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The Royal Gorge Route Railroad includes some of the best views you’ll see in Colorado. This is a journey through a truly grand canyon; it’s much more than just a train ride. Along the route, you’ll discover breathtaking scenery and Colorado history that have shaped the Canon City region. So grab a ticket and find what our route has to offer.

Territorial Correctional Facility

Shortly after departure, you’ll see the Territorial Correctional Facility, which was established in 1871. Referred to as the old max, this is now a medium security prison. If you look closely behind the prison you’ll see the original rock wall of the older buildings. You can visit the prison museum on First Street, and it is open year-round.

Tunnel Drive

Tunnel Drive is a three-mile hiking and biking trail that’s ideal for families, wildlife sightseeing, and views of the surrounding canyon. You’ll travel through three granite-blasted tunnels that contain ribbons of pink and white. Tunnel Drive was once the home of Canon City’s first gravity water diversion system, which was built in 1892 with convict labor.

Wooden Water Line

Across the river, you’ll find a run-down wooden water line that still hangs across the two tributary gullies. This is Canon City’s oldest water line, and was started in 1908 before being finished in 1910. For over 50 years, this gravity diversion water line pushed water into Canon City for irrigation and other purposes, before halting in 1972.

Royal Gorge Bridge

Hanging 1,053 feet above the train, the Royal Gorge Bridge is one of Colorado’s most famous attractions! Families can walk along the bridge and visit the park, which includes exciting activities like a zip line, rock climbing, and a visitor’s center. Passengers on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad will get to experience one-of-a-kind views of the bridge while in the open-air car. The Royal Gorge Bridge is open daily from 10am-6pm.

Hanging Bridge

This famous bridge is located at the narrowest and deepest point in the Royal Gorge. Only 30 to 40 feet separate the walls of the canyon. C. Shaler Smith, the bridge developer, was able to design a bridge in this narrow chasm by constructing a 175-foot plate girder suspended on one side under A-frame girders that span the river and anchored to the rock walls. Below, you’ll find the Arkansas River, where white-water rafters and kayakers take on this challenging river.

Warming Shack

In the past, these warming shacks were placed along the water line for workers to get out of the cold during the frigid winter months. A section of the old water line was used to make an inverted u-shaped bend above the ground. During the winter, sawdust was poured in to seal leaks between the redwood staves. Caretakers were settled near the warming shacks as they were responsible for the upkeep of the water line, dam and head gate. Their homes were only accessed by the hanging footbridge.

Parkdale

For your final destination, you’ll arrive in Parkdale. The Parkdale station was once home to a small community of AT&SF workers who called it Webster, but was later renamed Parkdale when the D&RG took over in 1880. Parkdale’s prime location on the Arkansas River and near the Royal Gorge make it a popular base camp for visitors and fishing enthusiasts. 

All Aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Ready to see these attractions for yourself? Then come aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. This scenic dining train takes you through the Royal Gorge with expansive windows and open-air cars, so passengers have a full view of the canyon and passing sights.

Passengers can choose from first class three-course experiences, or more casual fare from the 403 Grill. The Royal Gorge Route also has a fully stocked bar on board where guests can order craft beers, cocktails, wine, specialty drinks and more.

Get your tickets here