Facility Overview

Lower South Lot 1 is one of the most famous and energetic open-air surface parking grounds at the legendary Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Nestled against the dramatic red sandstone foothills along Red Rocks Park Road, this spacious outdoor lot serves as a primary gathering point for daytime park visitors, trail runners, and evening concertgoers alike. Because it is completely open-air with no parking structures or overhead overhangs, there are no vertical clearance limits, making it easily accessible for high-profile vehicles, lifted four-wheel-drive trucks, full-size SUVs with rooftop cargo boxes, and standard camper vans. While oversized commercial vehicles such as full-length tour buses and large RVs are typically directed across the roadway to Lower South Lot 2, Lower South Lot 1 caters effortlessly to personal passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, and minivans.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Located in the heart of Jefferson County’s iconic mountain park system, Lower South Lot 1 places drivers in close proximity to premier geological landmarks, scenic trails, and world-class live entertainment:

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre: The world-renowned outdoor natural amphitheatre sits approximately 0.4 to 0.5 miles uphill. Visitors can follow designated pedestrian routes, including the Lower South trail connection and the South Ramp entrance, which takes roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on walking pace and altitude adjustment.
• Red Rocks Trading Post & Colorado Music Hall of Fame: Located just a 5- to 8-minute walk (0.2 miles) northwest along Trading Post Road, featuring regional souvenirs, historic rock-and-roll memorabilia, apparel, and light refreshments.
• Red Rocks Trail & Trading Post Trail: Direct access to multi-use loop trails surrounding natural red sandstone monoliths, ideal for hiking, trail running, birdwatching, and mountain biking before events.
• Historic Downtown Morrison: Situated approximately 1.5 miles south (a 5-minute drive via CO-74), offering charming local eateries, brewpubs, coffee shops, and riverside dining along Bear Creek.
• Dinosaur Ridge & Bandimere Speedway Site: Located roughly 2.5 to 3 miles east along Rooney Road and Alameda Parkway, popular for fossil walks and foothills history.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle entry to Lower South Lot 1 is primarily serviced through Entrance 2 (from Alameda Parkway/County Road 93) or Entrance 3 (along Red Rocks Park Road from CO-74 / Bear Creek Avenue). Directional traffic staff guide motorists into parking stalls on show nights. One of the strongest operational benefits of Lower South Lot 1 is its egress routing: after major concerts, vehicles can exit southward directly onto Highway 74 toward Morrison or eastward to quickly connect with Colorado State Highway C-470, Interstate 70, and US-285. This avoids much of the gridlock commonly encountered when descending from the Upper North and Top Circle lots. For public transit users, regional RTD light rail does not run directly to Red Rocks, but concert shuttle buses (such as the Red Rocks Shuttle and Reggae on the Rocks shuttles departing from downtown Denver and Lakewood) pick up and drop off passengers at designated park transit points.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Expansive graded surface spaces bordered by scenic mountain and valley views.
• Complimentary Venue Parking: General vehicle parking is free of charge for daytime park visitors and included with show admission tickets.
• Tailgating Culture: Renowned as the liveliest pre-show gathering lot at Red Rocks, frequently hosting vibrant community tailgates and fan-driven "Shakedown Street" atmospheres.
• Directional Staff & Traffic Control: Staffed by venue traffic attendants on performance days to streamline parking alignment and expedite post-show departures.
• Overnight Parking Safety Valve: Patrons who use rideshares or designated drivers to return home safely may leave vehicles overnight, provided they are retrieved by 10:00 AM the following morning.
• Trailside Connectivity: Direct pedestrian paths link to the Trading Post, regional trails, and the venue access ramps.

Ideal For

• Concertgoers Seeking Great Tailgating: Fans who want to experience the quintessential pre-show social atmosphere, share food, and enjoy scenic tailgating hours before showtime.
• Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts: Daytime visitors exploring the Trading Post Trail, Geologic Overlook, and surrounding Red Rocks Trail system.
• Southbound & Suburban Commuters: Drivers heading toward Littleton, Lakewood, Golden, Highlands Ranch, or south Denver who benefit from fast exits toward C-470 and Highway 74.
• High-Clearance & Adventure Vehicles: Trucks and SUVs outfitted with bike racks, ski boxes, and camping gear that need uninhibited overhead clearance.

Visitor & Driver Tips

To maximize your visit to Lower South Lot 1, keep several key pointers in mind:

• Prepare for the Uphill Hike: Red Rocks sits at approximately 6,450 feet above sea level. The walk from Lower South Lot 1 to the amphitheatre involves a steady uphill gradient and stairways. Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry drinking water to remain hydrated.
• Early Arrival for Prime Spots: For sold-out shows, parking lots officially open 2 hours before gate doors, but the public park is open during the day. Arriving early gives you the best pick of spaces and time to relax before the climb.
• Remember Your Spot: Take a photo of nearby rock markers or road signs before heading up; darkness settles fast in the foothills, making rows look similar at night.
• Observe Park Rules: While tailgating is permitted behind your vehicle stall, open flames, kegs, hard liquor, and glass bottles are strictly prohibited across all Red Rocks lots.