Royal Gorge Route Railroad

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a different angle on the same canyon you see from the bridge: from the bottom. The train departs from Cañon City and runs along the Arkansas River, entering the narrow granite walls of the gorge, where the tracks hug the water and the cliffs rise more than a thousand feet on either side. The trip lasts about two hours, and the Royal Gorge Bridge appears overhead as a thin line across the sky. The train has a range of cars, from open-air and coach seating to glass-domed observation cars and dining cars, and the ride is narrated by a guide who explains the geology, the railroad rivalry and the wildlife along the way. Many visitors consider it the most relaxed and scenic way to experience the canyon.

The railroad has a good story. In the 1870s two companies, the Denver and Rio Grande and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, battled over the right to lay track through the gorge in the so-called Royal Gorge War, a dispute that involved lawyers, armed crews and rival rights-of-way. The Denver and Rio Grande eventually prevailed, and the narrow line through the canyon became a key transport route for silver and gold from the mountains.

The tourist train follows part of that historic route. Because the canyon is so narrow, the railroad hangs the track over the river on a suspended structure in places, a design that fascinated engineers of the era and still impresses passengers today.

The seating choices shape the experience. Vista dome cars offer panoramic views through glass roofs, while the open-air cars let you feel the breeze and hear the water. Dining options range from light snacks to multi-course meals, and the service differs by car class. Evening and seasonal trains, such as holiday and themed rides, add variety.

Photographers will appreciate the changing light as the sun moves across the canyon walls, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, eagles and fishermen on the river bank may appear. Because the schedule varies by season, check the timetable and book your preferred class in advance, particularly for fall weekends and holidays.

Practical details help. The depot is in Cañon City, about an hour from Colorado Springs, so a train ride makes a half-day outing. Arrive thirty minutes early to find parking and board. Dress in layers, because the canyon can be cool even on warm days. The train is suitable for most ages and mobility levels, though some cars have steps.

Pair the railroad with the bridge, a rafting trip or a visit to Cañon City's museums and restaurants. For a longer day, ride the train in the morning, have lunch in town and spend the afternoon at the park. The railway runs most of the year, but winter schedules are reduced, so confirm before making plans.

Food and drink are part of the appeal. Dining cars serve brunch, lunch or dinner depending on the departure time, and the staff accommodate special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays if you ask when you book. Seasonal trains, from fall foliage specials to holiday themed rides, add variety through the year. Photographers should claim a spot on the river side of the train early, and everyone should keep an eye out for rafters bobbing in the water below, since the train and the rafts often share the same stretch of the canyon.