Experiences
From whitewater adventures on the Arkansas River to canyon views and local dining, find activities that fit your Royal Gorge itinerary.
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All Experiences
50 experiences in the Royal Gorge region
Royal Gorge Helitours
Soar over the 1,250-foot Royal Gorge in a Robinson R66 helicopter, witnessing the famous suspension bridge and dramatic canyon walls from a perspective few visitors ever experience.
8-12 minutes flight time
ZipliningRoyal 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
LodgingStay 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
Food & DrinkWhitewater 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
RaftingWhitewater 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
Food & DrinkWhitewater 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
ZipliningZipline 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
RaftingBighorn 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
History & CultureDinosaur Depot Museum
A paleontology museum featuring dinosaur fossils discovered in the Canon City area, with hands-on exhibits for families.
1-2 hours
History & CultureDinosaur 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 RecreationDisc 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
Food & DrinkExplore 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
Food & DrinkFremont County Wine Country
Sample Colorado wines at local tasting rooms and vineyards in the surprisingly wine-friendly climate of Fremont County.
Half-day
Hikes & TrailsFremont 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
History & CultureGarden 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 DrivesGold 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
History & CultureHistoric 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
Hikes & TrailsHogbacks 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
History & CultureMuseum 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 DrivesPhantom 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
Hikes & TrailsRed 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 & ParkRoyal 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 DrivesSkyline 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
Hikes & TrailsTanner 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
Hikes & TrailsTemple Canyon Park Trails
A Fremont County park offering hiking trails through a scenic canyon with creek crossings and geological features.
1-3 hours
RaftingThe 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