Royal Gorge Route
Colorado's oldest scenic railroad
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad was reestablished in the fall of 1998 and has become a premier destination attraction carrying over 100,000 guests through the Royal Gorge each year. Our vision is to provide a quality experience, combining the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge, the nostalgia of 1950’s train travel, with unique dining options and exceptional service.
The Royal Gorge Route has been instrumental in preserving this breathtaking canyon and ensuring a vital part of Colorado history will be passed along to the next generation. Why do so many people ride the train? We are not a theme park or carnival experience. We do not offer thrill rides, but instead have grown as a major destination attraction through ensuring the Royal Gorge remains a special place and should be preserved much like any one of our National Parks. We believe riding the rails through the Royal Gorge and spotting Big Horn Sheep, Blue Heron,Bald Eagles, and enjoying the tumbling Arkansas River with your family or special someone is a very unique experience.
The train provides the means to unwind, enjoy family time and Mother Nature up close. When we began operating trains through the Royal Gorge, we had 5-coach cars and one class of service. Our dream was to introduce levels of service not seen in the rail industry. We were met with much pessimism as many thought attracting travelers both from the international and national markets to the Royal Gorge region who would enjoy a high quality culinary experience impossible. Now, after 11-years we find other rail lines attempting to copy our “recipe for success.”
We pride ourselves on exceptional guest service and purchase only the highest quality food items available. We constantly work to ensure our guest’s expectations are met and exceeded. We have our challenges and have grown through valuable input from our staff and guests. We invite you to experience the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and look forward to having you on board.
Motive Power and Rail Cars
The Royal Gorge Route operates a number of locomotives. Our F-7’s, numbered 402 and 403 were built in 1949 and 1950 by the General Motors Corporation in La Grange, Illinois. They were originally Chicago & Northwestern Railway freight engines. Later, they were rebuilt for fast commuter service. Engines 402 and 403 were purchased from the Union Pacific several years ago and capable of speeds in excess of 100 MPH. Our speeds today through the Royal Gorge are between 12 to 20 MPH. We’ve also added an F-7B unit, numbered 1503 to enhance locomotive power. It was used on the Alaska Railroad.
The 5305, an SD-9, was originally owned by the D&RG and used in freight service. The 5305 was involved in a collision in a rail yard in Pueblo, CO. When it was rebuilt, the D&RG put a low nose on it for better visibility.
On Occasion, we use engine number 2283, a GP-7 for motive power.
The coaches we use, are restored 1953 and 1954 Canadian National Railway models that were used on transcontinental routes throughout Canada. These cars were acquired in 1998 prior to our first train run through the Royal Gorge.
In 2005 and 2006 the Royal Gorge Route purchased 4 full-length glass topped Vista Dome cars. This railroad now has the largest collection of these vintage 1950’s dome cars in service in the lower 48. They were previously used by Holland America Cruise lines in Alaska. The vista domes have been updated and now provide comfortable seating, a full service bar, and chef prepared menu items available on all departures.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Santa Fe Depot
401 Water Street
Canon City, CO 81212