The setting, 103-year-old Red Rocks Amphitheatre, near Denver, is one of the world's great venues, cradled by 300-foot sandstone towers. Sound quality is incredible, and there really are no crummy seats.
Don't Miss This year's lineup was not set at press time, but expect eclectic. Last year included Justice, TV on the Radio, Band of Horses, Vampire Weekend, Foals, and New Zealand's up-and-coming Veils. Two days, $100; monolithfestival.com.
Intermission Bring your five-weight rod and spend the morning on the Blue River, with its giant rainbow trout (licenses and info, blue­river­anglers.com).
Crash Ten miles west in Evergreen, the Highland Haven sits on the banks of Bear Creek and is surrounded by blue spruce and well-earned peace and quiet (doubles from $150; highlandhaven.com).