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Royal GorgeRegion Guide

An independent guide to the Royal Gorge region of Colorado, featuring Canon City, the Arkansas River corridor, and surrounding attractions.

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Royal Gorge Blog

Tips, planning advice, and local insights for making the most of your Royal Gorge region visit.

Featured Articles

Our most popular and helpful guides

Fall in the Royal Gorge: Your Complete Visitor Guide (September-November)seasonal

Fall in the Royal Gorge: Your Complete Visitor Guide (September-November)

Fall offers the Royal Gorge's best-kept secret: stunning colors, comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and lower prices. Here's your guide to visiting in autumn.

January 19, 20257 min read
Summer in the Royal Gorge: Your Complete Visitor Guide (June-August)seasonal

Summer in the Royal Gorge: Your Complete Visitor Guide (June-August)

Summer is peak season at the Royal Gorge with warm weather, all attractions open, and prime conditions for every activity. Here's how to make the most of your visit.

January 18, 20258 min read

All Articles

19 articles to help plan your visit

Spring in the Royal Gorge: Your Complete Visitor Guide (March-May)
seasonal

Spring in the Royal Gorge: Your Complete Visitor Guide (March-May)

Spring brings snowmelt, wildflowers, and peak whitewater conditions to the Royal Gorge region. Here's what to expect and how to plan your visit.

January 17, 2025

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First Time in the Royal Gorge Region? Start Here
planning

First Time in the Royal Gorge Region? Start Here

Everything first-time visitors need to know about planning a trip to Canon City and the Royal Gorge—what to expect, when to visit, and how to make the most of your time.

January 16, 2025

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Day Trips from Canon City: Explore Beyond the Royal Gorge
planning

Day Trips from Canon City: Explore Beyond the Royal Gorge

Use Canon City as your Colorado basecamp to explore Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, ghost towns, hot springs, and the stunning Wet Mountain Valley.

January 15, 2025

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Main Street Canon City: A Shopping and Dining Walking Tour
shopping

Main Street Canon City: A Shopping and Dining Walking Tour

Colorado's longest historic Main Street offers antiques, artisan goods, local restaurants, and authentic small-town character.

January 14, 2025

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The Complete Guide to Rafting the Arkansas River
rafting

The Complete Guide to Rafting the Arkansas River

Everything you need to know before your first (or tenth) whitewater adventure on Colorado's most popular rafting river.

January 13, 2025

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The Best Hikes in the Royal Gorge Region: A Local's Guide
hiking

The Best Hikes in the Royal Gorge Region: A Local's Guide

From easy riverside walks to challenging summit scrambles, these trails showcase the diverse terrain surrounding Canon City.

January 12, 2025

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Where to Stay Near Royal Gorge: Hotels, Cabins, and Camping
lodging

Where to Stay Near Royal Gorge: Hotels, Cabins, and Camping

From luxury lodges to riverside campsites, here's how to choose accommodations that match your adventure style and budget.

January 11, 2025

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Local Eats After a Big Day Outside
food-drink

Local Eats After a Big Day Outside

You've rafted, hiked, or explored all day. Now you're hungry. Here are the spots that feed tired adventurers best.

January 10, 2025

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Photographer's Short List: Viewpoints and Times of Day
photography

Photographer's Short List: Viewpoints and Times of Day

A condensed guide for photographers visiting the Royal Gorge region—where to shoot and when the light works best.

January 9, 2025

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Safety Basics for River Activities
safety

Safety Basics for River Activities

The Arkansas River demands respect. Here's what you should know before getting on the water.

January 8, 2025

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Winter in the Gorge: What's Open, What's Quieter
seasonal

Winter in the Gorge: What's Open, What's Quieter

Off-season visits offer different rewards. Here's what to expect if you visit the Royal Gorge region in winter months.

January 7, 2025

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Rainy Day Alternatives Near Canon City
planning

Rainy Day Alternatives Near Canon City

Summer storms are common but usually brief. Here's how to stay entertained if weather puts outdoor plans on hold.

January 6, 2025

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Family-Friendly Royal Gorge Weekend Without Overdoing It
planning

Family-Friendly Royal Gorge Weekend Without Overdoing It

Kids have different stamina levels than adults. Here's how to plan a Royal Gorge family trip that keeps everyone happy.

January 5, 2025

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Weekend Plan: Adventure Day + Downtown Dinner
planning

Weekend Plan: Adventure Day + Downtown Dinner

How to structure a satisfying weekend that combines outdoor adventure with the local dining and social scene.

January 4, 2025

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What to Pack for a Day in the Gorge (Wind, Sun, Water)
planning

What to Pack for a Day in the Gorge (Wind, Sun, Water)

The Royal Gorge environment has quirks that catch unprepared visitors off guard. Here's a practical packing list for different activities.

January 3, 2025

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A First-Timer's Guide to Canyon Views and Scenic Pull-offs
sightseeing

A First-Timer's Guide to Canyon Views and Scenic Pull-offs

New to the Royal Gorge region? Here are the viewpoints and scenic stops you shouldn't miss, plus tips for making the most of each one.

January 2, 2025

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Royal Gorge Rafting Seasons: What Changes Month to Month
rafting

Royal Gorge Rafting Seasons: What Changes Month to Month

Understanding how the Arkansas River changes through the year can help you choose the right time for your rafting adventure. Here's what to expect each season.

January 1, 2025

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