Red Rocks is a famous outdoor music venue and geological formation located in Morrison, Colorado just west of Denver. Over the years, Red Rocks has accumulated several different nicknames and monikers reflecting its unique history, geology, and role hosting concerts.
Geological Names
Geologically speaking, Red Rocks refers to the dramatic red sandstone rock formations that form the natural amphitheater walls of the venue. The red color comes from iron oxide or rust in the rocks. Specifically, Red Rocks Park is located in the Hogback formation, which consists of a ridge of tilted sedimentary strata made of sandstone, conglomerate, and shale beds from the Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic eras.
Here are some of the main geological names and terms for the Red Rocks formations:
- Hogback Formation
- Entrada Sandstone – forms the dark red cliffs rising above the amphitheater
- Morrison Formation – forms the lower greyish steps and walls
- Dakota Sandstone – comprises the lower southwestern side
These resistant sandstone layers have been tilted vertically by tectonic activity in the region, helping to form the amphitheater shape as softer layers eroded away. Red Rocks sits where the plains meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, creating dramatic relief.
Native American Names
For thousands of years before European settlement, native peoples inhabited areas around Red Rocks, evidenced by archaeological sites found throughout the park. Various tribes likely had their own names for the striking red rock formations.
According to history, the Arapaho tribe referred to the area as the “Garden of Angels” or “Garden of the Titans.” They believed the rocks were formed from divine beings turned to stone.
Modern Establishment Names
With Denver’s early growth in the late 1800s, Red Rocks became a popular natural getaway for city-dwellers. As part of the City Beautiful movement, Red Rocks was designated as a public park in the early 1900s. Some names referring to Red Rocks Park establishment and management include:
- Red Rocks Park
- Denver Mountain Parks
- Denver Municipal Facts
- Red Rocks Open Space Park
In 1941, Red Rocks Amphitheatre was officially dedicated within the park lands by the City of Denver.
Venue and Event Names
As a world-famous concert venue, Red Rocks has accrued many performance-related nicknames over the decades:
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Red Rocks Auditorium
- Natural Stage of the World
- The Best Outdoor Concert Venue
It has also hosted events like Film on the Rocks that lend it other monikers like Movie Theatre of the Gods.
Geographical Names
Red Rocks sits geographically just southwest of Denver proper in the town of Morrison, Colorado. Some geographical names for the Red Rocks area include:
- Morrison, CO
- Jefferson County
- Denver Metro Area
- Colorado Foothills
- Front Range
Its location along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains at the boundary with the Great Plains gives Red Rocks prominence visible throughout the region.
Notable Nicknames
Over decades of concerts and events, Red Rocks has gained many endearing nicknames and descriptions, including:
- The Best Band in the World
- Disney World for Music Fans
- Most Beautiful Place to See a Show
- The Only Acoustically Perfect Natural Amphitheater on Earth
Such names highlight the one-of-a-kind concert going experience offered by the geology and setting of Red Rocks Park.
Conclusion
Red Rocks Park has accumulated many colorful names over its history as a distinctive geological formation, Native American site, public park, world-famous concert venue, and prominent Front Range landmark. The many facets of Red Rocks are reflected in names that evoke its natural beauty, cultural legacy, and iconic status in Colorado’s musical heritage.
| Name Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Geological | Hogback Formation, Entrada Sandstone, Morrison Formation |
| Native American | Garden of Angels, Garden of the Titans |
| Establishment | Red Rocks Park, Denver Mountain Parks |
| Venue | Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Natural Stage of the World |
| Geographical | Morrison, CO, Front Range, Foothills |
| Nicknames | Disney World for Music Fans, Best Band in the World |