Experiences

Ziplining

Royal Gorge Zipline Tours

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

2-3 hours

Lodging

Stay with Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals

Vacation rental properties in the Royal Gorge region offering more space and flexibility than traditional hotel stays.

Multi-day stays

Whitewater Bar & Grill Experience

Refuel at Colorado's adventure hub with legendary margaritas, BBQ, sand volleyball, fire pits, and live weekend music right next to Royal Gorge Rafting.

1-3 hours

Rafting

Whitewater Rafting with Royal Gorge Rafting

Experience the Arkansas River's legendary whitewater with professional guides who know every rapid, eddy, and scenic viewpoint along the Royal Gorge corridor.

Half-day to full-day

Whitewater Rooftop Social Experience

Canon City's newest rooftop destination with a 2,000 sq ft patio, river and train views, craft cocktails, and signature sandwiches in downtown.

1-3 hours

Ziplining

Zipline at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Experience the thrill of ziplining at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, soaring over the canyon with breathtaking views of America's highest suspension bridge.

1-2 hours

ATV and Off-Road Trails

Explore backcountry roads and trails by ATV or 4x4, accessing remote areas around the Royal Gorge region.

Half-day to full-day

Rafting

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting

A popular stretch of the Arkansas River featuring Class II-III rapids, wildlife viewing opportunities, and canyon scenery—ideal for families and first-time rafters.

Half-day

Bighorn Sheep Wildlife Viewing

Spot Colorado's iconic bighorn sheep on the canyon walls along the Arkansas River, with peak viewing opportunities in the canyon named for these magnificent animals.

1-3 hours

Camping at Arkansas Headwaters

Riverside camping along the Arkansas River with multiple campgrounds offering different settings and amenities.

Overnight to multi-day

Canon City Riverwalk

Stroll along the Arkansas River on this paved path connecting downtown Canon City to riverside parks and attractions.

30 minutes to 1 hour

Cripple Creek Casino Day Trip

Visit the historic gold mining town turned casino destination, with gaming, history, and mountain scenery.

Half-day to full-day

Dinosaur Depot Museum

A paleontology museum featuring dinosaur fossils discovered in the Canon City area, with hands-on exhibits for families.

1-2 hours

Dinosaur Tracks on Skyline Drive

View fossilized dinosaur footprints embedded in the rock along Skyline Drive, a unique prehistoric encounter during your scenic drive.

30 minutes

Outdoor Recreation

Disc Golf in Canon City

Play a round of disc golf at Canon City's courses, combining the sport with scenic mountain and canyon views.

1-2 hours

Explore Downtown Canon City

The historic Main Street district offers local shops, cafes, and restaurants in a walkable downtown setting.

1-3 hours

Fishing the Arkansas River

Cast a line into one of Colorado's premier trout fisheries, with accessible fishing spots throughout the Royal Gorge region.

Half-day to full-day

Fly Fishing the Arkansas River

World-class trout fishing on Colorado's most popular fishery, with brown and rainbow trout throughout the Royal Gorge region.

Half-day to full-day

Fremont Center for the Arts

Explore Canon City's creative side at this community arts center featuring rotating exhibitions, classes, and cultural events.

1-2 hours

Fremont County Wine Country

Sample Colorado wines at local tasting rooms and vineyards in the surprisingly wine-friendly climate of Fremont County.

Half-day

Fremont Peak Trail

Summit Fremont Peak for panoramic views of the Arkansas Valley, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and surrounding high desert landscape.

2-4 hours

Garden of the Gods Day Trip

Visit Colorado Springs' famous red rock park, an easy day trip from Canon City featuring dramatic sandstone formations and free admission.

Half-day to full-day

Garden Park Fossil Area

Visit the site where some of the world's most significant dinosaur discoveries were made during the Bone Wars era.

1-2 hours

Scenic Drives

Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway

A network of routes through historic mining country connecting Canon City to Cripple Creek and beyond.

Half-day to full-day

Historic Walking Tour of Canon City

Explore Canon City's past through its historic architecture, from Victorian homes to the territorial prison complex.

1-2 hours

Hogbacks Open Space Trails

Explore the dramatic tilted rock formations of the Hogbacks, with trails winding through unique geological features near Canon City.

1-3 hours

Horseback Riding Near Royal Gorge

Explore the high desert terrain and canyon rim trails on horseback with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

1-3 hours

Jeep Tours and 4x4 Adventures

Explore backcountry roads and historic mining districts by Jeep, accessing areas impossible to reach by standard vehicles.

Half-day to full-day

Kayaking the Arkansas River

Paddle your own boat through Arkansas River rapids, from beginner-friendly sections to challenging whitewater.

Half-day to full-day

Mountain Biking at Oil Well Flats

A network of singletrack trails near Canon City offering desert riding with technical challenges and scenic views.

2-4 hours

Mountain Biking the Royal Gorge Region

Ride singletrack and dirt roads through the diverse terrain surrounding Canon City, from desert riding to mountain trails.

2-4 hours

Museum of Colorado Prisons

A unique museum in a former women's prison exploring Colorado's penal history through exhibits and artifacts.

1-2 hours

Scenic Drives

Phantom Canyon Road Adventure

A historic road following an old railroad grade through a narrow canyon, connecting Canon City to Victor and Cripple Creek.

2-3 hours

Pikes Peak Day Trip

Summit America's most famous mountain via car, cog railway, or on foot—a memorable day trip from the Royal Gorge region.

Full-day

Red Canyon Park Exploration

A City of Canon City park featuring striking red rock formations, easy trails, and picnic areas.

1-2 hours

Rock Climbing at Shelf Road

One of Colorado's premier sport climbing destinations with hundreds of routes on limestone cliffs in a scenic canyon setting.

Half-day to full-day

Bridge & Park

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Walk across one of the world's highest suspension bridges and explore attractions at this iconic Colorado landmark.

2-4 hours

Royal Gorge Overlook Points

Take in stunning views of the Royal Gorge from free overlook points outside the bridge park, perfect for photography and quick stops.

30 minutes to 1 hour

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

A scenic train ride following the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge, offering views inaccessible by car or foot.

2-4 hours

Scenic Drives

Skyline Drive Scenic Route

A unique one-way road along a narrow hogback ridge offering panoramic views of Canon City and the Wet Mountains.

30 minutes to 1 hour

Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Arkansas

Experience calmer stretches of the Arkansas River on a SUP board—a unique way to explore the canyon scenery.

2-3 hours

Stargazing in the Royal Gorge Region

Dark skies away from Denver's light pollution make the Royal Gorge area excellent for astronomy and night photography.

1-3 hours

Sunrise at Royal Gorge Bridge

Capture the canyon in golden morning light with special early-entry photography sessions at the bridge.

2-3 hours

Tanner Dome Trail

Climb to Tanner Dome for commanding views of the Arkansas Valley and a satisfying summit experience close to Canon City.

2-3 hours

Temple Canyon Park Trails

A Fremont County park offering hiking trails through a scenic canyon with creek crossings and geological features.

1-3 hours

Rafting

The Royal Gorge Section

The most dramatic section of the Arkansas, running directly through the 1,000-foot-deep Royal Gorge with Class IV-V rapids and walls towering overhead.

Half-day to full-day

Tunnel Drive Trail

Walk through historic railroad tunnels carved into the canyon walls, experiencing a unique piece of Royal Gorge railroad history.

1-2 hours

Via Ferrata at Royal Gorge Bridge

Climb the canyon walls using fixed cables and rungs, experiencing the gorge vertically without technical climbing skills.

2-3 hours

Victor Ghost Town Day Trip

Explore the authentic gold mining town of Victor, where Victorian buildings and active mining operations preserve Colorado's mining heritage.

Half-day