Red Rocks, Evergreen & Echo Lake Half-Day Tour from Denver

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, about 15 miles west of Denver, is a natural rock-formed concert venue set between towering red sandstone monoliths. Built in the 1930s and opened in 1941, it seats around 9,500 people and is famous for its acoustics and setting. The Beatles played here in 1964, and U2's Under a Blood Red Sky concert film was recorded here in 1983.

If you are searching for Red Rocks tickets, Red Rocks tours or a Red Rocks day trip from Denver, this tour includes entry to the park and amphitheatre. You can walk among the rows of seats, look at the stage and enjoy views over Denver on clear days. On concert days access may be limited, so a morning departure gives the best chance of walking in.

Bear Creek Canyon and the Denver Mountain Parks

From Red Rocks the road climbs into Bear Creek Canyon, a winding route beside a creek, through pine forest and past rocky cliffs. It is part of the Denver Mountain Parks system, a network of protected areas created by the city in the early twentieth century.

The drive is a highlight in itself, with viewpoints and changing scenery as you gain height. If you are wondering about the best way to see the mountains near Denver without driving yourself, this scenic road is one of the most attractive options, especially in autumn when aspen leaves turn gold.

Evergreen, Colorado

Evergreen is a small mountain town about 30 miles west of Denver, set around a lake and surrounded by forested hills. It has a compact centre with shops, cafés and galleries, and in winter the lake is used for skating. The tour includes free time here to stretch your legs, browse the shops and take photographs.

Many visitors ask whether Evergreen is worth visiting from Denver. If you like small mountain towns and quiet lakeside strolls, yes. It also makes a pleasant contrast between the bustle of the city and the more remote alpine landscape further up the route.

Echo Lake and the high country

Echo Lake is a glacial lake in Denver's Echo Lake Park, at the foot of Mount Blue Sky, at an altitude of about 10,600 feet (3,231 metres). The setting is spectacular, with spruce and fir forest around the water and high peaks beyond. Wildlife including mountain goats, elk and marmots are sometimes seen nearby.

At this altitude the air is thin and cool even in summer, so take your time on the short walk and drink water. The road to the lake can be affected by snow, wind or avalanche conditions in winter. The route returns via mountain roads and past the historic mining town of Idaho Springs.