Stoke your sense of adventure in this gorge-ous place
Updated: June 3, 2026
What happens if you’re in Colorado Springs and you just keep going southwest for about an hour? You hit the Royal Gorge.
Where the Pikes Peak Region meets the Royal Gorge Region, you’ll find the towns of Florence, Penrose and Cañon City. These aren’t simply stop-through spots, but destinations to thoroughly explore. Armed with this itinerary, you’ll be glad you spent time in one of the most gorge-ous (see what we did there?) spots you’ve ever been.
The Royal Gorge Region has unique properties to explore and make your basecamp. The Royal Gorge Cabins feature luxury cabins and glamping tents with incredible mountain views right from the private patios. Pleasant Valley RV Park is another great option. Located off the beaten path, you can choose from plenty of options like RV sites, rustic cabins, a luxurious loft and a riverside airstream. There are also tent sites, a dog park, a bathhouse and kids area. Or, browse Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals – a collection of luxury homes and premium glamping. The glamping options include yurts and airstreams along the Arkansas River.
Browse all lodging options and categories here.
Start your mornings with Coyote’s Coffee Den and Happy Endings Caboose Café for a delicious treat and wake-me-up beverage. For lunch in between adventures, 8-Mile Bar & Grill and Whitewater Rooftop Social are convenient, tasty options. And don’t forget to grab a meal aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad itself – it’s part of the experience!
Browse all dining options and categories here.
AM: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
PM: Skyline Drive
PM: Tasting at the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey
Start your trip off right with a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – home to America’s highest suspension bridge where you can peer 1,250 feet down to the Arkansas River. There are plenty of hiking trails around the park, as well as attractions that range from mild to wild. Kids can enjoy leisurely gondola rides (fair warning, some of the gondolas have a see-through floor!) and the Tommy Knocker Playland. Those who want more of a thrill can try the zip line, Skycoaster and Via Ferrata. Pro tip: you can also bring your dog, and there are dog kennels available for rent while you enjoy attractions that your furry friend can’t.
In the afternoon, drive over Skyline Drive on your way to the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Skyline Drive is a slow-speed yet thrilling, rollercoaster-like road with stunning views of the surrounding city. At the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey, you can savor a wine tasting on the beautiful grounds of a former monastery. Plus, shop for a few bottles to bring home as souvenirs!
AM: Thrill seek with the Royal Gorge Zipline Tours
PM: Ride and dine on the train at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Feel what it’s like to fly with the Royal Gorge Zipline Tours. There are options to do a 9-line classic tour or an 11-line extreme tour. Don’t forget to grab lunch at the nearby Whitewater Bar & Grill to satisfy the appetite you’ve surely worked up.
For the evening, book a dinner train ride on the stunning Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The train follows the Arkansas River, with options to ride Coach, Deluxe or in the glass-top Vista Dome. No matter which class you ride, you’ll have access to one of the open-air cars and the food and drink menu. Nothing beats sipping on a glass of wine while gazing out the train window surrounded by towering granite walls of the canyon (speaking from experience).
AM: Raft the Arkansas River
PM: Go antique shopping in Florence
PM: Desert Reef Hot Springs
At this point, you’ve seen the Arkansas River from above (at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park) and from eye-level (at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad), so the only thing left to do is to get on the river. In a raft. With a guide, of course! There are plenty of whitewater rafting options, so browse all of them and choose the best fit for your group’s desired experience. No matter what part of the season (April/May through August/September), there are always variations for those who desire higher waters with more rapids vs calmer waters with fewer rapids.
Head to Florence in the afternoon – the antique capital of Colorado! This little town has more antique stores per capita than anywhere else in the state. It’s a great place to hunt for souvenirs and unique finds to take home from your visit. After you shop ‘til you drop, you’ll want to end the evening at Desert Reef Hot Springs. Important information: this place is adults only and clothing optional. To make it 100% clear: there may be people soaking in the hot springs who are fully nude. Do not be alarmed. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let us tell you – this place is truly a relaxing haven. If you’re not comfortable with the clothing-optional situation, check out the clothing-required hours throughout the week!
AM: Explore off-road with Colorado Jeep Tours
PM: Colorado Museum of Prisons
The last day of the trip calls for some more adventure and unexpected delights. Start with a ride via Colorado Jeep Tours. You can choose from a variety of routes and lengths, and a tour guide will provide historic insights while you marvel at the scenic beauty.
Later in the day, visit the Museum of Colorado Prisons. No one is allowed to leave the Royal Gorge Region until they do their time. Depicting over 140 years of history, this historical cell house was the original Women’s Correctional Facility. You’re sure to learn a lot – and uncover some fun mysteries along the way.
If you’re looking for some fun local happenings to inspire the timing of your trip, check out these signature Royal Gorge Region events!
April 29 — May 3, 2026
The Cañon City Blossom Festival is four days full of a variety of events and fun, featuring music, a rodeo…
July 17 — 18, 2026
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is an action-packed weekend in Cañon City, Colorado.
Festivals & Events
Annual Harvest Festival at The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey3011 East Highway 50
Canon City, Colorado 81212
Looking for even more? Check out these resources to plan additional days in the Pikes Peak Region. And don't forget – you can always use our AI chatbot Penny in the bottom righthand corner to further assist you in your trip planning.
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