Things To Do

Cañon City’s unique location – at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along the Arkansas River – avail it of some of Colorado’s most stunning scenery. Stand on the edge of the Royal Gorge on the Royal Gorge Park Trail’s ‘Canyon Rim’ trail and gaze nearly 1,000 feet down to the winding river. Head out to Oil Well Flats and hike Fire Canyon to Island in the Sky to catch inspiring views of the Arkansas River Valley, the mountains beyond, and even toward nearby Cripple Creek.

Adventure along the original route that paleontologists took to find dinosaur fossils at Garden Park, site of the famous Bone Wars in the late 1800s. This area is rife with fossils from dinosaurs, sea life, and plant life. Many of the area’s findings are housed at the Smithsonian Museum in New York and also at our local Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center.

'America's Bridge' has stood since 1929 as an engineering wonder. Spanning the Royal Gorge at about 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, the bridge serves as a cultural, geographic, and tourism icon. When the bridge first opened in the late 1920's, no one could have imagined that the area would become one of the most-visited attractions in the region. 

In 2013, fire ravaged the area but brought with it rebirth and a host of new opportunities for growth. The grand Visitor's Center was rebuilt and now houses Cafe 1230, offering visitors the opportunity to dine on their gorgeous patio overlooking the mountains. Try a zipline across the Gorge, or try your hand at rock climbing along the brand-new Via Ferrata. 

Locals receive a special 50% off price in the month of April. Purchase your family pass or season pass at this time and enjoy the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park all year long. 

If you're a whitewater enthusiast of any kind - whether it's kayaking, floating, or hitting the 'big stuff' - you'll find that Cañon City offers plenty of opportunity to get on the water. 

Bighorn Sheep Canyon (located upriver / west of Cañon City) offers family-class rafting and boating. Class II and III rapids like Maytag and Sharks' Tooth will give you a wet and wild time on the river. 

The famed Royal Gorge kicks it up a notch with class IV and V rapids. Far from the reaches of roads or access points, this beautiful stretch of river runs deep into the Royal Gorge - a canyon almost 1,000 feet deep. Float past geologic wonders and under the Royal Gorge Bridge as you paddle some of North America's finest whitewater. 

Mountain bikers from beginner to advanced will find miles of singletrack to enjoy in the Cañon City area. In the last 10 years, over 52 miles of natural-surface singletrack trail has been created, spanning four main trail systems: Oil Well Flats Recreation Area, South Cañon Trail System, the Royal Gorge Park, and the Hogbacks Open Space Recreation Area. Each trail system offers its own unique offerings, including technical challenges, gorgeous vistas, and smile-inducing downhill rides.

South Cañon Trails begins just off of the Riverwalk, near downtown, and includes over 12 miles of singletrack trail. It links a local favorite park – the Ecology Park – to Grape Creek and (soon) Temple Canyon Park. Access beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails that wind up from lower elevations to nearly 1,000 feet in gain. Try techy moves on Hard time or descend Recycle for a flowy intermediate experience. Beginners and little shredders will enjoy Mutton Bustin’, a beginner trail that is perfect for learning and advancing skills.  

The Royal Gorge Park offers intermediate and advanced riders the opportunity to earn some of the most awe-inspiring vistas in the area. Ride the rim of the Royal Gorge and gaze into the Royal Gorge. Hit Summit View and wonder how far east you can see. Descend Darkside of the Moon for techy fun and a challenging descent. Tackle the 8-mile out-and-back to the historic Point Alta Vista Trestles, where you can trace the path of the old Scenic Railway. The opportunities are endless!

While many travel from the Front Range are to ride, locals know that trails can be accessed directly from many neighborhoods and also from downtown Cañon City. Ride all morning and head into town for a post-ride lunch – all without getting in your car.

The Buckskin Crags: Climbing and Adventure Area is a free access Open Space Park located at The Royal Gorge Ranch & Resort. The property is located at the old site of Buckskin Joe, near The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Free access to the public! (opening soon!)

The Buckskin Crags: Climbing and Adventure Area is the perfect place to learn how to gain the skills for any adventure and hone them. The Buckskin Crags offers Rock Climbing, Bouldering, a Via Ferrata, Highlining, Hiking and Mountain Biking. Adventure starts here. So, take a breath of fresh air! The Buckskin Crags at The Royal Gorge Ranch & Resort.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a heritage railroad located in Cañon City, Colorado. The railroad transits the Royal Gorge on a 2-hour scenic and historic train ride along what is considered to be the most famed portion of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The 1950s-era train departs the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City daily.