The Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Listed at one of America's Top Train Rides

Gourmet Lunch and Dinner Trains

If you're into amazing food and wine, try the Royal Gorge Route's Gourmet Lunch Train or Gourmet Dinner Train where they offer 3 courses for both lunch and dinner, white linens and all. Their food is not just good, but outstanding. It's obvious they spend time and money on training as all are treated as guests on this train.
Insider Information: Every class of service offers an open-air car. If you're in coach, head out there early and have unobstructed views of the Royal Gorge. If you're doing lunch, vista dome, etc., head out after you order. The staff is well trained and it shows. No tacky tourist stuff here, just a truly memorable experience. Think high quality at affordable prices.

The train is owned by a Colorado family that gives back to the community, continues to provide emergency services to the rafting community, has worked to clean up the river for safer boating conditions, and believes in quality customer service.
Vitals: Royal Gorge Route Railroad
RoyalGorgeRoute.com | 888.724.5748 | 719.276.4000
Santa Fe Depot | 401 Water Street, Cañon City, CO 81212
Review: Check out the review

Rafting the Arkansas River

Why? The Royal Gorge region is fortunate in that Colorado's most popular river, the Arkansas River "runs through it" offering exciting trips for all ability levels. From mild to wild, you'll have a blast battling Colorado white water.
Straight Scoop: Choose a company that has its act together and can provide you with all the safety gear necessary for an enjoyable trip. When you speak to a representative, do they sound professional? Remember, there is risk involved with anything in life and rafting is no different. 
Insider Information: Make sure you're choosing a trip that is within your ability level. Are you in shape? If you're not, don't pick an advanced trip (Royal Gorge section) that will place you or your fellow passengers at risk. Rafting is a blast. Whether you prefer a family outing or a real class V whitewater in your face adventure, you've come to the perfect place for adventure! Remember, the Royal Gorge section is not for the faint of heart, those with health issues, or families with small children. Rafts can and do flip, people swim, and this is fast moving whitewater. The train continues to provide help for injured rafters and kayakers in the Royal Gorge who seek immediate evacuation every season.
Popular Option: Another popular option is the Raft and Train package offered by several different companies combining a raft trip and railroad journey through the Royal Gorge. The train is pretty picky when it comes to choosing partners, so if you want to experience both, give this a shot as it's fun! Go to Raft and Train. 
Vitals: Rafting Adventures 
Rafting Outfitters

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Why? This is the second highest suspension bridge in the United States and the views are impressive. Optional activities include the aerial tram, incline railway and walk across the bridge. 
Straight Scoop: The Royal Gorge Bridge is owned by the City of Cañon City and run by a concessionaire out of Dallas, Texas. The Bridge bills itself as a "theme park" and features an incline railway, aerial tram, petting zoo, and is promoted heavily by the Cañon City Chamber of Commerce.  
Vitals: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park 
RoyalGorgeBridge.com | 888-333-5597 | 719-275-7507
4218 County Road 3A | PO Box 549, Cañon City, CO 81212

Discover Downtown Cañon City

Download our Historic Home Walking Tour
Download our Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Why? Downtown has much from great watering holes to some of the best pizza on the planet (Pizza Madness) - no kidding. Many visitors simply miss historic downtown because it's just north, one block off of highway 50 and that's a shame. Cañon City's downtown area is listed on the National Historical Register for its abundance of turn-of-the-century architecture. Submerge yourself in the ambiance of another era, even as you enjoy local dining, boutiques, music, and art galleries.
Straight Scoop: Downtown is totally "walkable" and not to be missed. From the train station at the Santa Fe Depot (west end of town), just cross highway 50 driving north, park, and wander. The architecture is really classic and not many Colorado downtowns have this historic flavor. Download the PDF files above for historical walking tours.
Insider Information: We mentioned Pizza Madness, but there is also McClellan's brew pub which has some great brews. If you're looking for high end, delicious french cuisine, try Le Petite Chablis located at 512 Royal Gorge Blvd. We love this place. A great website for more information on downtown is: DowntownCanonCity.com Have fun!

Outdoor Activities in the Royal Gorge Region

Download the Royal Gorge Region Trails Map

Why? The Royal Gorge region offers so many options for outdoor enthusiasts with a difference in that this part of Colorado is uncrowded. Some of the best rock climbing in the state is located just north of town up shelf road for starters. And it gets better for cyclists as you can ride for miles either on dirt roads or paved to Cripple Creek and enjoy amazing scenery along the way. The Arkansas River offers outstanding rafting and kayaking opportunities either on your own or with an outfitter. Same goes for fishing. If you enjoy running, try tunnel drive or the Arkansas River Walk where you'll have miles and miles of trails off the beaten path.
Straight Scoop: The Royal Gorge Region isn't Summit County with a Starbucks on every corner and a gazillion travelers to compete with. The Royal Gorge region offers up what Colorado used to be years ago with less crowds, no attitude, and friendly locals ready to help. It really is like taking a well deserved step back in time.
Insider Information: If you're into kayaking, ask about the local "play wave" located in town that's amazing during spring run-off. Red Canyon Park, located just north of town is like the Garden of the Gods sans crowds and Shelf Road is a pretty spectacular place. A great, challenging mountain bike ride is to head south on 1st street toward Temple Canyon Road, circle around toward Parkdale and bike back to Cañon City on Hwy 50. You can also check with the Royal Gorge Bridge to see if you can cycle across the bridge from the south side and cut off some miles. Phantom Canyon Rd. is another great place to mountain bike. Enjoy!