Rock on in Denver: Where to stay near Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Golden-hour shows, dawn hikes, and otherworldly rock formations await.
Edited by Sarah Kuta | December 19, 2025
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is more than a concert venue — it’s a Colorado rite of passage. As the sun dips behind the venue’s sandstone monoliths, music echoes across the landscape, and the city’s skyline glows in the distance. The next morning, dawn brings new light to foothill trails and fresh air for recovery hikes. Planning a Red Rocks weekend means navigating Denver’s variable weather and accounting for parking and transportation. Choosing the right base simplifies logistics, allowing you to catch a sunset set, sleep well, and start your day with a sunrise stroll.
Golden: For easy access and next-day hikes
If your goal is to catch every note of a sunset show and slip out with ease, Golden is an ideal base, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Arrive at your hotel early to enjoy golden hour in the foothills, then take a quick drive or grab a rideshare to the venue. After the encore, you’ll be back in your room in no time. The next morning, nearby trails invite you to stretch your legs with an easy hike. Remember to wear layers and bring plenty of water, since Colorado’s elevation is higher than what most visitors are used to. Hampton Inn Denver-West/Golden is ideally located for quick Red Rocks access, with free hot breakfast and restful rooms that make it easy to recharge between adventures.
Lakewood: For seamless parking and foothill trails
Lakewood balances show-night convenience with next-morning adventure. The drive to Red Rocks is straightforward, making it easy to arrive and start jamming out. After the music fades, retreat to a suite with a full kitchen — ideal for prepping snacks or an early breakfast before heading out for a gentle foothills hike. Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver West – Lakewood offers spacious, apartment-style accommodations and a free evening social on select nights, so you can unwind at your own pace.
Downtown: For nightlife and dining
For those who want to pair a Red Rocks show with Denver’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene, a downtown base is a must. Enjoy a pre-show dinner in LoDo (Lower Downtown) or grab late-night bites after the encore. The city’s Union Station area provides easy access to major highways for a seamless drive or rideshare to Red Rocks, setting the perfect backdrop for a mellow stroll or coffee run the next morning. Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station puts you in the heart of it all, with modern guest rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor pool for a relaxing reset.
Littleton: For sunrise hikes and easy highway access
Southwest Denver suburbs, such as Littleton, are a smart pick for travelers who want a relaxed stay and a low-key home base convenient to sunrise hikes. Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver – Littleton is an ideal stay, offering suite-style comfort, free hot breakfast, and group-friendly amenities like Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton™. And since it’s a short, simple drive to Red Rocks from the hotel, you can focus more on having fun and less on logistics.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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