Preserve theMagic

Preserve theMagic

Friends of Red Rocks’ purpose is to preserve and celebrate the magic of Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre through projects, education and community outreach. Help us PRESERVE THE MAGIC by joining Friends of Red Rocks!

Friendsof Red Rocks

Friends of Red Rocks’ mission is to preserve Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre by hosting trail cleanups and activities to keep Red Rocks a beautiful place for all the amazing visitors each year. If you love Red Rocks, come join us at our next monthly trail cleanup on the last Saturday of each month! We meet in the upper north lot at 9:30am. Please sign in at the FoRR tent. The clean-up captains(s) are there to answer any questions in regards to FoRR. We are committed to keeping the park beautiful and pristine, and we would love your help as we work to Preserve the Magic! Please visit us on Facebook to see how to register for Trail Clean-ups and Special Projects.

Bucket Challenge

All volunteers with a PIN are invited to vote for their favorite bucket! The winner will be announced at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event in November 14.

Unlock voting with your PIN

Friends of Red Rocks volunteers

VolunteerArea

If you've already signed up you can login and sign your waivers here.

Monthly Trail Clean-ups

Friends of Red Rocks hosts Monthly Trail Clean-ups and Special Projects on the last Saturday of each month. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Our meeting spot is in the UPPER NORTH LOT directly in front of the “Island” near the Depot. Please arrive between 9:30am and 9:50am. We will have three stations at check-in.

Aerial map showing the Friends of Red Rocks cleanup meeting location
Map of Red Rocks parking and cleanup meeting areas
  1. 01

    Check-in

    Sign in and out at the upper north lot in front of the “Island” near the Depot.

  2. 02

    Waivers

    If you haven't already, sign and turn in the waivers, including FoRR and Denver Mountain Parks waivers.

  3. 03

    Gear

    Grab your gear and start hiking! FoRR provides the following: Gloves, Hand Sanitizer, Safety Vests, Trash Bags and Trash Pickers. Trash bags are limited, so for a more sustainable option, consider bringing your own bucket or container to collect trash.

GetInvolved

We are a non-profit organization and all of our members are volunteers. We depend on your generous donations to operate. Your donations help us purchase supplies such as pickers, gloves, trash bags, and safety vests. Please consider making a tax deductible donation today!

Additional Ways

There are many ways to become involved with Friends of Red Rocks!

  • Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay current on events impacting the park.

  • Donate supplies- we need trash pickers, trash bags, gloves, water/snacks for trail clean ups, sunscreen, etc.

  • We also have a variety of committees that we could use your expertise on! Committees include fundraising, education, technology, beautification, native gardens, and communications. If interested, please email info@friendsofredrocks.org for more information.

Did YouKnow?

Friends of Red Rocks Is Following Two Major Projects at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Friends of Red Rocks has long focused on two core priorities: conservation and preservation.

Conservation is carried out through monthly volunteer cleanups that help protect the park's natural environment. Preservation centers on safeguarding the historic character of Red Rocks by advocating for changes that remain consistent with the original vision of architect Burnham Hoyt and his assistant Stanley Morse.

Today, two significant City of Denver projects are moving forward at Red Rocks:

  • Public Art Project
  • Backstage Expansion and Accessibility Improvements

Public Art Project

Under the City of Denver's 1% for Public Art Ordinance (DRMC 20-85, et seq.), one percent of eligible capital improvement costs is dedicated to new public art.

As Red Rocks continues to receive upgrades and improvements, funding has been allocated for a new public artwork to be installed either within the Amphitheatre or elsewhere in the park.

Friends of Red Rocks is represented on the project's selection committee and is participating in the review process. Information about the project, proposed artwork locations, and selection guidelines is available through the City of Denver.

Backstage Expansion

The City of Denver is also advancing a $35.1 million backstage expansion and accessibility project, funded through the Vibrant Denver Bond Program.

The project is intended to modernize backstage operations while improving accessibility for performers and staff. Planned improvements include:

  • A new multi-story backstage building with stage-level dressing rooms
  • Full ADA accessibility for performers of all abilities
  • New offices, dining and kitchen facilities, and backstage support spaces
  • A dedicated performer parking garage
  • Modernized HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
  • Potential additions such as rehearsal and recording spaces

The architectural and engineering contract has been awarded to Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH). Construction is currently planned for the concert off-season between November 2027 and May 2028.

This project follows recent improvements at Red Rocks, including the permanent South Merchandise Stand and the new East Terrace security and ticketing entrance.

Preservation Questions Remain

Friends of Red Rocks recognizes the need to provide modern, accessible facilities for performers and their crews. At the same time, the organization believes it is important to ensure that new construction remains consistent with the design principles established by Burnham Hoyt.

As stated on the official Red Rocks Amphitheatre website, Hoyt's goal was "to do a minimum of architecture; to preserve in full where possible the great assets of the site: the view and the extraordinary acoustic properties."

As plans for the backstage expansion move forward, Friends of Red Rocks encourages continued discussion about how the project will preserve the iconic sight lines, natural rock formations, and historic character that define Red Rocks as a National Historic Landmark.

To learn more, read longtime Friends of Red Rocks volunteer Cyrus Davis's perspective on .

"Historic preservation is a responsibility movement rather than a rights movement. It is a movement that moves us towards the responsibility of stewardship, not merely the right of ownership."

— Donovan Rypkema, President, Heritage Strategies International

FAQ

Company / Group Volunteer Events

We have a couple opportunities to volunteer during our clean ups. The first, and simplest is to have your group show up to a scheduled clean up, and we'll provide the rest! On the day of clean up, new volunteers will sign in and sign two waivers, one for FoRR and one for the City of Denver / Red Rocks Park. That month's clean up captain will go over some rules, tips and tricks, you'll be outfitted with trashpickers and garbage bags to walk the designated trails and parking lots picking up trash and recycling. In addition to trash picking, you can also volunteer to work with the gum scraping crew, and, during most cleanups, we have a trail project with the park rangers. Space is limited for gum scraping and trail projects, but if some of your group would like to participate, there should be some room.

A second option would be to host a weekday cleanup. These typically include your group led by one or two of the FoRR Board members. We'll usually have some regular volunteer members join in, as well, since some have a busy weekend schedule and like the weekday opportunities! Typically, we ask the following for a weekday event:

  • Date(s) Requesting (Any day will work if a board member can accommodate. Allow for a 2hr clean up session, with time before and after)
  • Number of volunteers
  • Is your company willing to provide a minimum monetary donation of $250, where all funds go directly to Friends of Red Rocks?
  • Can Friends of Red Rocks share this time and open the clean up to our regular volunteers who would like a weekday clean up opportunity?

With both options, the opportunity to become a volunteer member of FoRR exists. If you or your team thinks they'd like to join the organization and participate in more clean ups, they are welcome to join. Membership is easy, and they can get started today by clicking Join on this page.

I signed up but haven't received any confirmation - am I legit?

Once you registered on our website, you will be assigned a pin. This usually takes 10-12 days, but could take up to 30. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been accepted and your pin is assigned. You will need to sign into the member login to complete the waivers and the volunteer quiz. Here you will also find your volunteer number, of which you'll need this for the waivers, and also for cleanups. You'll provide it at the clean up to login and logout for hour accrual. About a week before the next monthly cleanup after your pin is assigned, you will receive the clean-up announcement, and your pin will be included in that email.

I am not getting the emails!

Make sure your email preferences are set to include "Electronic Newsletters" and "Schedule Reminders". This is how we communicate our clean up announcements, other important news, as well as scheduling of concert volunteer opportunities.

Here are the steps to check your email preferences

  • Login into account with the email and password you registered with.
  • Once logged in, click "Profile".
  • Then scroll down to the email preference section.
  • You should see "Electronic Newsletters" and "Schedule Reminders". If you see them, you're good to go! If not, make sure they are selected.
  • If you are still not receiving the emails, please contact us at info@friendsofredrocks.org and we will get you back to you as soon as possible!

How do I get a tee shirt?

Tee shirts are available during the clean ups, on the last Saturday of the month. Tee shirt donation of $20 goes directly back to FoRR. We accept cash, check, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc. Tees shirts are not required for cleanups but are required when volunteering at a concert. Please do not wear the FoRR tee shirt to any concert at which you are not officially assigned to volunteer.

FoRR Board of Directors

  • Samantha Henderson
    Treasurer & Bylaws Committee Liaison

    Samantha Henderson

    she/her

    Sam joined Friends of Red Rocks in 2012 and served from 2020-2021 and again from 2025 to the present. She is deeply committed to protecting the places where music, nature, and history converge, creating opportunities for people to connect with iconic public spaces, and can say the alphabet backwards very quickly.

    Learn more
  • Steve Griffiths
    Technology Committee Liaison

    Steve Griffiths

    Steve joined Friends of Red Rocks in 2018 and has served on the board since 2025. He is committed to Friends of Red Rocks, enjoys life with his wife Liz and their dogs Fozzie and Eloise, and tinkers with technology to improve the organization's website and tools.

    Learn more
  • Abe Willock
    Action & Documentary Committee Liaison

    Abe Willock

    Abe joined Friends of Red Rocks in 2010 and has served for 15 years. He is committed to preserving Red Rocks Park, strengthening relationships with park stakeholders, sharing the Friends of Red Rocks story through the documentary, and expanding membership outreach.

    Learn more
  • Greg O'Brien
    Board Member

    Greg O'Brien

  • Board Member

    Becky Chance

  • Board Member

    Darin Nesline

  • Board Member

    Pia Sabina Valeriana

The Board of Directors is elected by the membership and serves a two-year term. They take care of the daily operations of Friends of Red Rocks and oversee committees. Friends of Red Rocks is a 100% volunteer run organization. There are a variety of leadership opportunities available, such as, serving on one of our committees which help the organization function.

We appreciate all of the hard work our volunteers do to help Preserve the Magic!

RedRocks

Red Rocks has a long history of amazing music and magical moments for concert goers and park visitors, but it’s so much more than merely a great place to see a show! It is 868 acres of beauty that deserves to be cared for and preserved for future generations. The Amphitheatre, a geologic wonder, is a rare natural formation with perfect acoustics. The City of Denver purchased the park in 1927 from a private landowner for $54,133. Construction of the amphitheatre was completed in 1941 by the workers living at the Morrison CCC Camp.

As the amphitheatre gained in popularity and the city of Denver grew, so did the impacts on Red Rocks Park. Friends of Red Rocks began in 1999 as a reaction of concerned citizens to the corporatization of Red Rocks Park. Specific concerns at the time included converting the historic planter boxes into cooperate box seats; selling advertising and naming rights of the venue; and pushing through 'improvements' at too fast a pace. Friends of Red Rocks continues to stay involved and up to date on current issues affecting the park.

FoRR also maintains the Red Rocks native garden; educates patrons in a friendly way; and stays involved with advocating for the park and amphitheatre. While we encourage concert patrons to come out and have a great time, we ask that they do so in an environmentally responsible way. By doing simple things like packing out your trash, recycling, observing the Fan Code, staying on designated trails, and being considerate of wildlife, we can all work together to keep Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre beautiful and open for everyone’s enjoyment.

Trivia

Did you know…

  • There have been more shows scheduled at Red Rocks in the last decade than there were in the preceding 60 years?
  • That it took the natural amphitheatre of Red Rocks more than 200 million years to form?
  • That the amphitheatre was designed by architect Burnham Hoyt, who modeled it after the Theatre of Dionysus at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece?
  • Did the Beatles’ 1964 show at Red Rocks sell out?
  • That an estimated 750,000 non-concertgoers visit Red Rocks every year?
  • That AEG and LiveNation book the vast majority of shows there, but Red Rocks is an open venue, meaning anyone can book it?

These fun facts are credited to Dylan Owens at The Denver Post.Read the full article!

News

Red Rocks Public Art Project news coming this week. Stay Tuned!

Park and Venue Completed Projects Since 2021

We would like to thank Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Denver Mountain Parks, and the City and County of Denver for doing a wonderful job on many needed upgrades and repairs to Red Rocks.Read More

  • South Merch Stand
  • East Terrace
  • Stage Roof
  • Red Rocks Depot
  • Enhanced Road, Lot, and Trail Lighting
  • Visitor Center Service Road Retaining Wall
  • Trading Post Updates and Remodeling
  • North Storm Water Channel Rehabilitation
  • Subsurface Seating Stabilization
  • South ramp replacement 2023
  • Added more wheelchair-accessible seats and paving projects to the Top Plaza
  • Renovation to Ship Rock Grille, Restrooms and Exhibits featuring the history of the venue and park
  • New Loading Dock
  • Upper South Lot - additional parking spaces and a shelter area for those waiting for the Accessible Shuttle
volunteers

Tom Rutter

Some years ago, a man named Tom Rutter took a bold step to make a huge difference. The Red Rocks we all know and love is just how it is today - a place of rustic beauty and magical experiences where we go home with dirt on our feet and the smell of junipers in our hair - thanks to Tom.

Tom created this flyer and led the movement to preserve Red Rocks and protect it from corporatization. His action, almost 21 years ago, continues to give us all an opportunity to protect and celebrate one of the most magical places on earth. The entire community is indebted to Tom and that handful of individuals who accepted his invitation to get organized to oppose the City’s planned changes and corporatization.

In addition to helping preserve the Amphitheater, Tom was a hiker and an animal and nature lover who loved and knew intimately the Park's landscape and trails.

Tom left this world on January 25, 2021.

Thank you, Tom, for your foresight to protect the natural beauty that is Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. May you rest in peace.

Friends of Red Rocks