Facility Overview

Perched at the highest vantage point of world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Jefferson County near Golden and Morrison, Colorado, the Top Circle Lot represents the most exclusive and accessible parking destination within Red Rocks Park. Situated at an elevation of approximately 6,450 feet, this open-air, paved mountain turnaround lot is nestled adjacent to the upper rim of the amphitheater near Creation Rock. Designed with a continuous turnaround loop and designated parking stalls, the lot is specifically engineered to provide immediate, near-level access to the venue's Upper North Gate, the Visitor Center, and the top concourse (Row 70).

Because the facility is an open-air surface lot built into the natural foothill terrain, there are no overhead structures or vertical clearance restrictions, providing wide-open clearance for tall vehicles. The lot easily accommodates standard passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and ADA mobility-equipped vans, as well as licensed limousines and executive Sprinter shuttles utilizing the drop-off loop. However, overall space is strictly limited: oversized vehicles, including commercial motorcoaches, double-decker party buses, and RVs wider than 6 feet 5 inches, are not permitted to park or stage in Top Circle Lot and must instead proceed to Lower South Lot 2.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Top Circle Lot offers an unbeatable location directly adjoining one of the world's most iconic outdoor concert and cultural destinations:

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Visitor Center: Located literally steps (under 100 feet) from the lot entrance. Visitors and concertgoers can step directly onto the top plaza, access guest services, and explore the interactive exhibits and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame inside the Visitor Center without navigating extensive staircases.
• Red Rocks Geological Monoliths & Overlooks: Spectacular sandstone formations including Creation Rock and Ship Rock frame the perimeter, offering sweeping panoramic vistas overlooking the Denver metropolitan skyline and the Great Plains.
• Red Rocks Hiking & Biking Trails: Access to scenic foothill routes including the Trading Post Trail, Geologic Overlook Trail, and Dakota Ridge Trail within a short walk or drive.
• Historic Downtown Morrison: Located approximately 2.5 miles south, offering rustic dining, mountain taverns, and local shopping along Bear Creek Avenue (such as The Morrison Inn and Red Rocks Grill).
• Downtown Golden & Colorado School of Mines: Approximately 10 miles north via Highway 93, featuring historic craft breweries, riverside walkways, and western heritage museums.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle ingress to Top Circle Lot is primarily managed via Red Rocks Entrance 1, situated off State Highway 93 (Hogback Road). Drivers travel up Red Rocks Park Road, wind past the Upper North parking area, and are directed to the summit loop. Controlled park connector roads also connect internally from Entrance 2 (Highway 93) and Entrance 3 or 4 (off Highway 74/Morrison Road), though traffic marshals dictate flow during peak concert ingress.

Egress following major concerts is methodically coordinated by Jefferson County Sheriff deputies and venue traffic staff. Exiting traffic descends toward Entrance 1 and joins State Highway 93, providing rapid connectivity to Interstate 70 (Exit 259) for Denver and mountain points, as well as Colorado 470 (C-470) and US-285 toward southern suburbs. Post-concert drivers should expect 30 to 45 minutes of congestion while exiting the canyon.

Important Rideshare & Pickup Notice: While private vehicles and commercial limousines may drop off passengers at Top Circle Lot prior to events, post-concert app-based pickups (Uber, Lyft, and standard taxi services) are strictly prohibited at this lot. All post-event rideshare pickups are centralized exclusively at the Jurassic Lot near Entrance 2 at the base of the park.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Direct Level Venue Access: Provides the shortest and least strenuous walk into Red Rocks Amphitheatre, bypassing the venue's notorious hundreds of vertical stone stairs.
• Designated ADA Accessible Parking: Equipped with marked accessible spaces for patrons holding valid disability placards/license plates with tickets seated in upper rows.
• Smooth Asphalt Paving: Fully paved surface with clear lane striping, curb ramps, and a rounded vehicular turnaround loop.
• Commercial Livery & Drop-Off Zone: Staging and quick drop-off zone for registered limousines, private chauffeur services, and accessible mobility drop-offs.
• Lighting & Event Security: Brightly illuminated during evening egress with active traffic directors and Denver Arts & Venues safety personnel stationed throughout events.
• Nearby EV Charging: Level 2 ChargePoint EV charging stations are situated nearby in the Upper North Lot and Trading Post Lot.
• Complimentary Venue Parking: General parking is free with concert admission or during standard public daytime park hours; no daily meters or paid ticketing machines are present.

Ideal For

• Mobility-Impaired Guests & ADA Patrons: Essential for attendees with mobility challenges or wheelchair users seated in the upper amphitheater bowl (Rows 37–70) seeking direct concourse entry.
• Concertgoers Using Private Shuttles or Limousines: Groups arriving via hired executive vans, town cars, or licensed limousines looking for an effortless curbside drop-off right by the gate.
• Daytime Tourists & Sightseers: Visitors exploring the Red Rocks Visitor Center, gift shop, and museum who wish to avoid steep mountain hiking.
• Sunrise Visitors & Morning Fitness Enthusiasts: Individuals attending Yoga on the Rocks, morning stair workouts, or sunrise photography sessions atop the amphitheater.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Verify Event Restrictions & Credentials: On concert and ticketed event nights, Top Circle Lot is strictly restricted to vehicles with authorized state-issued disability placards or registered commercial livery drop-offs. Traffic staff inspect placards and tickets at lower checkpoints.
• Arrive Exceptionally Early: With only a limited number of parking spaces available, the lot fills quickly. For ticketed concerts, plan to arrive at least 90 minutes to two hours before doors open.
• Beware of Parking Scams: Parking at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is included in event ticketing; do not purchase third-party parking passes claiming to reserve standard spots in this lot.
• Overnight Policy: Patrons who choose to use alternative transportation home after a show may leave their vehicles parked overnight free of charge, but vehicles must be moved by 10:00 AM the following morning to prevent ticketing or towing.
• Prepare for Mountain Weather: The elevation is nearly 6,500 feet, where winds and sudden temperature drops are common. Keep warm layers, rain gear, and water in your vehicle.