Cannon City
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a historic railroad that travels through the Royal Gorge, one of the most scenic canyons in Colorado. The railroad is a great way to see the natural beauty of the area and get a bite to eat.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a popular tourist destination, and it's also a great place for locals to take a day trip. The railroad offers a number of different ticket packages depending on the kind of car you would like to ride in. Tickets start at around $70. Entrees can be added to your ticket for an additional $22.
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is the place for you! This attraction offers visitors the chance to see and interact with more than 16 life-sized moving animatronic dinosaurs. You have the choice of wandering around on your own or accepting a free guided tour. The facility offers two ropes courses: one tailored for younger guests and the other for more daring guests. They also have a theater with dinosaur-related cinema, a snack shop, and a kids dig and playground, which is sure to make you roar.
The Royal Gorge Bridge and park caters to thrill seekers and families alike. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, there are several options. Prepare to free fall 100ft in the Royal Rush Sky coaster, or hike and climb the granite rock walls of the Royal Gorge with a trained mountain guide or ZIP across the length of the gorge on Cloud scraper Zip Line.
There are a number of family friendly activities at The Royal Gorge Bridge. Such as the Ariel Gondola, America's longest single span Gondola ride. Admittance to this attraction is free and unlimited with the purchase of a general admission ticket. Tommy Knocker Playland and Splash pad is a 3-story playground with a carousel, and unique activities such as panning for gold and hand casts.
The Plaza theater offers a short documentary of the history surrounding the park. The Birds of Prey show is also live between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The visitors center has eateries, souvenir shopping, and an indoor climate controlled spot to watch people flying across the canyon on the Cloudscraper.
Tunnel Drive Hike
This hike is a three-mile out and back trail that features great views of the river and wildlife. The highlight of the path is three man-made tunnels, which can be seen in the first quarter mile. There have also been sightings of bighorn sheep on this trail. The hike begins with a steep incline, but the rest of the trek is relatively flat. There are many benches and picnic tables situated throughout the pathway for hikers to take a break and enjoy the scenery. There is no shade on this hike (aside from inside the tunnel).
The Royal Gorge Regional Museum & History Center is a small educational museum that features exhibits on the history and culture of the region, as well as archaeological and paleontological finds from the area. Staff offer complimentary tours and admission is free.
River Raft through the Royal Gorge
The Royal Gorge is one of Colorado's most popular rafting destinations. The river offers Class III and IV rapids, making it perfect for thrill seekers and first-time rafters alike. The scenery is also spectacular, with towering canyon walls and a rushing river.
Rafting the Royal Gorge is a great way to experience the beauty and excitement of Colorado's wilderness. Families and groups of friends will enjoy the challenge and fun of this white-water adventure. There are many rafting tour companies to choose from. This activity might not be suitable for very young children. Alternatively, onlookers might enjoy playing by the river or taking the Tunnel Drive Hike to watch rafters go by on the River.
Royal Gorge Jeep tours
Jeep tours are a popular way to see the Royal Gorge region of Colorado. There are a number of tour companies that offer jeep tours, and the tours vary in terms of the amount of time they spend in the park, the difficulty of the trails, and the price. Some companies offer free tickets to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park included in the price of their tour. The trails vary in difficulty, there are mild rides for families (check if you need to bring your own car seat) and thrilling rides for enthusiastic adventurers. They have other tours available too, The Gold Belt Scenic Tour being a popular one!
Royal Gorge Helicopter Tours
A helicopter tour of Royal Gorge offers guests a unique perspective of this natural wonder. With towering canyon walls on either side, the river running through the center, and the Rocky Mountains in the distance, it's no wonder this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado.
From the air, you'll see why this area was once a favored hunting ground of the Native Americans. You'll also be able to spot all of the features that make Royal Gorge so special, including the suspension bridge, the railroad tracks, and the zip lines. There are some surprisingly affordable flights available, starting at $54/person and children of all ages are welcome. However, 2-4 passengers are allotted at a time. Terms and requirements may vary with each company.
Royal Gorge, is one of the most spectacular canyons in the world, however you choose to tour it, you'll be glad you did.
The Gold Mine Rock Shop in Cannon City, Colorado is a great place to find rocks and minerals for your collection. They have a wide variety of specimens from all over the world, and the knowledgeable staff can help you find what you're looking for. They also offer a gemstone mining experience for the kids!