Royal Gorge, CO

As we were proceeding east on route 50 heading for Colorado Springs, we drove by a billboard displaying info about Royal Gorge, and we both read it and said to each other "lets go see it". Royal Gorge had not been in our original trip plans, but as soon as we saw that billboard that described what we would see, we decided that it was worth the time to stop and see it. As you can see in the map, it is located 48 miles southwest of Colorado Springs and 121 miles east of Gunnison, CO.

Located in the heart of Colorado, the Royal Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its sheer beauty, dramatic landscapes, and exhilarating adventures. Carved by the Arkansas River, this massive canyon stretches over 1,200 feet deep and spans nearly 10 miles, offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain region. The Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, stands as an iconic landmark, providing visitors with awe-inspiring views from nearly 1,000 feet above the rushing river below. The surrounding Royal Gorge Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of thrilling activities and scenic tranquility. Adventurers can experience heart-pounding excitement with whitewater rafting, zip-lining across the gorge, or soaring over the canyon on the Royal Rush Skycoaster. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can take a scenic ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which winds through the gorge, showcasing its towering cliffs and rugged terrain up close. The park also features hiking trails, panoramic gondola rides, and a visitor center that delves into the area’s rich history and geology. Whether you're a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or photography enthusiast, the Royal Gorge offers an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Colorado’s stunning landscapes.

• Over 30 million people have visited Royal Gorge Park.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt once visited the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park when running for office in 1936.
• Dinosaurs used to roam the Royal Gorge region over 100 million years ago.
• Royal Gorge is 48 miles from Colorado Springs, CO.
• The Bridge spans the Royal Gorge above the Arkansas River, a 1,469 miles (2,364 kilometers) long river that eventually becomes a major tributary to the Mississippi River.
• One of the Deepest Canyons in Colorado - The Royal Gorge is approximately 1,250 feet deep and spans about 10 miles along the Arkansas River, making it one of the deepest canyons in Colorado.
• It is the Site of a Famous Railroad War - In the late 1800s, the Denver & Rio Grande and Santa Fe Railroads engaged in a legal and physical battle, known as the Royal Gorge War, to control the rail route through the gorge.

The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Colorado and holds historical significance as one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. Here are some key facts about this engineering marvel:

1. Record-Breaking Height: The bridge stands 956 feet (291 meters) above the Arkansas River, making it one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. It held the record as the world’s highest bridge from its completion in 1929 until 2001.
2. Length & Structure: The bridge spans 1,260 feet (384 meters) across the Royal Gorge and It has a deck width of 18 feet (5.5 meters) and features 1,257 wooden planks. The cables used for suspension contain over 2,100 steel wires.
3. Construction & History: Built in 1929 at a cost of $350,000, the bridge was designed as a tourist attraction rather than for transportation, and it took just seven months to complete. The bridge was renovated in 1980 to strengthen its structure and maintain safety.
4. Bridge Towers: The Royal Gorge Bridge towers stand at a height of 150 feet (46 meters) above the bridge deck. These steel towers support the main suspension cables, which hold up the bridge as it spans the 1,260-foot-wide gorge. Their towering structure plays a crucial role in maintaining the bridge’s stability and strength, allowing it to withstand the elements and continue to be one of the world’s highest suspension bridges.

On our way to Royal Gorge from Telluride, we traversed Colorado on route 50 which took us across Monarch Pass. As we proceeded east from Gunnison, we saw a highway advisory electronic billboard which said "Warning - Wintry Conditions at Monarch Pass". Since we had never been there, and were unaware of the road, we at first thought that the warning might be a mistake - until we got near the top of Monarch Pass (11,312 feet).

There was a full-tilt winter storm going on all the way up the western side of the pass, with a considerable amount of snowfall, icy road conditions and the wind was blowing strongly. It slowed us down tremendously, as route 50 is a series of switchbacks as it crosses Monarch Pass.

The suspension bridge that crosses Royal Gorge is the highest bridge in the United States. Without being aware, or without having planned for it to happen, we managed to cross the # 1 and # 5 highest bridges in the United States during this trip. The Royal Gorge Bridge is 955 feet high (and is the # 1 highest bridge) and the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge is # 5 in the United States at 700 feet in height.

Just in case you were wondering, the highest bridge in the world is the the Duge Bridge in China is nearly twice as high as the Royal Gorge with a height of 1,854 feet (565 meters).

We chose to begin our Royal Gorge adventure by taking the gondola to the far side of the gorge and walking back across the iconic bridge. This plan allowed us to experience the unique perspective from the gondola and then fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the bridge and its surroundings. The gondola ride was smooth and exhilarating, offering unparalleled aerial views of the canyon's rugged landscape and the Arkansas River cutting through it below.

Once on the far side, we took time to explore the attractions and enjoy the serene natural setting before making our way back on foot across the Royal Gorge Bridge. Spanning nearly 1,000 feet above the canyon floor, the bridge provides an awe-inspiring experience. The Arkansas River below, a silver ribbon winding through the jagged cliffs, is both mesmerizing and humbling. The dramatic cliffs rising on either side of the gorge add to the sense of grandeur, creating a stark yet harmonious contrast with the river’s steady flow. Every step across the bridge offered a fresh angle to appreciate the stunning geology and expansive views of the surrounding landscape. It was a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility, leaving us with unforgettable memories of this natural marvel.

Royal Gorge offers a variety of thrilling activities and breathtaking attractions for adventure seekers and sightseers alike. Here are some of the top things to do in and around the gorge:

1. Walk Across the Royal Gorge Bridge: Experience stunning panoramic views from the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. at 956 feet above the Arkansas River.
2. Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Take a scenic train ride along the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which runs along the Arkansas River, offering unparalleled views of the canyon’s steep rock walls.
3. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River: One of the best places for whitewater rafting in Colorado, the Arkansas River offers Class III to Class V rapids, making for an exciting rafting adventure.
4. Ride the Royal Gorge Aerial Gondola: Soar over the canyon in the Royal Gorge Aerial Gondola, a cable car ride that provides stunning aerial views of the river and surrounding cliffs.
5. Experience the Royal Rush Skycoaster: For thrill-seekers, the Royal Rush Skycoaster is a 1,200-foot-high swing that launches you over the edge of the canyon for a heart-pounding freefall experience.
6. Hike the Royal Gorge Trails: Explore scenic hiking and biking trails, such as the Canyon Rim Trail and Overlook Loop, which provide breathtaking viewpoints of the gorge.
7. Visit the Museum and Plaza Theater: Learn about the history of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park at the Plaza Theater, which showcases the area's geological and cultural history.
8. Try Zip-lining Over the Gorge: The Cloudscraper Zip Line is one of the highest zip lines in North America, offering a thrilling ride 1,200 feet above the canyon floor.
9. Explore the Garden Park Fossil Area: Located nearby, this area is rich in dinosaur fossils, including some of the most significant Jurassic-era discoveries in the U.S.
10. Visit the Museum and Visitor Center: Learn about the history, geology, and construction of the bridge and surrounding area while enjoying interactive exhibits.

• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Royal Gorge History on the "Royal Gorge Route" Website
• Royal Gorge Website
• Hiking in the Royal Gorge area on the "Royal Gorge Bridge" Website
• Google Search Results list for "restaurants in the Royal Gorge area"
• Google Search Results list for "accommodations in the Royal Gorge area"
• Amazon Search Results for "Royal Gorge"
• Youtube Search Results for "Royal Gorge"
• Train Tour through Royal Gorge from "Get Your Guide" - includes meal and hotel pickup & return.
• Visit our Youtube Channel

As you can see by the this map, our trip covered 3 different states, approximately 1,600 road miles and allowed us to see some spectacular geography. You might think that a trip of this distance would be something that would result in a "tired of driving" mood - but our stops were so diverse with such incredible geography and fun things to do, that we found that we looked forward to each morning to where we could continue our adventures!

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