Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

In addition to the bridge, the park features rides like the Cloudscraper Zip Line, the Royal Rush Skycoaster, and the Via Ferrata, a mountaineering experience on the gorge walls. Tamer aerial gondola rides cross the gorge high above the Arkansas River. For kids, the Tommy Knocker Playland offers climbing structures and a carousel. Guided Jeep and rafting tours of Royal Gorge from Cañon City are available and sometimes include a park stop.

• The park’s visitor center, gondolas, theater, and bridge are wheelchair accessible. However, the south gondola platform has no handicap ramp, so guests with wheelchairs must take a roundtrip ride.

• Strong winds and lightning may affect the operation of the gondolas.

• No personal vehicles are allowed on the bridge.

• Guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages; the park offers picnic areas.

• The park is at an altitude of 6,700 feet (2,042 meters) in an arid region, so stay hydrated and use sunscreen, even in winter.

From Denver and Colorado Springs, head south on I-25 toward Cañon City via Hwy 115 S. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Colorado Springs and a little more than two hours from Denver. To get to the park, take the aerial gondolas on the north rim at the visitor center to the south side, then walk down to the bridge.

The park is open year-round, with peak season running from May 1 through September 30. If you want to ride the zipline or Skycoaster, arrive early to skip the long lines and avoid wait times. In the winter, the park is usually warmer than Denver and Colorado Springs by several degrees, and there is always a breeze on the bridge.

In addition to taking in sky-high views from Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, visitors can hop aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a more leisurely exploration of the gorge and river. It features dining options, a bar car, a glass-topped dome car, and themed events. The more adventurous can book a whitewater rafting excursion along the Arkansas River.