Red Rocks, Denver, and rt 160 questions

Any advice or help would greatly be appreciated! Spending a few days in Denver then a day at pikes/garden of the gods, then driving from Colorado Springs to Farmington, nm. My first question: is it correct I can hike around red rocks the day of a show? There's a concert at 6 pm and I just wanted to hike an explore in the morning, is it open to the public like that? Or do you need a ticket to the show that day to get in? I don't really know how it works. Plan to spend the rest of my Denver time checking out the aquarium, botanic garden, maybe zoo. Any input on cool things to check out or the best dispensaries is appreciated. My other request is any tips on cool road side things to stop at between Colorado Springs and Farmington. Looks like I'll take 160 through the rio grande to pagosa springs. Just wondering if there's any nice overlooks/short day hikes on that route. Restaurant suggestions would be great too for any place. Thanks!