July 18 — 19, 2025
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is an action-packed weekend in Cañon City, Colorado.
Updated: July 1, 2025
Royal Gorge Region near Colorado Springs
Marvel at the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas."
The Royal Gorge is a canyon on the Arkansas River near Cañon City, Colorado, and is often called the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas." With a width of 40-50 feet at its base, a few hundred feet at its top, and a depth of 1,200 feet in places, the 10-mile-long canyon is a narrow, steep gorge through the granite of Fremont Peak.
In 1929, Cañon City authorized the building of the Royal Gorge Bridge, which at 1,053 feet above the river, is one of the highest suspension bridges over water in the world. Read on for all of the amazing adventures you can have in the Royal Gorge Region and follow this link for a digital copy of the Royal Gorge Region Visitor Guide.
Top Things to Do at Royal Gorge
1. Play, Climb, Zip Line & Soar at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
The Royal Gorge Bridge forms the heart of Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, a theme park owned and operated by the city and featuring a visitor's center on the edge of the north rim.
There is more than enough fun to keep your family entertained for an entire day at the park, including a Via Ferrata rock climbing course, zip line, three-story playland, theater, and gondolas that offer a panoramic, awe-inspiring glimpse at the Gorge and surrounding landscape.
2. Hike & Bike Area Trails
For those who are up for a bit of adventure, more than 15 miles of singletrack trail traverses the north rim of the Royal Gorge and are open to non-motorized users. For an easy hike with incredible views, check out the Canyon Rim Trail. Mountain bikers will love The Maze and Dreamweaver for the flowy downhill and unparalleled views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and beyond. For additional trail maps, download a FREE Royal Gorge Region Adventure Guide.
3. Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Enjoy a comfortable train ride through Royal Gorge and along the banks of the Arkansas River aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The train's dark oak interiors have been restored with white-linen dining tables, glass plate windows, and banquette seats — harkening back to a time of elegant travel and leisurely affairs. During your ride, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner service, and don't miss special events and themed train rides, including Holiday Trains and Murder Mystery Train Rides.
4. Raft the Rapids of the Arkansas River
Adventure-seekers travel from around the world to tackle the Class IV rapids of the Arkansas River and enjoy the scenery of the gorge. Local outfitters are able to cater your whitewater rafting experience to your skill level, offering everything from casual, scenic floats to heart-pumping expeditions through strong rapids with names such as "Sledgehammer," "Wallslammer," and "Boateater."
5. Embark on a Prehistoric Journey at the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience
One of the more unique experiences available to visitors of the Royal Gorge region is the nearby Dinosaur Experience, which welcomes guests of all ages to learn more about Colorado's prehistoric past in a variety of ways. Walk through a high-plain desert forest and gaze upon 16 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs, climb the ropes course to come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex, view fossils and watch paleontologists at work at the Paleo Lab, or tour the museum to view exhibits and interactive stations.
Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience
6. Attend Seasonal Events & Annual Festivals
Throughout the year, Royal Gorge hosts a series of community events and seasonal celebrations. One of the more popular annual events is the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival — a weekend-long event each July featuring kayak, stand up paddle board, raft and river board competitions and other activities that promote an active, outdoor lifestyle. Other events include educational wildlife sessions, weekend live music performances and the annual Boo at the Bridge each Halloween.
Royal Gorge Region Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Royal Gorge located in Colorado?
Royal Gorge is located west of Cañon City, Colorado, approximately 58 miles (just over an hours' drive time) from downtown Colorado Springs. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, a theme park home to family-friendly activities and a visitor's center, is located at 4218 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212.
How deep is the Royal Gorge in Colorado?
At its deepest point, the Royal Gorge has a depth of 1,250 feet, making it one of the deepest canyons in Colorado. The canyon is also incredibly narrow — as wide as 50 feet in some points at the base and 300 feet wide at the top.
How far is Royal Gorge from Denver, Colorado?
Royal Gorge is approximately 129 miles from Denver, Colorado. Travelers wishing to visit the gorge should consider flying into Colorado Springs Airport to be in close proximity to Royal Gorge Region and other popular Colorado Springs attractions, like Garden of the Gods Park and Pikes Peak.
What is there to do at Royal Gorge?
Top experiences at Royal Gorge include visiting Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, which features an array of family-friendly experiences such as zip lining, scenic gondola rides, a theater, rock climbing course and more. Visitors can also ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, raft the Arkansas River, and explore the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience.
How far is Pikes Peak from Royal Gorge?
Pikes Peak — America's Mountain — is located 58 miles (two hours' drive time) from Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
More than 950 feet above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is a wonder to behold.
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Royal Gorge Route Railroad
See Colorado from a different perspective and experience the beauty of the Royal Gorge on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
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Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
July 18 — 19, 2025
The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is an action-packed weekend in Cañon City, Colorado.
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Colorado Springs Whitewater Rafting
Find the level of adventure that best suits your family, from scenic floats to challenging rapids and multi-day trips, all…
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