Red Rocks Amphitheatre — Morrison, Colorado

Red Rocks Amphitheatre — carved into a geological formation of two 300-foot red sandstone monoliths west of Denver — is the most dramatically beautiful concert venue in America and arguably the world. The natural acoustics of the rock formation, the altitude (6,450 feet), the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains against the Colorado sky, and the intimacy of the 9,525-seat capacity create a concert experience unlike anything available elsewhere. Acts have been performing here since 1906 in various forms; the current amphitheatre was completed in 1941 by Denver's parks department.

The list of legendary performances at Red Rocks is extensive: Jimi Hendrix in 1968, the Beatles in 1964, the Rolling Stones in 1971, U2's "Under a Blood Red Sky" live album (1983) — recorded at Red Rocks and one of the most commercially successful live albums in history — John Denver (whose connection to Colorado made Red Rocks his spiritual home), Radiohead, Widespread Panic (which has played the venue more times than any other act), and Phish among many others. The Grateful Dead's multiple Red Rocks shows are among the most celebrated in the band's touring history.

Red Rocks is managed by Denver Parks and Recreation and remains an active venue from May through October. Its trading is extraordinary: it sells out shows faster than virtually any other venue in America, and tickets for popular acts go within minutes. The amphitheatre is also open for hiking and sightseeing during non-show hours, and the geological park surrounding it offers trails through the distinctive red sandstone landscape. A visitors' centre documents the venue's history.