Royal Gorge Route
What others are saying
"Planes, trains and automobiles - they all take us from A to B. But only on a train can we really enjoy our surroundings and take it all in. We have the option of viewing from inside or outside and even up toward the sky! But what I love best about the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is the opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. Our kids enjoy the novelty of riding a train and watching the world go by. And as parents, we don't have to drive, find directions or even pack a lunch because it's all available on board. I love being able to enjoy our beautiful state at its best from the rails of the gorge and learning things as we go. It's important to us as parents to help our children experience and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Plus, the kids love the suspense of waiting for a group of rafters to come around the bend so they can wave at them! And the music soundtrack just adds to the enjoyment!"
Sara Squires - Littleton, CO
"My husband suprised me with the dinner train trip for Mother's Day a couple of years ago. We got there a little early and while waiting to board it started to rain. They got us on and seated before we got too wet. The trip itself was very interesting, the wine was awesome and the food was wonderful. It was relaxing, romantic and fun. The scenery was awesome. The only low point was the rain, but I had a wonderful time and we sat with a very nice couple who were celebrating their anniversary. I know I would love to go on the dinner train again, and in this economy winning tickets is awesome."
Marianne Paine - Colorado Springs, Colorado
"We moved to Colorado in December 2007 from Redding, California. Our oldest daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Bern, came to visit in May 2008. We took them on the Royal Gorge train trip with lunch included. It was a beautiful, scenic ride. We saw mountain goats, deer, and rafters going by on the river. It was very peaceful and relaxing. They, and we, enjoyed the ride very much and can't wait for the rest of our family to visit."
Bea Baldridge - Pueblo West, CO
"It was Christmas 2005, my son Andrew had just turned 2 a few months earlier and was getting up Christmas morning to enjoy his first anticipated Christmas. What I didn't know was how one toy was going to change his life so. He got, wait for it, a toy train. For him it was not just any train, but a remote control train with cars, cargo and lights. It had a track with bridges and tunnels, he was hooked. From then on, everything was trains. "Those are coal cars, and flat beds", "that's a tender" and "let's see if there's a caboose," were words uttered every time we drove by trains. He had a game quoting Dr. Seuss saying "A train, a train, a train, a train, could you would you on a train." to see who could be the first one to spot a train and say that. We just had to get this boy a ride on a train. The next summer was the time, the Royal Gorge Railroad was the place, he had no idea. His mom and I couldn't wait to see how big of smile our boy could get, and sure enough it was there. For him to see that train, touch it, go in and ride, must have seemed like a dream, one he didn't want to wake up from. He stared out the windows speechless the whole ride until the trip was over. It was a moment that gave me so much joy too, seeing my boy so happy. The best part was when he got to say "hi" to the conductor and take a picture with him.Over the next 2 years, we went on six other train rides with him, but none was ever the same as that first experience he had through the Gorge that summer of 2007. Now Andrew is almost seven and doing all sorts of things, but every now and then I'll see him put on his conductors hat and I wonder if he is thinking about that first train ride we had. Thank you"
David Merz - Colorado Springs, CO
"The Royal Gorge Route is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and wonder of the Royal Gorge while at the same time experiencing wonderful service.
We booked our trip online several weeks ahead of schedule. When we arrived at the station in Canon City, we took some time to browse the gift shop and looked at some railroad memorabilia. When it came time to board, we were led to one of the visa dome cars where we boarded and found our table ready for us with our family names on the reservation placard. The service and the meal was nothing short of magnificent, outdone only by the natural beauty of the Royal Gorge itself. Riding the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a wonderful experience that we plan to take in again and again. This is such a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of this part of Colorado as well as to simply relax and enjoy a taste of what rail travel was like in its heyday. It is one of those rare "WOW" experiences that make each moment memorable and enjoyable." -
Owen Kinnan - Stromsburg, NE
"My family and I have been riding the train throughout all the seasons and various trains from the Vista Dome gourmet dinners and lunches, the lunch train on the General Palmer Train, to Mother's Day Train's, opening season and even a murder mystery train! Last winter, we took part of the North Pole train with my son who is 7, my husband and my parents. My parents were relaxing with an Abby Wine and we were enjoying watching my son. My son was deliriously excited, enjoying the cocoa and cookies, as we pulled up to the North Pole and saw Santa. He was even more ecstatic upon seeing Santa come in, talk with him and give him a sleigh bell. After Santa moved onto the next family, we said to my folks and our son, "We know Santa brought you an exciting present, but we have one for you all too... We're expecting!" My son who has been dying for sibling couldn't have been any happier, and my parents who have been also begging for another grandchild were also thrilled. I can't imagine any better timing and more joyous place to share the news we had been holding onto for the past month and a half until this night! Even if we hadn't taken a plethora of pictures that night, this night will be both unforgettable because of the wonderful North Pole experience my son was able to enjoy, the adults were able to enjoy even more because of seeing how much excitement illuminated my son, and having an unbelievable perfect place to share such happy news."
Jessica Reyna, Colorado Springs, CO
"Our trip aboard the Royal Gorge Route was nothing short of extraordinary! We love riding trains, but this train tops them all. Our food in lunch class was delicious and service perfect, not to mention the spectacular scenery. Keep it up!"
Karan Rampart, Dallas, TX
"Thank you for running a first-class operation. It's obvious you and your staff care about your customers as everyone went out of their way to ensure our trip was most memorable. Our food in Vista Dome was first class. We didn't expect lunch to be soooo good! The view from the open car is amazing. We'll be back next year."
Mike Rodriguez, Colorado Springs.
"I can't believe that this type of operation is alive and well in Canon City of all places! It's like a diamond in the rough and your dinner train speaks for itself. My prime rib was the best I've ever tasted and the wines from California and Washington, perfect. Thank you for the memories"
Jane Chamberlain, Napa, CA
Thank you for a wonderful day on the train. My Mother and I enjoyed every minute. The service was impeccable from the time we walked in the stations door till we got in our car and left for home. The lunch was just yummy and of course the entire experience of the sights, sounds, smells, and views while on the train are just wonderful memories. A real "Treasure"! Anyone who lives in Colorado and has not taken this trip is really missing a special day. Have a great summer!
Roben Blakey - CBS Outdoor
My husband and I will be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary on the train! We were on your gourmet dinner train (treating houseguests) on Friday (day before yesterday). As always, the food and service were incredible. On July 11th, we will have a dear friend of ours (who has never experienced the train ride) with us. Thank you so much for a wonderful experience.
Francine Lorts - Pueblo, Colorado
"Dear Mary Lynn,
Candi Ramos at Collette asked me to email you about our train ride on May 30, and I'm glad to do so. That was the first Trains tour out for the season, and my pax really liked it! We were in the perfect car, between the open car and the concessions car, and up close to the Depot. Thank you for putting us there! The pax said it was just the right length (we rode the Durango to Silverton for over 3 hours a few days before, and some thought it was WAY TOO LONG), and one of the best parts is the train music and narration. I have always found the people at the ticket booth to be efficient and helpful!"
Warmest regards,
Jan Lowe
Tour Manager
Collette Vacations
"I just wanted to e-mail you before I forget. I have taken a tour at the Florence Rose Bed and Breakfast in Florence. I may be reserving a room for my parents when they visit at the end of July. I had taken the tour after work and was wearing my uniform. When the innkeeper saw that worked at the train, he had so many good things to say. He said that many of his guests have raved about the service on the train. They said it was the best food they had tasted while staying in the area. Also, he said many enjoyed the wine tasting and the mystery theatre. He thanked us for recommending his B and B. He also, pointed out that the brochures for the Royal Gorge Route Railroad were in the front of his display desk in the lobby of the inn. He suggests the train first, he said. I just thought you’d like to know about this positive feedback from Florence.
Have a great day!"
Jessie
A typical (extraordinary) day on the train
A flash photo album
Check out our latest Flash photo library to give you an idea of what a typical day, riding the Royal Gorge Route consists of. From enjoying the amazing views of the Royal Gorge, spending time together, to enjoying an outstanding dinner, nothing is better than a ride on the rails! Check it out!
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Santa Fe Depot
401 Water Street
Canon City, CO 81212