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Before visiting Royal Gorge, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew there was a bridge and a train, but I hadn’t understood how different those two experiences would be. One takes you high above the canyon, and the other follows the Arkansas River through the bottom.
Matt and I did both. We rode the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, took the gondola across the gorge, and walked back over the Royal Gorge Bridge. We enjoyed the scenery and thought both experiences had something to offer, but doing everything made for an expensive day.
I’m Cheryl, and my husband, Matt, and I write travel guides to help you have a great trip to the West. Here is what we liked about Royal Gorge, what we didn’t love, and what I would want to know before deciding how to spend my time and money here.
| Visit Royal Gorge if you… | You may want to skip some activities if you… |
|---|---|
| Love dramatic canyon and river scenery | Are trying to keep your trip inexpensive |
| Want a comfortable train ride with views you can’t get from your car | Prefer a train that stops somewhere you can explore |
| Like the idea of walking across a very high bridge | Find heights more stressful than enjoyable |
| Enjoy gondolas and optional adventure activities | Want a quiet place to connect with nature |
| Want to see the same gorge from above and below | Would rather choose one main activity for the day |
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Cañon City, Colorado |
| Main attractions we tried | Royal Gorge Route Railroad and Royal Gorge Bridge & Park |
| Train departure point | Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City |
| Train ride | Allow about two hours; exact length depends on the departure |
| Train route | Out and back through the gorge |
| Time we spent at the bridge park | About 1½ hours |
| Bridge park admission | Includes the bridge, gondola, theater, and children’s playland |
| Extra-cost activities | Zipline, Skycoaster, and Via Ferrata |
| Biggest train tip | Ask about riverside seating and spend time in an open-air car |
| Biggest budget tip | You don’t have to do both the train and the bridge park |
The train and bridge park are separate attractions with separate tickets. The train does not take you up to the bridge park. We visited both on the same day, but you’ll need to plan them as two different stops.
For current departures and ride lengths, check the Royal Gorge Route Railroad FAQ. For bridge admission and attraction availability, check Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.
Royal Gorge is a deep, narrow canyon with the Arkansas River running through the bottom. What impressed us was how closely the walls surround you when you’re down near the river. Looking up from the train gives you a very different appreciation for the place than looking down from the bridge.
The bridge itself was built in 1929 as a sightseeing attraction. It hangs 956 feet above the Arkansas River, which is plenty high enough to make you pause before looking over the edge! You can read more about its history on the official Royal Gorge Bridge page.
The train leaves from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City. We thought the depot was cute, and it makes a nice starting point for the ride. Give yourself time to check in, use the restroom, and get through boarding without rushing.
I would aim to arrive about 45 minutes early, or follow the instructions provided with your reservation. The restroom area at the depot felt inadequate for the crowd when we visited, so I wouldn’t leave that until the last minute. There were also restrooms aboard the train.
We splurged on the Vista Dome, which had comfortable seats and windows that curved upward so we could see higher up the canyon walls. That is a useful feature in a gorge like this. Much of what you want to see is above you!
However, I thought coach looked perfectly nice, too. The windows were large, the seats were cushioned, and Matt tried sitting in both coach and the Vista Dome to compare them. We didn’t come away thinking everyone needed to pay for the upgrade.
Our Vista Dome windows had water spots, and the blinds blocked part of the upper view. We still enjoyed our seats, but those details took a little away from the experience. If you plan to spend much of your ride outside, I would think carefully about how much an upgraded seat is worth to you.
Our biggest takeaway was that the side of the train mattered more to us than the class of service. We sat on the riverside and loved looking out at the Arkansas River with the canyon walls rising above it. On our outbound ride, that was the left side when facing the direction of travel.
The train reverses for the return trip instead of turning around. That means your seat stays on the same side of the canyon coming back. You won’t automatically trade a rock-wall view for a river view halfway through the ride.
PRO TIP: Ask the railroad about riverside seating before booking, but don’t count on a guaranteed location. The railroad says specific seats cannot be guaranteed. All ticketed passengers can use the standing-room open-air car, which gives you another way to enjoy the scenery. Seating information
The open-air car was popular on our ride. You stand outside with nothing overhead blocking the view, which is wonderful when you want to look straight up the canyon walls. Many people spent a good portion of the trip out there, including passengers who had paid for upgraded seats.
The downside was the crowd. The car we visited was packed, and we didn’t realize there might be another option farther along the train. Later, while looking down from the bridge, we saw a train with a second open-air car that had hardly anyone in it.
If the first outdoor car is crowded, ask an employee whether another one is available. I wish we had known to ask! You may find more room without giving up the outdoor experience.
This was the best part of the ride for me. The river, steep rock walls, and views up toward the bridge made it feel like we were seeing somewhere special. We even spotted bighorn sheep, so keep your eyes open for wildlife.
I also loved that the train took us somewhere we couldn’t simply drive. Some scenic railroads follow a road for much of the trip, and I find myself wondering whether the view would be nearly the same from the car. Here, being down inside the gorge was a major part of the appeal.
The ride was very smooth, too. We’ve been on trains that rock and sway enough to become tiring, but this one felt comfortable. Between the cushioned seats and the scenery, there was a lot to like.
There isn’t a town or attraction at the turnaround where you get off and explore. The train stops, reverses direction, and returns to Cañon City. Think of it as a sightseeing ride through the gorge.
The part I wished had been better was the narration. We couldn’t hear much of it, and when employees tried to share information without microphones, their voices didn’t carry well. Learning about the area is one of my favorite parts of a scenic train ride, so that was disappointing.
Still, the scenery and comfortable ride were there. Those are two pretty important ingredients, and Royal Gorge delivered on both.
We liked the Vista Dome, especially because its upper windows helped us see the tall canyon walls. It also felt like a nice place to sit and enjoy the ride. If the price difference works for your budget and you expect to spend most of the trip in your seat, it is worth considering.
But I would also be happy in coach with a good river view. The coach seats looked comfortable, and the large windows gave passengers plenty to see. Access to the open-air car makes the upgrade even less essential.
For us, the order of importance would be river view, outdoor access, then class of service. Just remember that you can request information about seating without being promised a particular side.
Our train tickets cost about $120 each during our visit. Fares can change. Check the railroad’s booking options for the price of your date, departure, and class.
Matt and I were comfortable paying for the two of us, but I would have winced at buying tickets for our entire family of six. Add food, drinks, and another attraction afterward, and the total climbs quickly. I think the train is easier to justify when you treat it as one of your main experiences for the day.
Standard Coach, Deluxe, and Vista Dome tickets cover the ride, with food and drinks costing extra. Special dining experiences may have different inclusions, so read the details for the departure you choose. Check ticket options and inclusions
We took the gondola across first and walked back over the bridge. The gondola ride was short—less than five minutes by our estimate—and very smooth. You’re enclosed, but you are still traveling high above a deep canyon.
Matt doesn’t love heights, so this was a little intense for him. Even so, he thought the ride itself was nice. The views give you a completely different perspective from the train, with the river far below.
On the far side, we found a children’s play area, places to get snacks, and additional attractions. There was also a theater with a film about the gorge. The facilities looked nice, and we saw families, older visitors, and little kids enjoying the park.
You can pay extra for activities such as the zipline, Skycoaster, and Via Ferrata. The Via Ferrata caught my attention because I’ve enjoyed that kind of climbing elsewhere. We didn’t try these activities here, so I can’t review them from experience.
This is where I would set expectations carefully. The park felt commercialized, with rides, games, and food stands around a natural attraction. I found it harder to get that peaceful, connected-to-nature feeling I enjoy at national parks.
The bridge was wider and felt more substantial than Matt expected. He was able to walk across and even get reasonably close to the edge, despite not being someone who enjoys heights. You can also stay toward the middle if looking straight down is too much.
We loved seeing the river and railroad so far below us. Having already ridden the train made that view especially interesting. We had just been down there, and now we were looking at it from an entirely different angle.
Our visit took about an hour and a half. You could spend longer if you add activities or have children who want to enjoy the play area.
At the roughly $30–$31 admission price we paid during our visit, we thought it was a good value. I initially questioned the cost, but then considered that a gondola ride alone can cost that much elsewhere. Getting the gondola and the bridge together helped it make sense to me.
The official online store currently lists general admission at $39.95 for ages 12 and up and $34.95 for children ages 3–11, with younger children free. Admission includes the bridge, gondola, theater, and playland; the major thrill activities cost extra. Check current admission prices.
At today’s price, I would make the decision based on how much you want to do both the bridge and the gondola. It is a memorable setting, but it isn’t an inexpensive overlook stop for a family.
GOOD TO KNOW: The gondola and other rides can close because of weather or maintenance. Check the park’s daily updates before heading over, especially if the gondola is your main reason for visiting.
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Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, and a sweater or light jacket. Our train car could feel chilly, and you’ll appreciate having a layer when moving between indoor seating and an outdoor car. At the bridge, you’ll also want to be comfortable walking around the park.
Keep your train bag small and review the railroad’s current boarding rules before you go. We lost cell service after leaving Cañon City, so I would have reservation information available ahead of time. This is also a good ride to put the phone away for a while and enjoy the view.
Food was available aboard the train, and we were impressed that it had a dedicated kitchen. We ordered a cinnamon roll that cost $11 at the time. It was okay, but it wasn’t something I would buy a train ticket for.
We didn’t try a full meal, so I wouldn’t judge the entire menu by that one purchase. Just remember to include dining in your budget if you plan to eat aboard. The railroad currently prohibits outside food and beverages; check its food policy before packing anything for the ride.
There were also food options at the bridge park, but we didn’t eat there. By that point, I felt like we had spent enough money for the day! We brought a picnic and ate outside the paid attraction.
The train and bridge park have different arrangements, so check each separately. The railroad asks passengers with mobility needs to call before booking, and its Vista Dome requires climbing stairs. Pet dogs cannot ride the train, although service animals are accommodated. Railroad accessibility information
The bridge park says its bridge, visitor center, theater, and gondolas have wheelchair access, with some route and size limitations. Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed in the park, but restrictions apply to buildings and rides. Contact the park about your specific needs before visiting. Bridge park accessibility and pet information
We also drove Skyline Drive near Cañon City. It’s a narrow, one-way paved road along a ridge, with drops on both sides and views over town and the surrounding hills. Our drive took about 10–15 minutes.
The exposed setting made it memorable. Matt concentrated on driving while I handled the filming, which was a good arrangement for this road! We enjoyed it as a short addition to the day, though the views are of Cañon City and the surrounding landscape rather than the gorge.
Watching people raft through the gorge made me want to try it. Being right on the water with those walls above you looked incredible. We didn’t raft during this visit, so this is something on my list for another trip.
However, don’t mistake it for an easy float based on what you see from the train. Local outfitters describe Royal Gorge trips as challenging whitewater, with Class III–V rapids depending on conditions. Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a separate nearby option often offered for people seeking a less intense trip. Discuss your group’s experience and the water conditions with the rafting outfitter before choosing.
Royal Gorge was one stop on a larger Colorado trip for us. If you’re comparing train experiences, you can also read about the Durango & Silverton Railroad, Georgetown Loop Railroad, Cripple Creek train, and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
For help putting the stops together, our Colorado itineraries include the Pikes Peak region, Royal Gorge, and other places we’ve explored. They give you a practical route so you can spend less time figuring out the logistics.
Yes, we were glad we visited Royal Gorge. The train gave us beautiful canyon scenery, a comfortable ride, and access to views we couldn’t get from the road. The bridge and gondola let us appreciate the same place from high above.
My biggest hesitation is the cost of doing everything. Our location notes put the train and bridge park together at about $151 per person during our visit, before food and other extras. We enjoyed both, but I wouldn’t tell every family they need to buy both experiences.
Choose the train if being down beside the river and looking up at the canyon walls sounds most appealing. Choose the bridge park if you’re excited about the gondola, the high bridge, and the activities around them. If both fit your budget, they complement each other nicely.
And if you ride the train, remember our two biggest tips: ask about the riverside, and check whether there’s another open-air car before settling into the most crowded one. Those are the things we most wish we had understood before our first visit.
KEEP EXPLORING COLORADO:
Durango & Silverton Railroad: Our Full Review + Helpful Tips
Georgetown Loop Railroad: 10 Things to Know Before You Go
Cripple Creek Train Ride: Our Honest Review & Helpful Tip
Riding the Pikes Peak Cog Train
10 Things to Know Before Driving Pikes Peak
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