Name: Trading Post Trail
Rating: 4.0

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

— Johnny Muir-Addleman

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 run 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.

Runner Notes

Perhaps too busy during peak times for a good run.

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.