This is a route that is unique in a number of ways. It is one of many possible loop combinations available on Mount Morrison, but it has a number of added attractions not normally found on a Class 2 hike of a Colorado mountain.

After a climb and descent of Mount Morrison, the route described herein takes you on a tour of the newly renovated Red Rocks Amphitheater before returning you to your vehicle via the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Park. A geological and human history of the park is aptly displayed, along with an interactive display of important music history that took place at the world famous Amphitheater. Excellent arial maps illustrate the geology of the area as well as the entire state. The Red Rocks Grille, which is open for lunch from 10:00 until 2:30, is a very nice establishment, and a gift shop and excellent restroom facilities are also available.

The route actually drops down the Amphitheater itself. If you've never been to this amazing venue, here's a perfectly good excuse to visit! The route winds you by the historic Red Rocks Trading Post, where more gifts and great food are available in a southwestern setting. From there, the route follows a nature path through Red Rocks back to your starting point.

Be sure to check these added attractions out! They are worth your time and interest!

Approach

See the GETTING THERE section on the MAIN PAGE and use the RED ROCKS PARK SOUTH ENTRANCE. Park immediately, well off the road just inside the park entrance for a complete execution of this route. Parking is limited. An early start or good timing will get you a spot right at the beginning of the trail, which is directly across the road on the west side. There is no sign marking the trail, but it is plainly evident and parallels a power line as it climbs the slope.

Route Description

From your parked car just north of the park entrance sign, climb west up the south ridge east slopes on a well worn trail. Once on the ridge, follow the trail as it meanders northward to the summit, bypassing Point 6,916 on your left. Bypass an impromptu memorial. The trail has been recently maintained as you approach the final pitch, which is steep and involves scrambling over Class 2 rock. Add .1 mile to visit the helipad located just north of the summit. This is a great spot for a break and a snack and the view is impressive.

Descend the Monocline Route, which is located at the southeast corner of Morrison's true summit. This route follows an old track bed of a "funicular" cable car, built by John Brisbane Walker in 1907 shortly after he started developing Red Rocks. The route has a worn trail but loose rock is present as you wind down this steep track bed.

The trail occasionally goes to the north side of the track bed. Be sure not to get far from the track bed and thus get off route. You want to drop in a dead-on direct line toward the Amphitheater, clearly visible below for most of the descent. Some downclimbing on steep Class 2 rock is necessary. The route levels briefly on the north side of a ridge before dropping again right down to the circular Amphitheater parking lot.

Cross the parking lot and proceed to the Amphitheater Visitor's Center. A round building is actually the entrance. You can take the stairs or the elevator down into the main lobby, where restrooms, gift shop and displays await your visit. This $26 million dollar renovation is very well done and does the Amphitheater justice. If your timing is right, lunch in the Red Rocks Grille might be a nice diversion. Be sure to check out the music hall, with interactive displays of past concerts and a complete historical timeline of all concerts at the Amphitheater, many of which were history in the making.

After your completed visit, proceed east to the top of the Amphitheater. Walking down the Amphitheater benches is always great fun, but descending the steps on either side will do as well. You may wish to drop to the stage, but the exit this route takes is not quite all the way to the bottom of the Amphitheater, over on the south side (right). Find this exit and follow it south out of the Amphitheater down "the bridge." This great suspended ramp wraps around the east side of the massive Ship Rock, depositing you on a road.

From the base of the ramp, make a hard left, follow the road about one hundred feet and cross it. The Trading Post will come into view. Trails through a garden will lead you to this quaint establishment, which is very rustic in nature and historic in its own right. A wonderful display about the Amphitheater's concert history is also available inside for viewing.

On the east side of the Trading Post, just around the trash bins is the beginning of the Trading Post Trail. A sign marks the trail, which you descend a few steps, then turn left. Follow this trail as it turns south, crosses one of the park roads and continues south, crossing a bridge, bypassing an old chimney and then angling right (west). Upon crossing the park road, angle left, following the road to another road. Turn right and follow this road briefly as it takes you to the westernmost road in the park. At this intersection, go left, following the road back to your car at the Park's southwest entrance.

This route can be executed in reverse and offers a stiff workout in climbing the Amphitheater and the Monocline Route on Mount Morrison.

START 5,877�
MILE .45 Pt. 6,636�
MILE 1.24 Top of Amphitheater Route
MILE 1.5 Class 2 scramble
MILE 1.63 Summit
MILE 2.52 Amphitheater Parking
MILE 2.62 Visitor's Center
MILE 2.70 Amphitheater Descent
MILE 2.75 Amphitheater Bridge around Ship Rock
MILE 2.85 Road
MILE 2.98 Trading Post
MILE 3.0 Trading Post Trail
MILE 3.21 1st Road Crossing
MILE 3.69 2nd Road Crossing
MILE 3.96 Intersection
MILE 4.31 Starting Point

ROUNDTRIP TOTAL: 4.31 miles
GAIN: 2168� (Includes minor gains during return to your vehicle)

More Route Photos

Red Rocks Portion Photos

Essential Gear

Spring, Summer & Fall: Standard day hike gear will do. Bring a hat and sunscreen. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you think you�ll be out after dark. Bring plenty of water as climbing these routes is akin to desert hiking. No water is available. Hiking boots are mandatory to reduce unpleasant encounters with abundant cactus. Nevertheless, watch your step because cactus needles can penetrate boots.

Winter: Boots and gaiters are recommended. Slopes are steep and slick in the spring. A fall into cactus would be a very unpleasant and prickly affair. Proceed with caution. Warm winter gear is recommended. High winds are common.

Images



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