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.
Planning your first visit to the Royal Gorge region? Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your Colorado adventure.
What Is the Royal Gorge?
The Royal Gorge is a 10-mile canyon carved by the Arkansas River through granite bedrock over millions of years. At its deepest point, the canyon plunges 1,250 feet—deep enough that the famous suspension bridge spanning it ranks among the highest in the world at 956 feet above the river.
The region around the gorge—centered on Canon City, Colorado—has developed into a year-round adventure destination featuring whitewater rafting, ziplining, hiking, scenic railways, and the iconic bridge park.
When to Visit
Peak Season (June-August): Warmest weather, all activities operating, biggest crowds, highest prices. Book accommodations and popular activities 2-4 weeks ahead.
Shoulder Season (May, September): Pleasant temperatures, smaller crowds, good availability. Many activities still running.
Off-Season (October-April): The bridge park operates year-round with reduced hours. Rafting closes for winter. Fewer tourists, lower prices, potential for snow.
How Long to Stay
A long weekend (3 days) allows time for the main attractions: rafting one day, the bridge park another, with time for scenic drives or downtown exploration. A week opens possibilities for day trips to Colorado Springs, hiking, and a more relaxed pace.
Must-Do Experiences
- Walk the Bridge: The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park offers the signature experience—walking across the suspension bridge with 1,000 feet of air beneath you.
- Raft the Arkansas: Colorado's most rafted river offers trips for all skill levels, from gentle family floats to Class IV whitewater.
- Drive Skyline Drive: A free scenic road along a narrow ridge with dramatic drop-offs—not for the faint of heart but unforgettable.
Practical Details
Getting There: Canon City sits 45 minutes west of Colorado Springs via Highway 50. Denver is 2 hours north. The nearest major airport is Colorado Springs (COS).
Elevation: Canon City sits at 5,332 feet. You may notice the altitude—drink extra water and take it easy the first day.
Weather: Summer days are warm (80s-90s°F) with afternoon thunderstorms common. Mornings are ideal for outdoor activities. Even summer nights can cool into the 50s—bring a layer.
Where to Stay
Vacation rentals near the river provide the best base for multi-day visits. Hotels in Canon City work for shorter stays. The KOA and dispersed camping options suit outdoor enthusiasts.
Budget Considerations
Bridge park admission runs $30-35 per adult. Half-day rafting starts around $70-100 per person. Zipline tours range $80-150. Budget $150-300 per day per person for activities, excluding lodging and meals.
