Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 303-697-3466;
www.dinoridge.org
;
16831 W Alameda Pkwy; 9am-5pm May-Oct, 11am-4pm Nov-Apr;
)
Unless you are an extremely dedicated dinosaur nut, the drive out to Dinosaur
National Monument is a long haul. The footprints and sandstone-encased fossils here are
extremely impressive, and worth the detour, and the tours are awesome for the kids. It's
about 2 miles north of Morrison along Hwy 26.
WORTH A TRIP
RED ROCKS PARK & AMPHITHEATRE
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
( 303-640-2637;
www.redrocksonline.com
; 18300 W Alameda Pkwy;
5am-11pm; ) is set between 400ft-high red sandstone rocks 15 miles southwest of Denver. Acoustics are so
good many artists record live albums here. The 9000-seat theater offers stunning views and draws big-name
bands all summer. To see your favorite singer go to work on the stage is to witness a performance in one of the
most exceptional music venues in the world. For many, it's reason enough for a trip to Colorado .
When the setting sun brings out a rich, orange glow from the rock formations and the band on stage launches
into the right tune, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a captivating experience, wholly befitting the park's 19th-century
name, 'Garden of Angels.'
The natural amphitheater, once a Ute camping spot, has been used for performances for decades, but it wasn't
until 1936 that members of the Civilian Conservation Corps built a formal outdoor venue with seats and a stage.
Though it originally hosted classical performances and military bands, it debuted as a rock venue with style; the
first rock quartet on this stage was John, Paul, George and Ringo. Since then, the gamut of artists who have recor-
ded live albums here - such as U2, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and new-age piano tinkler John Tesh - is a testa-
ment to the pristine natural acoustics.
You scored tickets? Great. Now for the nitty gritty. Eat in Morrison beforehand as the junk food from the food
vendors is predictably expensive and the restaurants are crowded. Alternatively, you can bring a small cooler into
the show, as long as there's no booze and it'll fit under your seat. Climbing on the stunning formations is prohib-
ited; however, 250-plus steps lead to the top of the theater, offering views of both the park and Denver, miles off
to the east.
Amazingly, Red Rocks Park can be almost as entertaining when it's silent. The amphitheater is only a tiny part
of the 600-acre space. There are miles of hiking trails, opportunities to lose the crowds and take in lovely rock
formations. There's information about the entire area on the website.
Sleeping & Eating
B&B
$$
Cliff House Lodge
( 303-697-9732;
www.cliffhouselodge.net
; 121 Stone St; cabins from $175; )
If you spend the
night in Morrison, this historic brick B&B is by far the best choice. The decor might be a
little overboard, but some of the cottages have hot tubs and the gardens are a peaceful
place to catch up on some reading.
Mill Street Deli
GRILL
$
