DENVER — It’s only early April, but the first Red Rocks Amphitheatre show of the season already took place last month when the Crank Rocks EDM showcase hit the stage at the world-famous venue.

Things are heating up with concerts from newer names like Ethel Cain (April 12), Yungblud (May 11) and Big Thief (Oct. 6) to multi-night runs from Paul Simon (June 12-13), Rod Stewart (Jun 15-16), Avett Brothers (July 10-12) and Brandi Carlile (Sept. 11-13).

But there are a few things you should know about the venue before hiking up its steep stairs and claiming your seat. For one, there are a couple of new additions, including a permanent Merchandise Stand on the south side (replacing the usual tented option) with more points of sale that Red Rocks officials hope will equate to shorter lines.

There’s also an expanded East Terrace with extra room for security checks. The latter was part of the amphitheater’s original 1936 plan by architect Burnham Hoyt, according to Denver Arts & Venues, the city agency that owns and operates Red Rocks.

The East Stairs Entrance, South Ramp Entrance, and part of Trading Post Road (between Ship Rock Road and West Alameda Parkway) just reopened after improvements, and the usual North Gate Entrances and the Trading Post remain the same; see redrocksonline.com/plan-your-visit/faq for a map of the venue and updates on openings/closings.

Parking is free for most shows, and lots open two hours before scheduled concert start times. Carpooling is always a great idea, given the limited parking, but you’ll have a bit of a hike up to — and inside — the venue as part of the experience, so bring closed-toe shoes and water. This year, there’s no drop-off on the top circle road unless it’s for disabled patrons.

If you park your vehicle on the side of the road leading up to the lots, as many people do, be sure to remember the general area where you parked, or pin it on a map. Also use a flashlight on the way down, given the twisting roads and traffic. Be aware that cars are streaming by you, and they won’t stop if they can’t see you.

This year there’s no more Limo Lane, and all rideshare and anyone not staged by 8:30 p.m. inside the park (party bus shuttles, livery) will be directed to Lower South Lot 2 (aka the Jurassic Lot).

Arriving early gives you a better chance of snagging a spot in a close-in lot, such as Lower South Lot 1, where tailgaters congregate. There are pick-up and drop-off areas and accessible seats and shuttles available for disabled patrons around the Trading Post and at the top of the venue — including accessible parking in each of the parking lots. Any employee can point you in the right direction.

If you need to stop by the box office/will call window, take Entrance 2 and drive up West Alameda Parkway until you hit the brief squeeze point, where employees can answer questions about parking and traversal. The box office opens four hours before showtime.

AXS, Red Rocks’ and the city of Denver’s official ticketing company, requires all patrons to use AXS Mobile Delivery. Yes, that means NO paper tickets, so be prepared and don’t hold up the line as you fumble with your phone. Most shows are all-ages and kids under 2 don’t need a ticket, Arts & Venues said.

Red Rocks is located in the foothills at 6,450 foot elevation. Bring sunscreen, extra water, and weather gear in case the weather changes drastically, which is usually does. Text RRWEATHER to 67283 for day-of weather updates.

As with most outdoor venues these days, all possessions must fit under your seat, 18″ x 12″. Single-pocket bags no larger than 13″ by 15″ by 18″ are allowed. Glass and aluminum are banned, as is alcohol and recreational drugs (that includes cannabis), pets, camping gear, and weapons. Food is allowed if it’s stored in a clear, one-gallon bag, and non-alcoholic drinks can be in tow. Bathrooms at the bottom of the venue, on either side of the stairs, are the most crowded.

City officials recommend using the spiffed-up new facilities in the Visitor Center at the top of the venue, which will likely require a bit of a hike (but not be nearly as crowded). There’s also a new, permanent Merchandise Stand on the south side, and an expanded East Terrace with extra room for security checks.

The venue, located at 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, is a unique, world-famous, protected landmark. Blatantly littering, getting wasted and sitting in the wrong seat will not score you points with workers there, or your fellow music fans. Respect the legend!

Visit bit.ly/4sYTrPh for a full list of every Red Rocks show announced for this year, and redrocksonline.com for general information and tickets.

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