Red Rocks Post-Show Guide
Walking Directions:
Amphitheatre to Upper North Lot
Two routes, step-by-step directions, and exactly where to meet your Arion driver after the show.
Quick Answer: There are two walking routes from Red Rocks Amphitheatre to the Upper North Lot — both approximately 0.4 miles. The Top Circle Route (west side, ~9 minutes) exits through the Visitor Center and Top Circle Lot. The North Ramp Route (east side, ~11 minutes) exits stage-right and follows the ramp along the east face. Your Arion chauffeur will text you the exact meeting spot before the encore ends.
Route Map
Two walking routes from the amphitheatre to the Upper North Lot. Tap a route for details.
Step-by-Step Directions
Choose the route that matches where you're sitting. Both are approximately 0.4 miles.
A Top Circle Route (West Side)
This is the fastest and most popular route. You exit from the top of the amphitheatre, pass the Visitor Center and merchandise area, walk through the Top Circle Lot, and follow the road north to the Upper North Lot.
- Exit the amphitheatre from the top (west side). If you're seated in Rows 35–70, walk up the stairs toward the main concourse at the top of the venue. You'll pass the restrooms and concession stands.
- Walk past the Visitor Center. As you exit the amphitheatre gates, the Red Rocks Visitor Center and Ship Rock Grille will be on your left. Continue straight past the merchandise vendors.
- Pass through the Top Circle Lot. You'll enter the Top Circle Lot — this is the restricted drop-off area for limousines and ADA vehicles. It's a paved, circular lot directly above the amphitheatre entrance. Walk through it heading north (uphill).
- Follow the road north along W Alameda Parkway. Exit the Top Circle Lot onto the paved road. Bear right and walk north. The road curves gently uphill. You'll see the red sandstone formations on both sides.
- Arrive at the Upper North Lot. The lot entrance is on your right. Look for Arion's vehicle — your chauffeur will text you the exact location and vehicle description. The lot has restrooms and EV charging stations.
Tip: This route is mostly paved and well-lit after shows. The incline is gradual. Watch for vehicle traffic on the road between Top Circle and Upper North — stay on the pedestrian walkway on the left side.
B North Ramp Route (East Side)
If you're seated in the lower rows near the stage, this route avoids climbing back up through the entire amphitheatre. You exit stage-right, take the North Ramp along the east face of the venue, and enter the Upper North Lot from its south/east side.
- Exit the amphitheatre stage-right (east side). From the lower rows (Rows 1–34), exit toward the right side of the stage. Follow the crowd toward the Row 1 exit on the northeast side of the venue.
- Bear right onto the North Ramp path. As you exit, you'll see a paved ramp/path heading north along the east face of the amphitheatre. This is the North Ramp — it runs between the amphitheatre and the red rock formations to the east. Follow it uphill.
- Continue north past the Funicular Trail junction. You'll pass the junction where the Funicular Trail meets the road. The Funicular Trail connects down to Trading Post Road on your right — do not take it (it goes downhill to the Lower North Lot). Stay on the main ramp heading north.
- Climb the final section into the Upper North Lot. The ramp transitions into a set of stairs and a pathway that leads directly into the south/east side of the Upper North Lot. The last 100 yards have a moderate incline with some stairs.
- Enter the Upper North Lot from the east. You'll emerge into the lot near the EV charging stations. Your Arion chauffeur will be parked in a designated space — check your text message for the exact location.
Tip: This route has more stairs and steeper sections than the Top Circle Route. Wear closed-toe shoes. The path is scenic (beautiful Denver skyline views on clear nights) but can be darker in spots — use your phone flashlight.
Key Landmarks Along the Way
Use these reference points to stay oriented after the show.
🏔️ Creation Rock
The massive sandstone monolith on the north side of the amphitheatre. Visible from both routes. If you can see it ahead of you, you're heading the right direction — toward the Upper North Lot.
🏛️ Visitor Center
Located near the top (west) exit of the amphitheatre. Houses the Ship Rock Grille restaurant and restrooms. You'll pass it on Route A (Top Circle Route). Look for the building with the camera/photo-op area.
🅿️ Top Circle Lot
The restricted circular lot directly above the amphitheatre entrance. Used for limo drop-off and ADA parking. On Route A, you walk directly through this lot heading north. It's well-lit and paved.
🚶 North Ramp Entrance
A paved ramp on the east/south side of the Upper North Lot. This is where Route B enters the lot. Marked by stairs and a scenic pathway. You'll see the Denver skyline to the east on clear nights.
🥾 Funicular Trail
A short, steep pedestrian trail on the east side connecting the Upper North Lot to Trading Post Road below. Do not take this trail — it goes downhill away from the Upper North Lot. Pass it on Route B and continue north.
🅿️ Upper North Lot
Your destination. The highest and most coveted parking lot at Red Rocks. Your Arion vehicle will be parked in a designated space. Has restrooms and EV charging. Accessed via Entrance 1 off Highway 93.
Which Route Should You Take?
| Top Circle Route | North Ramp Route | |
|---|---|---|
| Walk time | ~9 minutes | ~11 minutes |
| Best for seats | Rows 35–70 (upper) | Rows 1–34 (lower) |
| Terrain | Paved, gradual incline | Stairs + moderate incline |
| Lighting | Well-lit (road + lot lights) | Some darker sections |
| Crowd level | Busier (main exit route) | Less crowded |
How Arion Post-Show Pickup Works
We've done hundreds of Red Rocks pickups. Here's exactly what happens.
How does concert pickup work after the show?
Your chauffeur is parked on site before the venue's 8:30 p.m. vehicle-entry cutoff and waits there through the show, then texts you the exact location as the encore ends. You walk to a waiting vehicle instead of queuing in a lot or waiting on surge pricing.
Will my driver wait during the event?
Yes. On hourly service the vehicle and chauffeur stay with your party for the full event. On point-to-point service we return at a scheduled time — either way you have one named contact, not a new stranger each leg.
How early should we leave for a Red Rocks or downtown show?
For Red Rocks, plan to arrive 90 minutes before doors: parking lots and the access road back up hard, and the walk from upper lots is steep at altitude. Downtown venues need 45–60 minutes of buffer on game nights and during rush hour.
Is private transportation cheaper than parking and rideshare for a group?
For three or more people it is often comparable once you add parking, surge pricing on the way out, and the risk of no ride at 11 p.m. — and nobody in your party has to skip drinks or drive a mountain road afterward.
Can you handle group transportation to an event?
Yes. Arion runs single vehicles up to 50-passenger coaches and coordinates multi-vehicle waves with staggered arrivals, one dispatch contact, and a shared timeline for the venue.
How many passengers fit in your group vehicles?
Luxury Coach Van seats up to 12, the Executive/Jet Van seats 9 in VIP configuration, and buses run 20, 30, 40, and 50 passengers. Larger groups run multiple vehicles on one coordinated dispatch.
Can we bring alcohol on board?
Optional beverage service is available on group vehicles, and passengers 21+ may consume alcohol where Colorado law and the vehicle's licensing allow. Chauffeurs never drink on duty, and glass policies vary by vehicle.
Is there a minimum booking time for group vehicles?
Yes — group vehicles carry 3–4 hour minimums depending on the vehicle, and pricing is per vehicle rather than per person.
Is Arion licensed and insured?
Yes. Arion, LLC is a Colorado PUC-certified passenger carrier operating as Arion Transportation and Tours. Every vehicle and every trip is fully insured, well beyond what a rideshare driver carries.
Skip the parking lot. Your car is waiting.
Because You Matter. And your ride home should prove it.
Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 by Arion dispatch. Rates, policies and Colorado Department of Transportation rules are subject to change; call (970) 703-4995 for current details.