Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Sheer granite cliffs and the Arkansas River's rushing waters
frame the way for the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad. This
scenic rail line traverses the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas" on
its roundtrip journey from Cañon City, covering 24 miles overall.
Unlike many of the Colorado Rockies' rail experiences, this route
does not feature views of the mountains; instead, rocky,
high-desert vistas overtake the landscape as travelers enjoy a
first-class dining and travel experience.
All service classes are welcome to leave their seat and venture to
the Open Air Car. This standing-room-only car is the ideal location
to capture views of the stunning granite cliffs, rushing waters of
the Arkansas River, and wildlife that frequently come within
eyeshot of the tracks, including Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, and
Bighorn Sheep. A highlight of the journey comes as the train
crosses the Hanging Bridge, a point in the route where the gorge is
just 30 feet wide. Another great spectacle is the Royal Gorge
Suspension Bridge that passes overhead. All of these views are
entirely uninhibited from the Open Air Car.
The train runs rain, snow, or shine throughout most of the year.
There are up to four departures daily for guests to choose from,
each lasting approximately 2 hours.
Showcasing rocky scenic delights and providing a culinary
experience that rivals restaurants, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
continues to impress Colorado travelers with each departure.