive forces carved them into strange shapes. Many varieties of shells, teeth of curious fish, and plants are found preserved in stone. Among the important discoveries in this vicinity was the thigh bone, 9 feet long and 28 inches in diameter, of an Atlantosaurus.

At 0.4 m. is the junction with a side road.

Right here to the South Picnic Grounds, 0.2 m., at the base of Park Cave Rock.

The main road winds between Park Cave Rock (R) and Frog Rock (L), and circles (L) Picnic Rock, 0.9 m., to the Red Rocks Pueblo (open 9-9 daily), 1.3 m., resembling an Indian pueblo in design, the center of park activities. It houses a museum of Indian art sponsored by the Denver Art Museum (see Denver). At the rear of the building are picnic tables and benches (available on through reservation by phone; no charge). From the parking space (L) is a broad view of the chief formations in the park. These monoliths are, from left to right, Picnic Rock, Rock of the Nine Parts, named for its many visible strata, the Titanic and the Iceberg, so called for its resemblance to the ill-fated liner and the cause of its destruction, and Ship Rock.

At the Pueblo is a junction with a side road.

Left here through the deep crevice between Ship Rock and the Rock of the Nine Parts to the South Entrance of the park and a junction with State 774, 1.4 m.The main road passes between the Rock of the Seven Ladders (R) and Creation Rock (L), 1.5 m., to the junction of a side road 2.3 m.

Right here to the North Entrance of the park, 1.1 m., and the junction with West Alameda Parkway, and alternative route to Denver, 9.4 m.

On the main road is the junction with another side road, 2.4 m.

Right here 0.3 m. to the North Picnic Grounds, situated in rugged surroundings.

The main road passes through a tunnel, 2.6 m., through which is revealed a view on Mount Morrison (7,880 alt.). The road skirts towering formations to a parking space at the base of Creation Rock, 3.4 m., its summit reached by a series of steps.

At the parking space is the junction with a footpath.

Left here to a natural Amphitheater, with a seating capacity of 10,000. The stage, 80 by 100 feet, is dominated by the massive slab of Stage Rock rising behind it. Mary Garden, opera singer, and Jascha Heifetz, violinist, have praised the natural acoustics of the amphitheater. The footpath circles Ship Rock and rejoins the main road, 0.4 m.

Colorado. A Guide to the Highest State. pgs. 401-402

Red Rocks is both a professional venue for entertainers and other functions (ex., Sunrise Easter Mass) but it is also one of Denver's Mountain Parks and open to the public when not contracted for professional events. Many of the man-made features such as the museum have gone, but the natural rocks and footpaths remain. There are many other geological areas of interest nearby including Dinosaur Ridge.

Attending a performance at Red Rocks makes an event to remember. ALWAYS bring a raincoat and cool weather gear (ex., gloves and hat) since the weather can come in quickly - even in August! The acoustics are just stunning and the original seating of old-growth redwood has been replaced with sustainable wood from Brazil.

Book: Colorado

Page Number(s) of Excerpt: 401.402

Year Originally Published: 1941

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