Red Rock Amphitheatre & Guanella Pass

Question

After a few days in Denver, we will be driving to Eagle, would like to stop at Red Rock Amphitheatre on our way, just for a chance to see it, walk around, maybe have lunch at the restaurant. We are late 70's, some issues with altitude. Will we be able to park relatively close to the restaurant, and is it a flat walk? From Red Rock, we would like to head towards Guanella Pass, heard its a scenic drive. Are we best off taking #1 ) Rt 285 towards Bailey, then up thru the pass, pick up Rt 70 W to Eagle or #2 go back to Rt 70 from Red Rock, towards Georgetown, then thru the Pass. After driving thru the pass, continue on Rt 285 towards Fairplay, and pick up Rt 9N towards Breckenridge and again back to Rt 70. We have no rush to Eagle, just looking for an interesting drive and small towns.

Answer

Visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Guanella Pass on your drive from Denver to Eagle makes for a very scenic and enjoyable detour. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on your preferences and needs.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre:

Parking: The Red Rocks Amphitheatre has several lots near the main plaza and the Ship Rock Grill/restaurant. Since you’re not attending a concert, you should have no trouble parking relatively close to the restaurant area.
Walking: The areas immediately around the restaurant and the main plaza are mostly flat and paved. You can easily stroll around the visitor areas without needing to climb stairs or navigate steep paths.
Lunch: The Ship Rock Grill provides casual dining with views of the surrounding red rock formations. It’s a convenient spot to relax and enjoy the scenery without much exertion.

Guanella Pass Scenic Drive:

Guanella Pass is a stunning high-altitude route with alpine meadows, mountain vistas, and opportunities to stop at overlooks. Considering your late-70s age and some altitude sensitivity, here’s guidance:

Route #1: From Red Rocks, take Rt 285 south through Bailey, then head west up Guanella Pass, and pick up Rt 70 W toward Eagle. This route is slightly longer in distance but generally involves gentler roads and less altitude variation before reaching the pass.
Route #2: From Red Rocks, head back to Rt 70 toward Georgetown, then north through Guanella Pass, continue on Rt 285 to Fairplay, then Rt 9N toward Breckenridge, and back to Rt 70. This is a more circuitous route with more mileage, small towns, and mountain driving. It offers excellent scenery and charming towns but adds some altitude and driving complexity.

Recommendation:

Given your interest in a scenic, relaxing drive without rushing and considering altitude concerns, Route #1 via Rt 285 south through Bailey is preferable. It allows a more straightforward ascent to Guanella Pass and minimizes additional high-altitude driving compared to Route #2.
If you want to include charming small towns and don’t mind a slightly longer day, Route #2 offers historic Georgetown, alpine scenery, and Fairplay before connecting back to Rt 70.
Regardless of route, allow plenty of time for stops, enjoy the overlooks, and take it slow at higher elevations to mitigate altitude effects.

Additional Tips:

Carry water and light snacks for the drive, especially when exploring Guanella Pass.
Check the weather before heading up Guanella Pass; early summer afternoons can sometimes bring sudden storms.
Keep an eye on your pace and listen to your body with altitude; short breaks at overlooks are perfect for acclimation.

In summary, Red Rocks is easily accessible with minimal walking, and either route to Guanella Pass will provide a memorable scenic experience. For simplicity and comfort, Route #1 is likely best; for exploring small towns and more variety, Route #2 is excellent if time and energy allow.

Red Rock Amphitheatre & Guanella Pass

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