When you hear the name “Hells Angels,” what comes to mind? Leather cuts, roaring Harleys, and a long history of both notoriety and cultural impact. The Hells Angels Aurora Colorado chapter has played a role in that story, whether directly or through association, as part of a global network of outlaw motorcycle clubs. From the 1960s to today, the Angels have been more than just bikers—they’ve become legends, whether people love them or fear them.

So much of that reputation was built through high-profile moments, like the infamous Altamont concert in 1969, where a Hells Angel working security stabbed a concertgoer during a Rolling Stones performance. That moment, and others like it, helped cement their place in American pop culture and criminal lore. Aurora, Colorado, may not be the first place you think of when it comes to the Hells Angels, but the city’s location and population have made it a point of interest for motorcycle culture across the Front Range.

In this article, we’ll ride through the history, rules, and real-life stories behind the Hells Angels, with a particular eye on how Aurora fits into the bigger picture. Whether you're a biker, a true crime buff, or just curious about outlaw culture in Colorado, there’s something here for you, too. So, let’s roll into the world of the Hells Angels in Aurora, Colorado.

• Harold Ford Parents

Table of Contents

• The History of the Hells Angels in Aurora, Colorado
• The 15 Strict Rules Every Hells Angel Must Follow
• The Altamont Incident: A Defining Moment for the Hells Angels
• Frequently Asked Questions About Hells Angels Aurora Colorado
• Final Thoughts on the Hells Angels in Aurora, Colorado

The History of the Hells Angels in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora, Colorado, sits just east of Denver and is a hub for both culture and commerce in the state. While the Hells Angels don’t publicly list every chapter location, Colorado has long been a state where outlaw motorcycle clubs have made their presence known. The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) was founded in 1948 in Fontana, California, and has since grown into one of the most infamous biker organizations in the world.

As for Aurora, while there’s no confirmed Hells Angels clubhouse in the city itself, that doesn’t mean the club isn’t active in the area. Many chapters have satellite members, or they ride through Colorado on their way to events or rallies. Aurora’s proximity to Denver International Airport and Interstate 25 makes it a natural waypoint for bikers traveling across the mountain west.

Over the years, Hells Angels members have been linked to a variety of crimes, from drug trafficking to violent assaults. The club’s outlaw status means they operate outside the usual biker associations, and while not every member is involved in criminal activity, the club as a whole has been under law enforcement scrutiny for decades.

• Wentworth Miller Sevgilisi

The 15 Strict Rules Every Hells Angel Must Follow

Being part of the Hells Angels isn’t like joining a local motorcycle group. It’s a lifelong commitment with a strict code of conduct. These aren’t just guidelines—they’re enforced with serious consequences. Here are 15 of the most important rules that every member must follow:

1. You must ride a Harley-Davidson at all times.
2. You cannot wear the club’s colors (the “1%” patch) unless you’ve been officially patched in.
3. Respect the chain of command within the club.
4. Keep your cut clean and your bike in working order.
5. You must attend club meetings and rides unless excused.
6. No drugs—unless you're in a chapter that has a different stance (which varies).
7. Never talk to the police without club approval.
8. Respect other members, especially higher-ranking ones.
9. Never bring a weapon to a meeting unless specifically told to.
10. Do not engage in violence without club permission.
11. You must support other chapters when needed.
12. Never wear another club’s colors or insignia.
13. Respect women—though this rule is often debated.
14. Never betray a fellow Angel, under any circumstances.
15. Breaking any of these rules could result in expulsion or worse.

These rules help maintain order within the club, though they’ve also been the source of internal conflict over the years. Some of these rules have changed slightly depending on the chapter and era, but the core principles remain the same.

Learn more about outlaw motorcycle culture and its rules on our site:

The Altamont Incident: A Defining Moment for the Hells Angels

In 1969, the Rolling Stones hosted a free concert at Altamont Speedway in California, with the Hells Angels serving as security. What was supposed to be a peaceful event turned tragic when a man named Meredith Hunter was stabbed to death by a Hells Angel named Alan Passaro. The incident was captured on film in the documentary “Gimme Shelter,” and it shocked the nation.

Passaro was later acquitted of murder, with the jury deciding it was a case of self-defense. Still, the damage to the Hells Angels’ reputation was done. The event became a symbol of the darker side of 1960s counterculture and raised questions about the role of outlaw motorcycle clubs in American society.

This moment helped shape how the public saw the Hells Angels—not just as bikers, but as dangerous figures who lived by their own code. Even decades later, this incident is brought up in discussions about the club’s legacy, including how it might influence public perception of their activities in places like Aurora, Colorado.

For more on the history of outlaw biker culture, check out this detailed article:

Frequently Asked Questions About Hells Angels Aurora Colorado

Are there Hells Angels in Colorado?

Yes, there are Hells Angels in Colorado. While there’s no confirmed chapter in Aurora specifically, Colorado does have Hells Angels presence, particularly in Denver and other larger cities. The club is known to have chapters across the U.S., and Colorado is no exception.

What happened at the Altamont concert involving the Hells Angels?

At the Altamont Free Concert in 1969, a Hells Angel working security stabbed a concertgoer named Meredith Hunter. The incident was a major turning point in the club’s public image and was later depicted in the documentary “Gimme Shelter.” The killer was acquitted of murder, citing self-defense.

What are the rules of the Hells Angels?

Hells Angels must follow a strict set of rules, including riding only Harley-Davidsons, never speaking to the police without permission, respecting other members, and maintaining loyalty to the club above all else. Breaking these rules can result in expulsion or worse.

Final Thoughts on the Hells Angels in Aurora, Colorado

The Hells Angels are more than just a motorcycle club—they’re a cultural phenomenon with a complicated history. Whether you see them as rebels, criminals, or legends, their impact on American motorcycling culture is undeniable. In Aurora, Colorado, the club may not have a visible chapter, but their influence is still felt through the state’s biker community and the national conversations around outlaw motorcycle clubs.

From the 1960s to today, the Hells Angels have maintained a reputation that’s both feared and respected. Whether you're curious about the Altamont incident or just want to understand more about biker culture in Colorado, there’s always more to uncover about this infamous club.