Tuesday, March 9, 2021

My Visit to Red Rocks in Colorado

I’ve done a fair bit of traveling around the states and to other countries, but two weekends ago, a trek to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, was one of the few that left a plastered-on WOW! expression long after soaking up the breathtaking vistas. I only wish my iPhone photos did justice to this dazzling attraction.

My family and I hiked the scenic trails, enjoyed the museum that’s a who’s who of my music collection, and stood at the top of the amphitheater looking down to the stage where so many legends have performed. This may be a tired cliche, but sincerely, I left a part of my soul there.

A little piece of interesting history (for me, anyway): a Cranmer played a big role in the development of this space into a park and music venue. Building on the foundation of another visionary, George Cranmer, Manager of Denver Parks, recognized the potential of the rock outcropping, and became the motivational force behind the land purchase in 1927 and ovesaw the project to its opening event in 1941. I wonder if he's possibly a distant relative.

Who else has enjoyed this amazing terrain, maybe even fortunate enough to experience a live musical performance?

 











David Cranmer is the editor of the BEAT to a PULP webzine and whose own body of work has appeared in such diverse publications as The Five-Two: Crime Poetry Weekly, Needle: A Magazine of Noir, LitReactor, Macmillan’s Criminal Element, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Under the pen name Edward A. Grainger he created the Cash Laramie western series. He's a dedicated Whovian who enjoys jazz and backgammon. He can be found in scenic upstate New York where he lives with his wife and daughter.
 




6 comments:

  1. Just up the road from where I live. You are correct, what a place. Doris

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gorgeous pictures! I have never been there, but had friends who lived in CO and would talk about going to concerts there. I was always so envious--it always sounded so magical!

    ReplyDelete
  3. David,

    I used to live about 100 miles east of Red Rocks. I've only visited twice. The first time was a quick drive by tour on my way on into the mountains. It's a stunning geological site to see, even on a quick look. The second time I was there was c. 1989, when my brother and I took my 13-yr-old son there for a Whitesnake concert. Pretty darn amazing that it has such great acoustics for a rock concert.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stunning scenery. I've loved Colorado (and Arizona) for years and have always wanted to go there, but I doubt it will happen in my lifetime. Thus, I can enjoy the scenery vicariously through your beautiful photos.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Doris, how lucky you are! I talked to some other locals and they say they never grow tired of the amazing views.

    Cheryl, As a kid I remember most of the singers I followed performed at Red Rocks. After COVID is over I'd love to return here for a concert.

    Kaye, its really a mouth gaping stunner. And as for the music I can only imagine the incredible sound you enjoyed. Thanks for sharing and mentioning Whitesnake takes me back. May have to play some 80's classics.

    Elizabeth, so glad you enjoyed the photos! Thanks for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete
  6. We visited Colorado a few years ago and loved Red Rocks. Wish we could have taken in a concert! We also saw Garden of the Gods during that week, which is equally as awe-inspiring.

    ReplyDelete