Hike and a Brew : Morrison, Colorado
Your best pup friends are always welcome at Red Rocks Beer Garden. ©Alexa Brown 2019
Morrison is home to the world-renowned Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, as well as scenic trails and crisp brews at the Red Rocks Beer Garden.
Some of the best views of the soaring Red Rocks are on the trail. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
HIKE or BIKE - Red Rocks
If you’re a lucky girl like me, you’ve listened to your favorite band play as the sunset flames red and gold over Red Rocks. Or you’ve climbed those VERY tall steps (at least for a fun-sized gal like me) in the quest for killer quads (out..of...breath).
But have you hiked any of those dusty red trails?
No? Then now’s your chance!
Below are two options- a short one from Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, and a longer one starting at Matthew Winters Park right down the road.
Bring water - it’s usually hot and dry. Dogs must be leashed.
Be sure to stop and soak up the view on the Red Rocks Trail. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
1 - TRADING POST TRAIL - 1.5 miles RT
Park at the Trading Post at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre.
The trail is a loop, so have fun and savor the incredible red monoliths surrounding you.
2- RED ROCKS TRAIL to MORRISON SLIDE - 4.5 RT (option for 5 miles RT) - heart-pumping with incredible views looking down on Red Rocks Park.
Park at Matthews/Winters Park.
Cross the creek and follow the Village Walk Trail for 0.4 miles. (If biking, take the Village Ride Trail). A beautiful walk through a meadow overflowing with summer flowers.
This turns into the Red Rocks Trail. Continue for 0.4 miles.
At fork, stay left on Red Rocks Trail for another 0.8 miles.
At fork, stay left on Red Rocks Trail and enjoy views of THE Red Rocks for another 0.7 miles. You can turn around here at any point, and return the way you came for a 4.5 miles RT. OR To add an additional half mile:
Right on Morrison Slide Trail for 1.5 miles. A steep uphill climb.
Stay left on Cherry Gulch Trail for 0.3 miles.
Stay left on Red Rocks Trail for 0.4 miles.
Stay left on Village Walk Trail for 0.4 miles.
Red Rocks Beer Garden is just down the road from your Red Rocks concert or hike. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
QUENCH YOUR THIRST - Red Rocks Beer Garden
Just a block off Morrison’s main street and a short drive from Red Rocks Amphitheatre, you’ll find Red Rocks Beer Garden, offering all-Colorado beer, wine, liquor, and food. There’s even dedicated rideshare parking making it uber -easy to get to your concert.
Red Rocks Beer Garden offers twelve beers on tap, and more in cans from all your favorite breweries like Princess Yum Yum from Denver Beer, Golden Haze IPA from New Terrain, Face Down Brown from Telluride Brewing, Kellerman Pilsner from Green Mountain, Sour Rosé from Crooked Stave, and gluten-free Blonde from Holidaily.
The patio is sunny and bright with picnic tables, red umbrellas, a firepit, and a bubbling fountain. Inside, you’ll find the bar, cozy seating, and loads of board games.
Pay as you go at the friendly bar, so no waiting for your check. ©Suzanne Brown 2019
I try the crisp 4 Noses Brewing Bout Damn Time IPA. Lounging in a comfy chair in the Colorado sunshine, with Fitz and the Tantrums singing happily through the speakers and my pups snoozing on my feet, I grin. This is the place to just be. With friends. With yourself. With a beer. This is Colorado.
Lucy thinks there’s no better place to chill with moi. ©Alexa Brown 2019
Stop by after your hike, before your concert, or after dinner. My pups and I will see you there!
Red Rocks Beer Garden (116 Stone St., Morrison - follow the signs!) is open Mon through Thurs 11AM - 10PM, Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM, and Sun 11AM-9PM.
Kid and dog-friendly. Board games. Free water available. If you need some grub with your brew, they offer Rocky Mountain pizza, a hummus plate, warm Baker Street pretzels, chips, and popcorn. You get $2 off your first drink with your Red Rocks ticket, and the bar plays music by bands performing that day. Best tailgate in town, without any of the work!
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