A recommended day trip from The Brown Palace: Red Rocks and Morrison
From The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa you can make Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre a straightforward half-day trip: it’s about a 15–45 minute drive each way depending on traffic. Plan for a morning or late-afternoon visit to hike the Trading Post Trail, explore the visitor areas and take photos of the rock formations and the amphitheatre; return to downtown Denver for dinner at Ship Tavern or Afternoon Tea in The Grand Atrium.
In this guide
Overview: Red Rocks and Morrison in one day
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a natural open-air concert venue and National Historic Landmark set in striking sandstone formations near the town of Morrison. The park includes short hikes, viewpoints, a visitor center, and the amphitheatre itself.
From The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa (321 17th St), the drive typically takes about 20–45 minutes depending on traffic and the route you take. The hotel offers a complimentary hotel car service for trips within five miles of the property; confirm availability at the 24-hour front desk before you leave.
- Park highlights: Trading Post Trail (1.4-mile loop), amphitheatre overlooks, visitor center exhibits
- Nearby town: Morrison has a few casual restaurants and shops if you want to add a stop
- Travel time: plan 20–45 minutes each way from downtown Denver depending on traffic
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Trading Post Trail | 1.4-mile loop through formations; easy–moderate footing |
| Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Historic open-air concert venue with dramatic sightlines |
| Visitor Center | Exhibits, restrooms, and orientation information |
Getting there from The Brown Palace
Address for the hotel: 321 17th St, Denver, Colorado, 80202. Before you go, check with the 24-hour front desk about the complimentary hotel car service for trips within five miles and about local taxi or rideshare options.
Driving is the most direct option; rental cars, rideshare services, or taxis will get you there in the 20–45 minute window cited above. Public transit connections are possible but will take longer and usually require transfers near Union Station or other hubs.
- Hotel transport: ask the front desk about the complimentary hotel car service (within five miles)
- Drive: most guests drive or take rideshare for the fastest trip
- Public transit: possible but involves transfers and a longer travel time
| Option | Typical time from The Brown Palace | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | 20–45 minutes | Most direct door-to-door option |
| Hotel car (within 5 miles) | Confirm with front desk | Complimentary but subject to availability |
| Public transit | Longer; multiple transfers | Not recommended for a short day trip |
Suggested timing and a sample itinerary
Decide whether you want a morning hike and views (cooler, fewer crowds) or an afternoon visit that can lead into sunset photos at the amphitheatre. Concerts and special events will change access and parking—check Red Rocks’ schedule before leaving.
A typical half-day plan fits well into a downtown hotel schedule: leave mid-morning, spend 2–3 hours at the park, then return to The Brown Palace for late-afternoon tea or dinner.
- Early departure (8:30–9:00 AM): cooler temperatures, quieter trails
- Midday (11:00 AM–2:00 PM): easiest for visitor center hours and short hikes
- Late afternoon (4:00 PM–sunset): best for golden-hour photos; check concert schedules
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30–9:30 AM | Drive from The Brown Palace to Red Rocks |
| 9:30–11:00 AM | Hike Trading Post Trail, visit viewpoints |
| 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Stop at the visitor center or Morrison for a quick lunch |
What to do at Red Rocks
Walk the Trading Post Trail (1.4-mile loop) for close-up views of the rock formations and short, photo-friendly hikes. The amphitheatre area offers multiple overlooks and steps you can climb for views of the venue.
If you’ll be at Red Rocks during a concert, remember that access, parking and the atmosphere are different than during a daytime visit; check the official Red Rocks schedule for event details and any ticket requirements.
- Trading Post Trail: short loop, uneven dirt/rock footing
- Amphitheatre plaza and steps: good viewpoints and photo spots
- Visitor Center: exhibits and restrooms
| Activity | Time to allow |
|---|---|
| Short hike + viewpoints | 1–2 hours |
| Visitor center and photo stops | 30–60 minutes |
| Add Morrison town stop | 30–60 minutes |
Practical tips: parking, weather, and altitude
Parking at Red Rocks can fill up on weekends and concert days; arrive early if you need a guaranteed space. If you plan to hike, wear sturdy shoes—trail footing is uneven in places.
Denver’s altitude is high and weather can change quickly. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer even in summer. If you have questions about current conditions, check local weather reports before you leave The Brown Palace.
- Parking: expect delays on busy days; arrive early for best options
- Footwear: closed-toe shoes recommended for trails and rocky surfaces
- Altitude: stay hydrated and pace yourself if you’re not used to high elevation
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Water bottle | Hydration at altitude |
| Layered clothing | Temperature swings, breeze on ridges |
| Sturdy shoes | Uneven rocky trail surfaces |
Return options and dining back at The Brown Palace
After your visit you can return to downtown Denver and choose from several on-site dining options at The Brown Palace. Ship Tavern serves American seafood and steak and is open for lunch and dinner; The Grand Atrium hosts Afternoon Tea and later cocktails beneath the stained-glass ceiling.
For a quick coffee or pastry on your way out the next morning, Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co. opens early. If you prefer a more formal dinner, Palace Arms offers a French-inspired prix fixe dinner service (Tuesday–Saturday evenings).
- Ship Tavern: lunch & dinner, seafood and steak options
- The Grand Atrium: Afternoon Tea (midday) and cocktails later
- Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co.: morning coffee and pastries
| Venue | Typical hours / service |
|---|---|
| Ship Tavern | Lunch & Dinner; hours include 11:00 AM openings |
| The Grand Atrium | Afternoon Tea midday; cocktails later |
| Brown Palace Coffee & Tea Co. | Morning coffee and pastries |
Add Morrison or extend the trip
If you have extra time, the nearby town of Morrison has casual eateries and a small, walkable center where you can stretch your legs after a hike. Alternately, make Red Rocks a gateway stop on a drive to destinations farther west such as Boulder or mountain parks.
For longer outings beyond a day trip, plan routes and check driving times; traffic and mountain weather can add considerable time compared with downtown distances.
- Morrison: quick bite or souvenir stop after Red Rocks
- Boulder or mountain routes: allow extra driving time and monitor weather
- Check event calendars: concerts at Red Rocks affect timing and parking
| Add-on | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Stop in Morrison | Short detour for food or photos |
| Drive to Boulder | Longer drive; reserve extra time |
| Mountain parks | Weather and traffic can extend the day |
