What is the Royal Gorge?

The Royal Gorge is a dramatic canyon carved by the Arkansas River near Cañon City, Colorado. It reaches depths of up to 1,200 feet and is home to America's highest suspension bridge — the Royal Gorge Bridge — which spans 956 feet above the river.

How deep is the Royal Gorge?

The Royal Gorge reaches approximately 1,200 feet (365 meters) deep at its deepest point. The Royal Gorge Bridge spans 956 feet above the Arkansas River, making it one of the tallest suspension bridges in the world.

What are the best things to do at Royal Gorge?

The best things to do at Royal Gorge include: visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River (Class III–V), riding the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, zipline tours over the canyon, hiking scenic trails, and dining in historic downtown Cañon City.

When is the best time to visit Royal Gorge?

The best time to visit Royal Gorge is May through September when all attractions are fully open and weather is ideal. Rafting season peaks from May through August. Fall (September–October) offers stunning foliage with smaller crowds. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is open year-round.

Is Royal Gorge Bridge worth visiting?

Yes — Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is one of Colorado's top attractions. The bridge provides breathtaking views 956 feet above the Arkansas River. The park includes gondola rides, a sky coaster, zip lines, a scenic railway, and hiking trails. It's a full day of adventure suitable for all ages.

Business Directory

Find businesses, attractions, restaurants, lodging, and services in the Royal Gorge region.

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75 businesses and attractions

Featuredbusiness

Royal Gorge Epic Adventures

The Royal Gorge region's ultimate multi-adventure hub — rafting, ziplining, luxury glamping, and dining all in one campus along the Arkansas River. Home to four world-class adventure operations serving thousands of guests each season.

45045 W US Hwy 50, Cañon City, CO 81212

Featuredbusiness

Royal Gorge Rafting

A well-established whitewater outfitter offering guided rafting trips on the Arkansas River, with options ranging from family-friendly floats to challenging rapids through the Royal Gorge.

45045 W US Hwy 50, Canon City, CO 81212

Featuredlodging

Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals

Luxury cabins and premium glamping at Colorado's adventure hub, with extraordinary canyon views, luxurious bedding, and easy access to rafting and ziplines.

45045 W US Hwy 50, Cañon City, CO 81212

Featuredattraction

Royal Gorge Zipline Tours

An aerial adventure experience featuring ziplines with views of the Royal Gorge canyon, offering a unique perspective on the dramatic landscape from above.

Canon City, CO

Featuredrestaurant

WhiteWater Bar & Grill

Canon City's legendary #1 restaurant for 20+ years — Colorado-raised beef, award-winning BBQ, legendary margaritas, live music every weekend, sand volleyball, axe throwing, fire pits, and the best outdoor patio in the Royal Gorge region. Voted Best Bar & Grill 10 years running.

45045 W US Hwy 50, Cañon City, CO 81212

Featuredrestaurant

Whitewater Rooftop Social

Canon City's premier rooftop dining destination — a stunning 2,000 sq ft rooftop patio with panoramic mountain and river views, craft cocktails, signature sandwiches, and the best sunset in Southern Colorado. Part of the Epic Adventures family.

302 Royal Gorge Blvd, Canon City, CO 81212

restaurant

1887 Historic Eatery

An upscale restaurant in the historic Hotel St. Cloud, offering elevated breakfast, brunch, lunch, and steak and seafood dinners in a beautifully restored 1887 setting.

631 Main St, Canon City, CO 81212

park

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

A Colorado state park stretching along 152 miles of the Arkansas River, offering multiple access points for fishing, boating, rafting, and camping.

Multiple access points along Arkansas River

business

Arkansas River Fly Shop

A local fly fishing shop providing gear, flies, and expert advice for fishing the Arkansas River and surrounding waters.

Canon City, CO

lodging

Best Western Canon City

A reliable chain hotel option in Canon City with standard amenities for travelers.

attraction

Bighorn Sheep Canyon

A scenic stretch of the Arkansas River known for wildlife viewing, moderate whitewater, and dramatic canyon walls.

restaurant

Boudreauxs BBQ

Family-friendly BBQ joint on Main Street serving traditionally smoked meats over pecan wood, with 14+ Colorado craft beers and a huge outdoor patio.

224 Main Street, Canon City, CO 81212

restaurant

Caboose Cafe

A train-themed cafe celebrating Canon City's railroad heritage, serving breakfast and lunch in a unique setting.

Canon City, CO

business

Canon City Antique Mall

A multi-vendor antique mall in Canon City featuring collectibles, vintage items, and treasures from Colorado's past.

Canon City, CO

organization

Canon City Chamber of Commerce

The local chamber of commerce providing visitor information, business resources, and community connections.

403 Royal Gorge Blvd, Canon City, CO 81212

business

Canon City Outdoor Outfitter

An outdoor gear shop equipping adventurers with equipment, clothing, and supplies for exploring the Royal Gorge region.

Canon City, CO

trail

Canon City Riverwalk

A paved waterfront path along the Arkansas River in downtown Canon City, perfect for evening strolls, morning jogs, and watching rafters float by.

Centennial Park, Canon City, CO 81212

restaurant

Chili Heads

A Mexican restaurant bringing bold flavors and spicy dishes to Canon City's dining scene.

Canon City, CO

attraction

Cripple Creek Gaming District

A historic gold mining town with multiple casinos, located about 45 minutes from Canon City via the Gold Belt Tour.

Cripple Creek, CO

attraction

Dinosaur Depot Museum

A paleontology museum featuring dinosaur fossils found in the Canon City area, including full-size skeleton casts.

330 Royal Gorge Blvd, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Disc Golf in Canon City

Free public disc golf courses in the Canon City area offering scenic rounds with mountain views and varied terrain challenges.

Canon City, CO

attraction

Downtown Canon City

The historic Main Street district of Canon City, featuring local shops, restaurants, and services in a walkable downtown setting.

Main Street, Canon City, CO

lodging

Echo Canyon Campground

A campground near the Royal Gorge offering tent and RV sites with river access.

restaurant

Eight Mile Bar & Grill

A local bar and grill along the rafting corridor, serving American fare and cold drinks.

restaurant

El Caporal Mexican Restaurant

A family-style Mexican restaurant serving authentic dishes and margaritas in a welcoming atmosphere.

Canon City, CO

attraction

Florence Antique District

A nearby town known as the Antique Capital of Colorado, with numerous antique stores in a historic downtown.

Main Street, Florence, CO

organization

Fremont Adventure Recreation (FARE)

A local nonprofit dedicated to developing and maintaining trails and outdoor recreation infrastructure in Fremont County.

business

Fremont Brewing Company

A local craft brewery in Canon City offering house-brewed beers and a taproom experience.

attraction

Fremont Center for the Arts

A community arts center hosting exhibitions, classes, and cultural events in a historic building in downtown Canon City.

505 Macon Ave, Canon City, CO 81212

restaurant

Fremont Provisions

Canon City's favorite sports bar housed in the historic 1903 Annex Building, featuring multiple screens, craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and elevated bar food.

Main Street, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Garden Park Fossil Area

A historic paleontology site where significant dinosaur discoveries were made during the 19th century Bone Wars.

Garden Park Road, Canon City, CO

attraction

Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway

A network of scenic byways through the historic mining districts west of Canon City, passing ghost towns and mountain landscapes.

Various routes from Canon City

business

Gold Mine Rock Shop

A rock and mineral shop featuring specimens from Colorado and around the world, plus fossils, gems, and geological curiosities.

Canon City, CO

restaurant

Gravity Coffee

A local coffee shop serving espresso drinks, pastries, and light fare in a comfortable setting.

Canon City, CO

lodging

Hampton Inn Canon City

A reliable chain hotel offering comfortable rooms and amenities conveniently located for Royal Gorge visitors.

102 McCormick Pkwy, Canon City, CO 81212

business

Holy Cross Abbey Winery

A winery and tasting room located at the historic Holy Cross Abbey, producing Colorado wines in a unique monastery setting.

3011 E US Hwy 50, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Horseback Riding in the Royal Gorge Region

Guided horseback trail rides through the scenic high-desert terrain surrounding Canon City, offering a traditional Western way to explore the landscape.

Canon City, CO

shop

Kaleidoscope Inspiration

A collaborative boutique featuring over 100 small businesses, crafters, and artisans showcasing unique gifts, home décor, jewelry, and Colorado souvenirs.

602 Main St, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Kayaking the Arkansas River

Paddle the Arkansas River on your own terms—inflatable kayaks and hardshell options available for those seeking a more personal whitewater experience.

Highway 50 Corridor, Canon City, CO

restaurant

KFC

Kentucky Fried Chicken serving classic fried chicken, sides, and family meal deals for hungry adventurers.

1620 Fremont Dr, Canon City, CO 81212

shop

Lucky Stop Convenience Store

Local convenience store and gas station serving the Royal Gorge corridor with fuel, snacks, beverages, and travel essentials.

US Hwy 50, Canon City, CO 81212

business

Maverick Potter

A local pottery studio and gallery showcasing handcrafted ceramics and artistic pieces by Colorado artisans.

Canon City, CO

restaurant

McDonald's

Quick-service restaurant offering familiar menu favorites, breakfast items, and convenient drive-thru service for travelers.

1725 Fremont Dr, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

A historic gold mine in Cripple Creek offering underground tours 1,000 feet below the surface.

9388 Highway 67, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

attraction

Mountain Biking in Canon City

Explore miles of singletrack and dirt roads through the high-desert terrain surrounding Canon City, with trails for all skill levels from beginner to expert.

Canon City, CO

restaurant

Mugs Cafe

A cozy local cafe serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch with a community-focused atmosphere.

Canon City, CO

attraction

Museum of Colorado Prisons

A museum housed in a former women's prison, telling the history of Colorado's penal system through exhibits and artifacts.

201 N 1st St, Canon City, CO 81212

restaurant

Nirvana Culinary Paradise

Family-owned North Indian restaurant bringing authentic cuisine to Canon City with fresh ingredients, traditional spices, and vegan/vegetarian options.

413 Main St, Canon City, CO 81212

park

Oil Well Flats Trail System

A network of mountain bike and hiking trails on BLM land, featuring desert terrain and year-round access.

Oil Well Flats Road, Canon City, CO

restaurant

Owl Cigar Store

A historic Canon City institution since 1903, serving classic American diner fare, legendary burgers, and honest drinks in a nostalgic atmosphere where locals and visitors mix freely.

626 Main St, Canon City, CO 81212

restaurant

Pizza Madness

A local pizza restaurant in Canon City known for creative pies and a casual atmosphere.

509 Main St, Canon City, CO

lodging

Quality Inn Canon City

A budget-friendly hotel option conveniently located near Canon City attractions.

business

Raft Masters

A rafting outfitter and gear shop serving the Arkansas River corridor with trips, rentals, and river equipment.

Highway 50 Rafting Corridor, Canon City, CO

park

Red Canyon Park

A Canon City-owned park featuring striking red rock formations, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

Red Canyon Road, Canon City, CO

business

River Station Gear

A river gear shop specializing in equipment for rafting, kayaking, and other water sports on the Arkansas River.

Canon City, CO

attraction

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Colorado's premier canyon attraction featuring one of the world's highest suspension bridges, with various rides and activities offering views of the gorge.

4218 County Road 3A, Canon City, CO 81212

lodging

Royal Gorge Cabins

Cozy cabin rentals near the Royal Gorge offering a rustic Colorado mountain experience with modern comforts.

Royal Gorge area, Canon City, CO

lodging

Royal Gorge KOA

A well-equipped campground offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins with views of the Arkansas River valley.

559 County Road 3A, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center

Fremont County's repository of local history, featuring archives, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the Royal Gorge region from prehistoric times to the present.

612 Royal Gorge Blvd, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

A scenic train ride along the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge, departing from Canon City's historic Santa Fe depot.

401 Water St, Canon City, CO 81212

lodging

Royal Gorge RV Resort

A full-service RV park catering to travelers with amenities designed for extended stays and easy access to Royal Gorge attractions.

Canon City, CO

shop

Safeway

Full-service grocery store in Canon City offering fresh produce, deli items, bakery goods, and everyday essentials.

1205 S 9th St, Canon City, CO 81212

business

Second Chance Thrift Store

A community thrift store offering secondhand goods at affordable prices while supporting local charitable efforts.

Canon City, CO

park

Shelf Road Recreation Area

A BLM-managed area famous for world-class rock climbing, with camping, OHV trails, and scenic canyon landscapes.

Shelf Road, Canon City, CO

attraction

Skyline Drive

A scenic one-way road climbing a narrow hogback ridge above Canon City, offering panoramic views and a unique driving experience.

Skyline Drive, Canon City, CO

restaurant

Sonic Drive-In

Classic American drive-in with carhop service, burgers, tots, and signature slushes perfect for cooling down after outdoor adventures.

1312 Main St, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Stargazing in the Royal Gorge Region

Dark skies and minimal light pollution make the Royal Gorge area an excellent destination for stargazing, meteor showers, and astrophotography.

Canon City, CO

restaurant

Subway

Build-your-own sandwich shop with fresh ingredients, perfect for packing a lunch for trail hikes or river trips.

1117 Main St, Canon City, CO 81212

business

Tailored West

A western wear store offering cowboy boots, hats, and apparel that celebrates Colorado's ranching heritage.

Canon City, CO

trail

Tanner Dome Trail

A moderately challenging summit hike near Canon City offering panoramic views of the Arkansas Valley and surrounding mountains from a distinctive dome-shaped peak.

Tanner Trail Road, Canon City, CO

park

Temple Canyon Park

A Fremont County park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and a scenic canyon setting close to Canon City.

Temple Canyon Road, Canon City, CO

business

The Abbey Winery

A local winery offering tastings of Colorado wines in a converted historic building.

trail

Tunnel Drive Trail

A scenic paved trail passing through historic railroad tunnels along the Arkansas River, ideal for walking, biking, and strollers with canyon views.

Tunnel Drive, Canon City, CO 81212

attraction

Victor, Colorado

An authentic gold mining town frozen in time, offering a glimpse into Colorado's mining heritage without the tourist veneer of nearby Cripple Creek.

Victor, CO 80860

shop

Walmart Supercenter

Full-service Walmart Supercenter offering groceries, camping supplies, outdoor gear, and travel essentials for visitors to the Royal Gorge region.

3040 E US Hwy 50, Canon City, CO 81212