Royal Gorge Railroad

Royal Gorge Route 

The Royal Gorge Route, which passes through the breathtaking Royal Gorge Canyon of the Arkansas River, has been a popular tourist attraction for well over a century.  Originally built to access the rich lead and silver mines of the Leadville District, the railroad had a troubled beginning because of competition between the Denver and Rio Grande (DR&G) and the Santa Fe railroads to gain the rights to the route.  This fierce competition resulted in the so-called Royal Gorge War, complete with warring sides exchanging gunfire.  The conflict continued for two years in the late 1870's before a settlement was reached in favor of DR&G.   In 1882 the railroad became part of an intercontinental passenger route between Denver and Salt Lake City.  Until the 1920's, the railroad remained very popular with travelers, including well-known figures such as President Teddy Roosevelt.  With the advent of the automobile and airplane however, the train became less profitable and eventually was closed down in 1967.

In 1998 the railroad was purchased and refitted with 1950's vintage engines and cars for use as a train to carry tourists on the scenic 24 mile trip from Canon City through Royal Gorge and back.  Points of interest on the trip include the Hanging Bridge, which was constructed in the narrowest section of the canyon -- only 30 feet wide at river level.  Engineers were forced to mount a steel A-frame structure to the canyon wall to support the track above the river.  Looking up from the hanging bridge, one can see the rims of the canyon towering an amazing 1050 feet straight above.   Suspended between the canyon rims is the Royal Gorge Bridge, the "Worlds Highest Suspension Bridge", constructed in 1929.  Considering the many natural and manmade wonders on this route, it is easy to understand how it has persisted for so long as a popular tourist attraction.

Location:

Central Colorado;  starts in town of Canon City. 

Visit Time:

Approximately 2 hours round trip;  dinner train 3 hours round trip.

Season:

Spring:  mid-March through mid-May, weekends only.

Summer:  mid-May through early October, daily. 

Fee:

Adult coach: $29.95.

Visitor Information:

(888)724-5748.

Directions:

From Denver, take I-25 south 67 miles to Colorado Springs exit 140 (Nevada Ave.).  Drive southwest on CO 115 for 35 miles to Penrose.  Turn west on US 50 and drive 11 miles to Canon City.

Feature Article:

Colorado's Historic and Scenic Railroads