There are more concerts than ever at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which means there are more fans than ever. However, the world-famous Morrison venue’s relatively modest capacity of 9,525 means there’s also a fixed amount of people and parking per show, which means predictable logistics despite fickle weather.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your concert visit to Red Rocks.

Getting there early

On-site parking lots open two hours before show time, and staffers will direct motorists to any open spaces. They’re free and first-come first-served, but once they’re full you’ll have to park along the road. While driving, take care to avoid motorists (not all of them sober) walking along the roads, especially after shows and in the dark.

The Upper South lot is accessible to wheelchairs, with a recently added drop-off circle above the venue and limited accessible parking by the Trading Post outside the venue. The majority of spots are located in four other public lots surrounding the venue, with charging stations below Lower South Lot 2 (four of them so far). See redrocksonline.com for a detailed lot map.

Expect slow-moving lines until you reach the exit, and go to the bathroom beforehand. Carpool or rideshare if you can, since you can skip the post-show gridlock by waiting for a ride at the Jurassic Lot near Entrance 2. And don’t leave your car overnight, as it will get ticketed or towed.

The walk and the weather

Getting into Red Rocks means climbing lots of stairs, regardless of how you enter, so wear comfortable, close-toed walking shoes that can withstand water, mud and dust. It’s also an outdoor venue in the Colorado foothills, which means fast-changing conditions any time of year. Occasionally, a flash weather event will result in injuries, such as 2023’s hail-racked Louis Tomlinson show.

Park employees will warn concertgoers of incoming threats, but the city of Denver (the venue’s owner) has also made it clear that risks are assumed at any outdoor show, so be aware of your closest exits and cover.

However, tree cover and indoor spaces are scant, so bring rain gear depending on the forecast and, if you really want to cover your bases, portable seats or other stiff coverings that can act as protection from damaging hail. The city’s recommendation is that you head for your car and wait it out if it’s really bad. Wind whips both the sound waves and temperatures around, so bring a blanket even if it’s not forecast to rain or hail.

Getting inside

Lines into the venue move slowly, but you can help speed them by remembering a few basics: bags must fit under your seat and have only one pocket. Non-alcoholic drinks up to 32 ounces can be brought in if they’re sealed, and empty water bottles and six packed-sized coolers are allowed.

Food must be pre-cut and in clear plastic bags, and only plastic utensils are allowed. No glass or aluminum, no animals, and for the love of nature, no glitter (which is actually mentioned on the Prohibited Items list). Promoter AEG Presents books most of the concerts there with its AXS ticketing system, so you can use a digital AXS Mobile Delivery service to get in with an AXS Mobile ID.

Tailgating, food and drink

Party with care in the foothills and high country because the altitude is thinner than in Denver, and dehydration and sunburn are constant threats — especially for sea-level visitors. That also means pacing yourself if you dive into the famous parking-lot scene in Lower South Lot 1 (a.k.a. Shakedown Street), as you’ll have a long night ahead of you.

Once inside, there are food, drink, beer and other adult-beverage options at the top and bottom of the seating area, as well as concession stands along the stairs on either side. However, they are not cheap. In addition to the Ship Rock Grille and Row 71 Bar (both above the venue), there are local restaurants such as Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta, Machete Tequila + Tacos, Rolling Smoke BBQ and Birdcall scattered throughout the venue. There are also roaming vendors (a la Coors Field baseball games), with beer and other drinks.

Bathrooms are at the top and bottom of the amphitheater. The lines can snake out the door on some nights, so prepare to wait 20-25 minutes or more. That said, the bathrooms at the bottom are always the most crowded, and the hike up to the Visitor’s Center tends to weed out a lot of competition. The Visitor Center bathrooms were also recently upgraded, so they’re your best bet.