Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City, CO
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is an adventure and recreational park built around the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge, which stretches 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge and stands 956 feet above the Arkansas River. The park combines the thrill of the bridge with family-friendly activities, ziplining, aerial gondolas, and panoramic vistas, making it one of Colorado’s most unique and awe-inspiring attractions.
Spanning the Royal Gorge, a deep canyon carved by the Arkansas River, the bridge provides stunning views of the gorge and surrounding mountains. The park offers thrilling rides, scenic overlooks, and a variety of activities for visitors seeking both adventure and natural beauty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park?
Visitors to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park can enjoy a range of activities:
- Walk Across the Bridge: Walking across the Royal Gorge Bridge is an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of the gorge, river, and mountains. The bridge provides viewing areas for photos and taking in the scenery.
- Aerial Gondola: Take a scenic ride in the park’s gondola, which travels across the gorge and offers spectacular views from high above the canyon floor.
- Royal Rush Skycoaster: This adrenaline-pumping ride swings thrill-seekers out over the edge of the gorge at speeds of up to 50 mph, providing an intense, high-altitude experience.
- Cloudscraper Zip Line: Known as America’s highest zip line, the Cloudscraper stretches 2,400 feet across the gorge and allows riders to fly over the canyon with unparalleled views below.
- Tommy Knocker Playland: A family-friendly area with a carousel, splash pad, and playground equipment, ideal for young children to play and explore.
- Visitor Center and Theatre: The visitor center offers educational displays about the history and geology of the Royal Gorge, along with a theater that shows a film about the bridge’s construction and the surrounding landscape.
What is nearby the Royal Gorge Bridge?
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is close to several attractions and natural sites in the Cañon City area:
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad: This scenic train ride travels along the floor of the gorge, offering views of the canyon walls and Arkansas River from a unique perspective.
- Skyline Drive: A scenic drive with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes, Skyline Drive is known for its narrow, cliff-edge road and dinosaur tracks.
- Museum of Colorado Prisons: Located in Cañon City, this museum showcases artifacts and stories from Colorado’s prison history, housed in a historic prison building.
- Red Canyon Park: This park features dramatic red rock formations, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it a scenic stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Arkansas River Rafting: The Arkansas River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, with various guided tours available for all experience levels.
When was the Royal Gorge Bridge built?
The Royal Gorge Bridge was completed in 1929, during the Great Depression, as an ambitious feat of engineering and a way to attract tourists to Cañon City. The bridge was constructed in just six months and held the title of the world’s highest suspension bridge for over 70 years. Built without stabilizing wind cables, the bridge can sway slightly, adding to the thrill for those walking across it.
Over the years, the park expanded to include rides, a visitor center, and other amenities to enhance the visitor experience. In 2013, a wildfire devastated much of the park, destroying over 40 buildings and attractions. However, the bridge itself was saved from major damage. After extensive rebuilding, the park reopened in 2014 with new facilities and attractions, including the gondola and zip line. Today, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park stands as a testament to both Colorado’s natural beauty and human ingenuity, drawing visitors from around the world.
Is there an admission fee to enter Royal Gorge Bridge & Park?
Yes, there is an admission fee that includes access to the bridge, aerial gondola, and many of the park’s attractions. Additional fees apply for the zip line and Skycoaster.
Can I drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge?
No, the bridge is pedestrian-only. Vehicles are not allowed to cross the bridge, allowing visitors to enjoy the views without traffic.