Red Rocks reputation is solid in its splendor and lore. U2 recorded Under a Blood Red Sky Red Rocks. The Dave Matthews Band recorded Live at Red Rocks there as well. Red Rocks is also the first concert venue that The Beatles did not sell out! In my youth I saw Depeche Mode and Howard Jones at Red Rocks. In my sappy early thirties, I spent a night on the Rocks with my great friend Janelle and the late Dan Fogelberg who was one of the 10 initial inductees into the Red Rocks Hall of Fame.

Colorado translates to the color red and there is no misunderstanding of our state’s name when you see Red Rocks. Plan a picnic, wear a hat and walk through the park- it is beautiful. If there is no concert scheduled you can walk through the amphitheatre as well! Be careful and bring lots of water as you will be in the foothills which means thinner air and higher altitude. Climbing the stairs from the bottom of the concert venue to the top is a feat for the healthiest among us, so take your time and take lots of breaks to see every inch along the way. If you get a chance to see a concert or a film at Red Rocks, you will regret it if you pass up the opportunity. It is an experience that memories aspire to be.

This past weekend, 28 of Red Rocks original redwood benches were auctioned off to the highest, and no doubt sentimental, bidders. The Benches have been in the natural amphitheatre since it was constructed and the weather has finally gotten to them. Now 28 bidders claim them as their own slice of history. How nice to lay down upon one of these benches whenever you want. I would close my eyes and press my ear into the wood and relive concert after concert.

It is no wonder that Red Rocks was originally known as The Garden of Angels. It is a magical place that could possibly move an atheist to pray. Get yourself up there and breathe in the majestic site of Red Rocks.

[Photos- SXC 1 2]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Water World!
Spanning 64 acres of landscaped hills and valleys- all leading to slides and pools and wave machines, Water World is a day trip that will cool you down while heating up your sense of fun.

Located about half an hour north of Downtown Denver in Federal Heights, Colorado, Water World opened its doors 26 years ago and has been gaining force and adding attractions ever since; 42 to date, including the most tube rides than any other water park in America. It features Wally World for the younger kids and Journey to the Center of the Earth for the entire family. Picnic sites on grassy areas and covered pavilions.

Pricing ranges from free (for the tots) up to $33.95 depending on age and height and what time of a day you chose to enjoy the park. There are specials for admission after 2pm and residents of Hyland Hills and Westminster. They accept credit cards and cash. All in all it is worth the price. Parking is vast and free.

Why not give it a splash?!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Denver is a fantastic town, however- it is also a starting point for many other travel adventures throughout Colorful Colorado. Therefore, we at The Denver Traveler, are launching a new feature entitled: “Detour at Denver” where we will highlight some of the finest destinations a short way away from Denver. For our first installment we present- Estes Park!

A mere hour and a half drive from Denver, right smack dab in the middle of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest is glorious Estes Park, Colorado. Ignore the television and movie pronunciations of “East-Teas” Park and wow the natives by verbalizing “Eh-stus” Park as you tell folks where you are headed. Chances are you will receive smiles and votes of jealousy, for Estes Park is a bit of a natural wonderland.

A cool climate in the summer, a picturesque setting in the winter, makes Estes Park a destination for any time of the year. The mountain scenery will take your breathe away. The wildlife will make your heart skip a beat for joy and find you gasping in surprise. Bear Lake is luminous and Bear Lake Road, chock full of scenic wonders, are worth the trip alone. Estes Park gives you the opportunity to dazzle your friends and family back home by telling them how you hiked over the Continental Divide and stood a few feet away from a wild elk.

Lodging is affordable, believe it or not, at The Y.M.C.A of the Rockies. A gem in the wilderness that helps provide low cost respites. The Estes Park Center of the Y.M.C.A. of the Rockies can accommodate 3,500 people throughout its lodges and family cabins. There are two conference centers as well- perfect for company retreats and family reunions.

You’ve made it to Denver- keep on going, for a day or longer- on up to Estes Park. Keep your eyes open during the drive as many treasures are to be seen along the way: Nature doing what it does best, Farms and Farmhouses, and even a Cathedral!

All of the sights along the way are quaint, full of character and bond to make great memories all on their own. Estes Park will be the icing on the sightseeing cake!

[All Photos - SXC - Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3]

Post from: The Denver Traveler