Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

More than 950 feet above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is a wonder to behold.

Hours, Admission & Visitor Info
Things to Do
FAQ

Located just west of Cañon City and only a scenic, 1-hour drive from Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a must-see destination. Step by step, walk across the 1,257 wooden planks suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River for an unforgettable experience. You'll find so many fun things to do at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, including a theater, play area, thrilling rides and great food. Plan to arrive early and stay most of the day!

Aerial view of Royal Gorge Bridge suspended over Cripple creek victor narrow gauge railroad in Colorado Springs CO

Hours, Admission & Visitor Info

Location

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is located at 4218 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, Colorado.

Hours

The Visitors Center opens at 9 a.m. and the rides, dining and gift shops open at 10 a.m. daily.

Closing times for the park varies throughout the year:

  • January 1 - March 8 – 4 p.m.
  • March 9 - April 30 – 5 p.m.
  • May 1 - May 24 – 6 p.m.
  • May 25 - September 2 – 7 p.m.
  • September 3 - October 31 – 5 p.m.
  • November 1 - December 31 – 4 p.m.

Admission

General Admission

  • Adults (Ages 12 and up) – $29 online, $32 at the Park
  • Children (Ages 3-11) – $24 online, $27 at the Park
  • Children 2 & Under – FREE

Skycoaster, Via Ferrata & Zip Line Tickets

  • Skycoaster – $39 for 1 rider, $68 for 2 riders, $90 for 3 riders
  • Zip Line Ride – $50
  • Skycoaster & Zip Line Combo – $78
  • Via Ferrata Discovery Tour – $100
  • Via Ferrata Revelation Tour – $155
  • Via Ferrata Royal Tour – $185

What to Pack

The park is at an altitude of 6,700 feet in an arid region. Keep hydrated and slather on that sunscreen year-round. The park is located in an area called "the banana belt" and is 8-10 degrees warmer than Colorado Springs on any given day. There will always be a breeze in the middle of the bridge and the terrain surrounding the bridge varies, so be sure to bring a jacket and wear sturdy walking shoes. Visiting early in the day is best to avoid afternoon weather. If the park must close early due to weather, refunds are not offered, but you can validate your ticket to return the next day for no additional charge.

Aerial view of gondola ride over Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado Springs CO

Top Things to Do at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Royal Gorge Bridge

This famous suspension bridge is the highest in America. The wooden planks are 956 feet above the Arkansas River. When you look down, you'll often see people enjoying the thrill of whitewater rafting with one of Colorado's many qualified outfitters. Find the sign with your state's name on it for a photo you'll treasure forever.

Visitor's Center

Located on the edge of the north rim, the Visitor's Center gives you a great place to view the gorge, shop for souvenirs, get a tasty snack or meal and just relax on the expansive deck.

Aerial Gondolas

Taking the gondolas across the gorge gives 360-degree views of the park and the Royal Gorge. The tram system is one of the longest single-span gondolas in America. There is no additional fee to ride. Many people take the gondola to the south side and walk across the bridge to get back to the Visitor's Center. This attraction is accessible to wheelchairs that are 30" wide or less. Guests in wheelchairs will need to ride round trip as there is no accessible ramp on the south gondola platform. The gondolas run year-round, weather permitting.

Royal Rush Skycoaster

Sweep 50 mph through the Rocky Mountain air and over the rim of the gorge. Momentarily dangle 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River before sweeping back. You and up to two more adventurous souls can ride this attraction, weather permitting, for an additional fee. Restrictions apply.

Cloudscraper Zip Line

Fly through the air on America's Highest Zip Line from the south to the north side of the Royal Gorge. You'll see the bridge to your left and the Aerial Gondolas to your right. After your ride, you have the opportunity to purchase a video of your ride across the world-famous Royal Gorge. This attraction has an additional fee in order to ride. There are some age and weight restrictions.

Two people sit in a zip line as they traverse the Royal Gorge above a red cable car.

Via Ferrata

Schedule your tour ahead of time and get ready for a thrilling adventure as you hike and climb the granite rock walls of the Royal Gorge with trained mountain guides for a controlled mountaineering experience. The Via Ferrata fee includes admission to the park.

Tommy Knocker Playland

Let your kids let loose in this enclosed, three-story playland. The attraction includes ropes, slides, nets, tunnels, towers and a splash pad. You can sluice for gems, test your skills at the musket mine, and ride the vintage-style carousel. This attraction is seasonal and access is included in a general admission ticket to the park.

Plaza Theater

Grab a seat and enjoy a mini-documentary about the awe-inspiring history, fun facts, drama and scenery surrounding the park. There are also historical displays featuring artifacts and photos from long ago.

Special Events

The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park hosts entertainment, music and special events throughout the year. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is daily educational program on birds of prey at the Plaza Theater. Each October, you can enjoy Halloween fun and trick-or-treating at the Annual Spooktacular Boo at the Bridge. Every holiday season, you’ll experience a winter wonderland of Christmas lights as you drive across the bridge and through the park.

Visit the events page to see what's taking place during your visit.

A woman in a rock climbing helmet and harness smiles and holds her arms out at Royal Gorge in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Is there an admission fee?

Yes, there is a general admission ticket that gets you entry to the park, the Visitor's Center, the Plaza Theater, Tommy Knocker Playland, the bridge and the Aerial Gondolas. The Skycoaster and Zip Line are an additional fee. If you book a Via Ferrata tour, it includes entry into the park.

How many planks are on the bridge?

1,257

How long is the bridge?

1,260 feet

How many steel cables hold up the bridge?

4,100

When was the bridge built?

1929

How long did it take to build?

Just seven months!

Can you get food at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park?

Yes, there are several places to grab hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals. Dine 1,230 feet above the Arkansas River at Café 1230. Or try Bridge View BBQ’s Pork Sammy with a view of the Royal Gorge Bridge. We have several seasonal snack shops and libation stations that are sure to fuel your adventurous spirit in between the awe-inspiring views and adrenaline-pumping rides.

Are dogs allowed in Royal Gorge Bridge & Park?

Yes. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted. Dogs on the gondolas are at the discretion of the ride operator on duty.

What's the difference between a gorge and a canyon?

A gorge is taller than it is wide and a canyon is wider than it is tall.

Where can I purchase tickets for the park, rides and events?

Visit our website to get your tickets

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