Trails
The
Trading Post loop hiking trail is 1.4 miles in length, and goes
through spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow.
Some of the terrain is rough, so hiking boots/ shoes are recommended.
Also, hikers should be prepared for adverse weather conditions
as the weather can change very quickly.
The trail is 6,280 feet above sea level, so persons with health
conditions may wish to consult a doctor before attempting the
hike. If children are joining the hike, provide good supervision,
as some areas of the trail are drop-offs, steep grades, and
road crossings. The majority of the trail is less than 30 inches
wide, and rock climbing is prohibited. The trail closes one-half
hour before sunset. Hikers are advised to allow themselves up
to two hours to complete the hike.
Animals and fauna
Red
Rocks serves as a home to a number of animals. Though they more
often visit Red Rocks in winter, herds of deer are frequently
seen in the park throughout the year. Occasionally a mountain
lion from the hills searching for deer and other smaller animals
is seen in the park.At dusk, it is not unusual to spot a fox,
raccoon, skunk, chipmunk, or squirrel (especially after a concert
munching on the gourmet buffet of leftovers).
Mule deer are another animal often spotted in Red Rocks Park. These deer weigh up to 200 pounds. Their fur is a gray to rich reddish brown hue. These deer have large ears, similar to those of a mule. A potentially dangerous inhabitant of the park is the rattlesnake. Though they are seen more frequently in the summer months, rattlesnakes do take advantage of the rocks for sun bathing in the early spring and late fall. Rattlesnakes are naturally shy, though they may become aggressive if they feel threatened. These snakes usually flee when they sense danger, however they are venomous and Red Rocks visitors are urged to use caution when hiking off of the trails.
Birds
Red
Rocks is home to an array of feathered inhabitants. Birds such
as house finches, scrub jays, pigeons and magpies are often
spotted in Red Rocks Park. In the winter months, golden crowned
sparrows and rosy finches also attract bird watchers to the
park.
On occasion, the American kestrel is seen hovering over the
park. This bird is a falcon that feeds on large insects, small
birds and rodents. Both male and female American kestrels have
a blue-gray stripe on its head and dark sideburns.
Another bird seen in Red Rocks is the mountain blue bird. This
bird is in the North American thrush family. These birds sing
a lovely song. Mountain blue birds can be identified by their
thin bill, stocky body and forked tail. Males are a soft peacock
blue, and females are grayish blue.
Plants and flowers
The
trees found in Red Rocks Park include mountain mahogany, three-leaf
sumac, cottonwoods and ponderosa pine. Wild plum and chokecherry
trees are found in the gulch south of the Trading Post. Wildflowers
serve as natural groundcover throughout the park. Flowers such
as the Indian Paintbrush, the Blue Columbine (Colorado’s
state flower), Yucca, and Bull Thistles thrive and beautify
the park.
The Evening Primrose (oenothera caespitosa) is an herb-like
perennial that grows in cooler climates on the dry, sunny slopes
of the park. Its large white four-petal flower opens in the
evenings and wilts the next day. Since only one flower opens
at a time, the plant may bloom for days or even weeks throughout
summer.
The Common Chokecherry (prunus virginiana) is found
in loose thickets and rarely grows beyond nine to ten feet.
However, in some unusual cases it has been known to grow tree-like
reaching heights up to 15 feet. It is primarily found on hillsides,
in canyons and along streams. The fruit has a bitter taste if
eaten before it is ripe, giving rise to the name chokecherry.
Yuccas (yucca glauca) grows happily in arid regions
and in sandy soil. This low evergreen plant is familiar to desert
explorers. Its leafy fibers were used by Native Americans to
make cord, sandals and mats. The flowers are a creamy to greenish-white
colored bells, two to three inches wide, with large apple-green
pistils.
The Creeping Mohonia (mohonia repens) is a low, shrub-like
plant that can be found on dry open hillsides and rocky slopes
of the park. It has woody underground stems, but is most recognizable
by its leathery holly-like evergreen leaflets and dark blue
berries.
Mountain Mahogany trees are members
of the rose family that can be found on sunny, dry, rocky slopes.
It usually grows from four to six feet tall, though they have
occasionally grown from 12 to 20 feet tall. Because of the hardness
of the wood, Native Americans used the wood as staffs to hold
wool when spinning it, and as an ingredient in preparing a reddish
dye for the wool.
Hours, rules &
restrictions
Visitor Center Hours
May-September: 8:00am - 7:00pm
October-April: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Park and Amphitheatre Hours
The park is open from 5AM to 11PM, daily
free of charge. In the event of a performance the Amphitheatre and Visitor Center will generally close to the public in the early afternoon hours.
• Motorized vehicles and bicycles
are allowed only on designated roads, parking areas and trails.
• Fires and camping are prohibited.
• No glass bottles or containers are allowed
• No littering- Please use trash receptacles
• No hunting
• No fireworks or firearms permitted
• Pets must be on a leash at all times
• Consumption of beer, liquor or wine is prohibited
• Rock climbing is prohibited
• All governing state statutes apply in the park. Dinosaur
Ridge is located in close proximity to Red Rocks Park. This
area contains actual dinosaur footprints and has its own visitor’s
center. For more information, go to www.dinoridge.org
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