Three million years ago, the Rocky Mountains were pushed up by plate tectonics, and the Arkansas River rose with them. Over the millions of years, the stream cut a 10-mile lone channel for itself through the surrounding granite. Because the stone is so hard, the erosion was very slow and precise, which causes the canyon to be extremely narrow in places — less than 50 feet at the base and only a few hundred feet wide at the top. However, it is 1,200 feet deep in many places. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park just outside of Cañon City, Colorado, has become a place of scenic wonder as well as good fun for visitors.

Royal Gorge History

[ad#Google Adsense]The Royal Gorge has an interesting history. The Native American Ute tribes wintered in the gorge long before European settlers ever saw it. The area fell under Spanish claim in the 1600s thanks to the exploration by the conquistadors. It wasn’t until Zebulon Pike built a hut in the gorge and explored the region that the pioneers began to understand the natural wonders to be found there.

In 1877, silver was discovered on the upper waters of the Arkansas, which sparked a spectacular railroad war. Both the Rio Grande and the Santa Fe wanted the rights to build the new freight railroad to carry the ore down from the mountains. Both railroads went to astonishing lengths to ensure they got the rights — from dynamiting competitor’s railway efforts to exchanging gunshots, as well as a lengthy court battle. The Santa Fe was so unhappy they hired legendary gun fighter and U.S. Marshal Bat Masterson and part of his Kansas posse to help protect their crew and materials, while the Rio Grande countered with a 200-man posse led by former Governor A.C. Hunt. The Rio Grande railroad eventually won the contract.

Royal Gorge Park

Today, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, run by Canon City, is designed to help visitors explore the beauty of the area. It is a cross between a natural wonder and an amusement park. Spanning 360 acres, the park consists of the longest single-span aerial tram, the world’s steepest incline railway, the world’s scariest skycoaster, a carousel, a petting zoo, burro rides, the Plaza Theatre, gift shops and restaurants. In addition, the Wapiti Western Wildlife Park allows you to see American Bison, Big Horn Sheep and Rocky Mountain Elk in their native settings. However, the crown jewel of the park is the world’s highest suspension bridge. The quarter mile long bridge floats 1,053 feet above the gorge and offers spectacular views of the river and carved stone canyon walls.

The park is open year-round, weather permitting. In the summer months, whitewater rafting is one of the most popular activities in the gorge. The Arkansas River offers terrific class III to class V rapids, and it is a fantastic way to see the scenery of the gorge. Another wonderful way to appreciate the beauty is on one of the numerous hiking and mountain biking trails that start in the park. Other adventure opportunities include rock climbing, four-wheeling and thrilling helicopter tours.

On the grounds of the Royal Gorge are half a dozen primitive campsites and the rustically luxurious Bighorn Mountaintop Lodge. Nearby Cañon City offers all the amenities including gas, lodging, dining and shopping.

About the highest Suspension Bridge
• Length: 1,260 feet
• Width: 18 feet
• Main Span: 880 feet
• Walkway: made of 1,292 planks of deck; about 250 are replaced annually

About the longest single-span Aerial Tram
• Length: 2,200 feet
• Height above Arkansas River: 1,178 feet
• Maximum speed: 11.4 mph
• Capacity of cabin: 35 passengers


About the world’s steepest Incline Railway
• Length of incline: 1,550 feet
• 100% grade, 45-degree angle
• Maximum speed: 11.4 mph
• Rate of descent: 3 mph


About the world’s scariest Skycoaster
• Height: 100 feet
• Height above the Arkansas River: 1,200 feet
• Speed: riders reach speeds of up to 50 mph

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
4218 County Road 3A
Cañon City, CO 81215
Phone: 719-275-7507 or 1-888-333-5597