Field Trip Information

Red Rocks Tour - Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Buses load outside of the Brown Palace Hotel at 1:30 pm and will return at approximately 5:30 pm.

The cost is $15 per seat.

Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills fifteen miles west of Denver, Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheater that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. The amphitheater consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance.

The area of Red Rocks, originally known as the Garden of Angels, has attracted the attention of musical performers since before the turn of the century. The majestic setting of the amphitheater, along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene.

The dramatic sandstone monoliths serve as a history book of animal and plant life in the area for the past 250 million years.

Gradual earth movement slowly raised the great sandstone ledges from the prehistoric ocean floor, to form the "walls" of the Amphitheater. Within these walls is contained a record books of the ages.

Nearby dinosaur tracks tell of the Jurassic period, 160 million years ago. Fossil fragments of the giant 40-foot sea serpent, Plerisosaur, the marine reptile Mossaur, and flying reptiles captivate students and geologists alike.

Some of the rock formations in Red Rocks slope as much as 90 degrees, while others tilt backwards. The southern monolith, that bears resemblance to a ship, is named "Ship Rock." On the opposite side of the Amphitheater stands "Creation Rock." Both of the monoliths are taller than Niagara Falls.

A guided walking tour is provided. Please make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a jacket.

Other Things To Do

If you are not interested in the Red Rocks Field Trip, there are plenty of other things to do. A few are listed below, but make sure you contact the concierge at the hotel for assistance.

16th Street Mall

The Apple Store at Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek Mall

Denver Aquarium

Denver Art Museum

Denver Museum of Nature and Science/IMAX

Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall

The REI Flagship Store