Facility Overview

The Upper North Lot is one of the most iconic, sought-after, and strategic parking areas at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Golden/Morrison, Colorado. Nestled directly within the breathtaking red sandstone monoliths of Red Rocks Mountain Park, this open-air asphalt surface lot sits high above the venue, offering awe-inspiring panoramic vistas across the Denver metropolitan skyline and the surrounding foothills. Because it is a completely open-sky lot without any overhead canopies or multi-story structures, it features unlimited vertical clearance. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for all standard passenger vehicles, full-size SUVs, lifted pickup trucks, passenger vans, and vehicles carrying rooftop cargo boxes, bikes, or ski racks. Designated accessible parking spaces with smooth ramp routing are prioritized near the entrance points.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned immediately adjacent to the upper rim of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Upper North Lot is the premier staging ground for concertgoers, fitness enthusiasts, and sightseers alike. Key points of interest in direct walking distance include:

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Visitor Center: A short 3 to 7-minute walk downhill leads directly to the Top Gate and the North Ramp, providing swift entry into the seating bowl and the indoor Visitor Center, Hall of Fame, and Ship Rock Grille.
• Trading Post Trail & Geologic Overlooks: Direct trail access connecting hikers to scenic loops, stunning red rock formations, and native wildlife viewing paths.
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morning Fitness & Yoga: Famous for sunrise workouts on the iconic stone bleachers, easily accessible right from the lot before midday event transitions.
• Historic Downtown Morrison: Situated just a 5-minute drive (approx. 2 miles) south along Highway 8, filled with local taprooms, western bistros, and coffee shops.
• Downtown Golden & Colorado School of Mines: Located roughly 10 miles north via C-470 and US-6, ideal for pre-show exploration and brewery visits.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to the Upper North Lot is primarily routed through Entrance 1 (off State Highway 93 / Morrison Road) or Entrance 2 (via Alameda Parkway off Interstate 70 / Exit 259). Vehicles traverse Red Rocks Park Road up the winding mountain grade directly into the upper lot. After major concerts and sold-out events, traffic flow is tightly coordinated by local law enforcement and venue parking crews, who funnel outgoing traffic efficiently onto Alameda Parkway and northbound/southbound C-470 and I-70. While public municipal transit does not serve the interior of the park directly, private concert shuttles (such as the Red Rocks Shuttle from downtown Denver and Boulder), charter buses, and rideshare services operate steadily during event nights with dedicated pickup/drop-off lanes.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Spacious, paved, open-air surface lot with marked bays and wide vehicle maneuvering aisles.
• Unlimited vertical clearance with no overhead height restrictions for oversized vehicles.
• Immediate, direct-path access to the venue\'s North Ramp and Top Gate entrances.
• Complimentary parking included in standard concert admission tickets; free for daytime park visitors.
• High-visibility lighting throughout the lot for safe, comfortable egress after evening shows.
• Designated ADA accessible parking stalls conveniently positioned near pedestrian paths.
• Surrounded by on-site trash disposal and recycling stations to promote \'Leave No Trace\' mountain park practices.
• Dedicated traffic control staff assisting drivers during ingress and peak post-event exit periods.

Ideal For

• Concertgoers: Ticket holders seeking the fastest and least strenuous walk into the top rows and upper plaza of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
• Tailgaters & Social Groups: Event attendees gathering early to soak in mountain views and social atmosphere within venue tailgating guidelines.
• Morning Hikers & Runners: Daily visitors arriving early for amphitheatre stair runs, trail running, or scenic photography before event gates open.
• Drivers of Tall Vehicles: Pickups, 4x4s, and adventure rigs with roof racks or cargo carriers needing unrestricted vertical clearance.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Because the Upper North Lot is widely regarded as the best and most convenient general lot at Red Rocks, it fills up very quickly on concert evenings. To secure a spot here, plan to arrive when the venue parking lots officially open (typically two to three hours before doors open). Always back into your parking space upon arrival; this significantly accelerates your exit once the concert ends and traffic marshals begin directing outbound lines. Remember that mountain weather can shift rapidly, so bring warm layers even in summer. Lastly, lock your vehicle and store all food items securely out of sight, as wildlife such as bears and coyotes inhabit Red Rocks Mountain Park.