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Great short hike around the Red Rocks Amphitheater Area, popular, close views of incredible rocks.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.6

KM

Loop

6,252' 1,906 m

High

5,932' 1,808 m

Low

320' 98 m

Up

313' 95 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

26%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

The Trading Post Loop is a great way to spend half an hour if you are visiting the historic venue or have time to kill before a show. The rocks here are truly outstanding and the hike is easy with a flat section to start and a small and gradual elevation gain up to the South entrance

Need to Know

Free parking is available at the trading post, the road crossing, and in the various dirt lots around the park. NO CLIMBING.

Description

This 1.5-mile closed loop will take you south along the front of the rock formations, then west and into the foothills where gorgeous outcroppings of sandstone frame the beginning of the Rocky Mountains. It joins Ship Rock Road towards the south entrance of the Amphitheater, follow along this road east, returning to the Trading Post.

History & Background

Red Rocks Amphitheater has been host to so many big name artists since its founding in 1941 that it's difficult to keep track. Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, The Beatles, James Taylor, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, U2, the list just goes on and on. Check out the visitor's center at the top of the amphitheater to see year-by-year lists of everyone who has played at this legendary place.

Shared By:

JM Addleman

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 27 votes

#2

in Red Rocks

#714

Overall
  4.1 from 27 votes
5 Star
37%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
26%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Red Rocks

#145

in Colorado

#714

Overall
30 Views Last Month
7,935 Since May 19, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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3%
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Photos

Red Rocks Trading Post Trail
Mar 20, 2021 near Morrison, CO
An amazing rock face and southern hills on the Trading Post Loop Side Trail at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.
May 19, 2015 near Morrison, CO
Beautiful icicles formed on the rocks. Well worth the venture if hiking during the wintertime!
May 21, 2015 near Morrison, CO
Redrocks trading post trail
Mar 20, 2021 near Morrison, CO
Beautiful hike during the wintertime! Don't let the cold stop you. It's quite breathtaking.
May 21, 2015 near Morrison, CO
Taking a break on the Trading Post Loop.
May 19, 2015 near Morrison, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 34 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 6, 2024
Audrey Cluff
Oct 14, 2023
Erick Riano
I'm — 3h 00m
Oct 12, 2023
Marybeth Schambach
Aug 6, 2023
Trevor Vollendorf
12h 30m
Mar 13, 2023
Amaia Bruno
1.4mi — 1h 14m
Nov 6, 2022
Daniel h
Mar 26, 2022
Shann Yu
Short and easy, with a bit of stairs here and there. Decent views of the red rock formations and a small slot canyon. — 0h 55m
Aug 21, 2021
Mel Stinski
Awesome hike! Scenic and beautiful. Saw a deer cross the path — 0h 36m
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