Welcome to Cañon City, Colorado - home of the scenic and historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad, considered one of the most spectacular scenic railroads in the world and the best way to experience the Royal Gorge. The train provides the only access through the Royal Gorge (other than a raft!) offering a breathtaking Colorado nature show. Visitors can now experience the Royal Gorge in one of the 4 - 1950's vintage Vista Dome cars providing panoramic views of the Royal Gorge in comfortable, glass topped domes.
The railroad is over 129 years old and traverses the spectacular Royal Gorge on an amazing two-hour rail journey that takes you on an unforgettable 24-mile round trip ride through this magnificent chasm. The train is one of Colorado's historic gems perfect for visitors who appreciate a quality experience. The train is running every weekend with daily service resuming May 24th. The train departs from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City.View the video of the train from Colorado Getaways from Channe l 4 featuring the Royal Gorge Route. Choose from Coach, Vista Dome, Wine Express, Lunch, Dinner, Murder Mystery or Wine Dinner Trains. If you would like the Royal Gorge Visitor Guide mailed prior to your arrival, Order your Royal Gorge Visitor Guide Now.
Make your Royal Gorge Reservation Today!
Purchase one ticket for the ultimate Royal Gorge Experience
Make your reservation for the Royal Gorge now by clicking here or call a Royal Gorge reservationist by phone, toll free at: 1.888.724.5748 or 719.276.4000. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad has teamed up with many local accommodations in the area to offer its guests the lowest possible room rates. Be sure to ask whichever accommodation you have chosen for your stay for their special "train rate" and give them your confirmation number.
The train also passes underneath the highest suspension bridge in the world, the Royal Gorge Bridge, which spans the gorge 1,053 feet above the railroad tracks. After the train ride, consider visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park for more breathtaking views of the spectacular Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Royal Gorge Route Named
"Best Train Ride"
by the Rocky Mountain News
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad's famous Dinner Train has been selected by the Rocky Mountain News as Colorado's best train ride in their recent "Top of the Rockies" special section! It's easy to see why the railroad has also been termed the "most spectacular train ride in North America." Climb aboard the historic train that made the Royal Gorge famous and see everything this amazing chasm has to offer.
More attractions in Cañon City
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is open year-round and is another great attraction, located just 25-minutes from the train depot. Owned by the City of Cañon City, you'll experience the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Gorge from the world's highest Suspension Bridge that hangs 1,053 feet high and spans a quarter mile across the canyon! To find the Bridge, follow Highway 50 West, 7-miles from Cañon City, then turn left and drive 4-miles to the park.
Visit the Dinosaur Depot
Your jurassic adventure awaits just a few steps away from the train depot!
While you are waiting for the train, walk across the tracks for a Jurassic adventure at the Dinosaur Depot. This gem is not to be missed! The Dinosaur Depot features exhibits that explore the very rich fossil heritage of the Cañon City area. Initially the focus was on the Garden Park Fossil Area, 12 miles north of Cañon City on the historic Shelf Road to Cripple Creek, Colorado. The Garden Park Fossil Area has produced world-class, late Jurassic dinosaur fossils for over 125 years. While the area is known worldwide for its dinosaur fossils, other types of fossils have been located that help our understanding of the Jurassic environment. More recently, dinosaur fossils have been found in other areas around Cañon City. Our historic downtown is just a couple of blocks away and is listed on the National Historical Register!
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey
Be sure to visit the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey and taste their award winning Colorado wines. The tasting room and gift shop are first-class and the wines are sure to please. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad serves many of the fine wines from the winery as they are truly outstanding. For information, call 719.276.5191 or toll free at: 877.422.9463.
Home to Many Activities and Attractions...
Plan on spending more time exploring the Royal Gorge Region. Whether on horseback, mountain bike or by foot, it is an extraordinary experience that will not be matched anywhere. We offer some of the best rafting adventures on the planet with many different companies to choose from. We have a fantastic Main Street with many fine shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Shelf Road and Red Canyon are home to some world-class rock climbing and the scenery is stunning!
The Ultimate Combination...
Rafting and Riding the Rails
The Royal Gorge Route has teamed up with respected rafting companies to combine rafting and riding the rails. Echo Canyon provides guests with this option as well as Arkansas River Tours and Raft Masters. All offer the most popular ways to experience the Gorge, by Raft and Rail. This is fun for the entire family! It consists of a white water rafting trip down the Arkansas River and a train ride aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad through the scenic Royal Gorge.
We're glad you're here! Enjoy your stay with us in Cañon City. Speaking of staying, the Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Best Western and Holiday Inn Express offer on-line reservations. This time, make your vacation spot Cañon City.
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