International Archaeology Day returns to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM in Lower South Lot #2 — and the headline detail is this: park rangers lead free guided tours of areas of Red Rocks that are normally closed to the public. International Archaeology Day Red Rocks transportation is worth planning because the tours are first-come, first-served. Call 720-492-7819.
The Day at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Hours | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Location | Lower South Lot #2, Red Rocks Park |
| Admission | Free |
| Exhibitors | 40+ |
| Hosted by | Community Connections LLC with Colorado Preservation, Inc. |
The Tours Are the Reason to Arrive Early
Three guided hiking tours run through the day, led by park rangers. Two visit the caverns of Seven Ladders Rock — a part of Red Rocks Park most visitors never see — at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM, with a third at 1:00 PM. A separate tour of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp runs 11:00 AM to noon from Mountain Parks Headquarters. The CCC is who physically built the amphitheatre’s seating by hand during the Depression, which makes that tour unusually meaningful at this venue.
Space is limited and tours are first-come, first-served. Arriving near the 8:30 AM opening is the difference between walking the caverns and reading about them.
What Else Is There
More than 40 exhibitors, hands-on activities including atlatl throwing and flintknapping, live tipi and earth watercolour demonstrations, performances by Indigenous 5280, artifact exhibits, and guest speakers on archaeological and historical topics. There are food trucks, a beer garden and root beer. New this year, 50 free admission tickets to the Buffalo Bill Museum are available to attendees.
Vehicle Options for the Day
| Vehicle | Photo | Guests | Round trip | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter Passenger Van |  | 14 | $1,200 | $86 |
| Luxury SUV |  | 5 | $650 | $130 |
| Sprinter Limo |  | 10 | $1,400 | $140 |
Why Groups and Schools Should Book One Vehicle
This is a natural fit for homeschool co-ops, scout troops, history clubs and extended families. Twelve people arriving in six cars at 8:30 AM will not make the same tour slot — and with limited space, that’s a real cost. A red rocks shuttle puts everyone through the gate together with one departure time. Full options are on our Red Rocks Transportation page.
The Offsite Tours Complicate Driving Yourself
The CCC camp tour departs from Mountain Parks Headquarters rather than the main event site, and free offsite cultural tours run through the day. Moving between locations is simpler with a denver to red rocks car service than shuffling your own vehicle between lots and hunting parking twice.
Dress for an October Morning at 6,450 Feet
This is an outdoor event starting at 8:30 AM in mid-October. Mornings at this elevation are genuinely cold before the sun gets working, and the hiking tours cover uneven ground. Layers you can shed by midday, and proper footwear for the cavern walks.
Accessibility
ASL interpreters are available upon request by contacting 720-865-2494 or redrocksaccess@denvergov.org in advance. Mention any mobility needs when booking your ride so the drop-off can be arranged to suit.
Visitors Coming In for the Weekend
The event pairs well with a full Red Rocks day. Out-of-town visitors can arrange denver airport to red rocks transportation, and a car service denver to red rocks booking can cover the whole Saturday — call 720-492-7819.
Check Conditions Before You Set Out
This is a fully outdoor event. Check the National Weather Service forecast and current road conditions through CDOT the morning of.
Event Day Checklist
- Saturday, October 17, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Lower South Lot #2
- Free admission; ranger tours are first-come, first-served
- Arrive near opening to secure a Seven Ladders or CCC camp tour
- Cold October morning at elevation — layers and real footwear
- Book red rocks transportation — 720-492-7819, or see pricing and the FAQs page
Book Your Ride to International Archaeology Day
Arrive together, get on the tour together. Call 720-492-7819 or book red rocks transportation with Red Rocks Voyager, your reliable red rocks transport service to Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Click -> Book
