Adults pay $15 each at the gate for general admission.

Children 10 and under get in for free.

Onsite parking is $10 per vehicle at the gate, or you can use the free shuttle from The Orchard.

Save money by getting discounted tickets at the Roaring Fork Valley Co-op. A book of six tickets is $75, saving $2.50 per ticket.

For general admission inquiries, please call Mike Kennedy, 970-379-3907.

The rodeo arena is situated one mile east of downtown Carbondale in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Address:

Gus Darien Riding Arena

County Road 100 (also known as Catherine Store Road)

Carbondale, CO 81623

The rodeo is conveniently located in Carbondale, CO, between Glenwood Springs and Aspen.

If you’re coming from Glenwood Springs on Highway 82, turn right at the light onto County Road 100 (Catherine Store Road) and continue until you reach the rodeo grounds on your right.

If you’re traveling from Aspen on Highway 82, turn left at the light onto County Road 100 (Catherine Store Road) and follow the road until you reach the rodeo grounds on your right.

The choice is yours! Some enjoy arriving early to watch Slack, secure parking, and find their preferred seating, while others prefer to arrive just before the grand entry. Keep in mind that our rodeo grounds can get extremely crowded, and parking space is limited. If you plan on arriving later, take advantage of our free shuttle service to avoid full parking.

Gates open at 5:00 pm

Slack begins at 5:45 pm

Grand Entry is at 7:30 pm sharp

The duration of the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo typically ranges around two hours, with occasional instances where it may extend slightly longer.

“Slack” in rodeo refers to the part of the competition that occurs before the official event starts. While the Grand Entry kicks off the main rodeo show, Slack is where a significant portion of the competition takes place behind the scenes. It’s an essential part of the rodeo schedule allowing for events that might have a larger number of participants.

During Slack, contestants compete in various events like barrel racing and roping. Scores and performances during Slack count towards the overall standings and prizes, including buckle contests and nightly awards.

There are two grandstands with great views of all the action.

With advanced reservations and a fee of $50 you can park your truck or car against the arena fence and watch the action with your friends & family. See Arena Parking Tickets for more info. 

Please don’t climb on the fence.

GENERAL PARKING is available on-site at the rodeo grounds for a $10 fee.

We encourage you to ride our FREE Shuttles from The Orchard as parking is limited and roads are congested.

FREE SHUTTLES pick-up & drop off at the Orchard, 110 Snowmass Dr. from approx. 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

NO PARKING is allowed on County Road 100 due to safety concerns outlined by the Sheriff’s Department. This decision prevents cars from obstructing traffic and creating hazardous conditions, particularly during nighttime.

LIMITED PARKING is available on Willow, Daisy, and Rose Lane, with parking permitted only on one side of these streets as per the Sheriff’s directive. This arrangement ensures emergency vehicle access and prevents driveway blockages. Vehicles blocking driveways may be towed. 

PREMIUM ARENA PARKING requires an advanced online reservation and a $50 fee. Tickets go on sale at noon on Wednesdays and typically sell out within minutes.  See Arena Parking Tickets for more info.

Reserved parking and seating for spectators with disabilities is provided. Park parallel behind the bleachers for easy access. Reserved seating area is in front of the west bleachers (closest to Carbondale).

Remember to bring your own chairs as the seating is not provided in this area.

Inform parking staff about your need for handicapped parking to avoid confusion with general parking.

Premium Arena Fencing Parking is $50 and by advanced online reservation ONLY!

Tickets go on sale at noon every Wednesday and typically sell out fast. 

This reservation lets you park your vehicle right next to the arena fence for easy access and a great view of the rodeo. It’s perfect if you want to tailgate while watching the action! Please note that as of 2023, you can no longer park on Wednesday at the arena or on Willow Lane.

If you’re lucky enough to secure yourself a premium arena fence parking reservation, you may park one vehicle or trailer next to the fence and another vehicle behind it. The second vehicle is for unloading supplies only and should not block anyone else’s access. Don’t forget to print your receipt for both vehicles and place it on your dashboard to confirm your reservation.

There are roughly 22 parking spots available and hundreds of spectators trying to secure one.  Please be a good sport if you’re unable to secure a spot and try again next week.

For more detailed information, please visit our Arena Parking Ticket page.

Yes, we recommend bringing a jacket and/or blanket, especially during the early summer season when temperatures can cool down significantly after the sun sets. This will help you stay warm and comfortable throughout the event, particularly if you plan to sit on the bleachers.

NO! Bringing your own alcohol is not allowed.

Local law enforcement and the Town of Carbondale’s heavy pressure necessitates controlling alcohol consumption and underage drinking for the benefit of attendees and the event’s future. Please purchase alcohol at our onsite bar located on the east side of the rodeo grounds and enjoy the show! 

You are free to move about the rodeo grounds with purchased alcohol and a 21+ wristband ID.

Yes! You’re welcome to bring your picnic meal, BBQ, and coolers and relax in our picnic pavilion, generously donated by the Turnbull family.  If you’re not in the mood for cooking, our local food vendors will be cooking up delicious fare fit for everyone’s tastebuds.

No, dogs are not permitted at the rodeo due to safety concerns for both your pet and the rodeo animals.

Please DO NOT leave your dogs in your vehicle! Leaving dogs in cars can pose serious health risks due to heat, lack of ventilation, and potential distress. We will take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the animal which may include contacting local authorities.

For your safety, please avoid approaching the rodeo animals, especially the bulls. These animals are not domesticated pets and can exhibit unpredictable behavior.

Absolutely, the rodeo is a fantastic place for photography. You’ll enjoy capturing all the exciting action and moments.  Be sure to like our social media pages and tag us @carbondalewildwestrodeo!

Yes, at the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo, we prioritize recycling and environmental responsibility.