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Take the kids to the top of the Royal Gorge and peek over the edge of one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. Construction on the bridge began June 5, 1929 and was completed in November of 1929. A must-see and a true historical feat, the Royal Gorge draws visitors from all corners of the country. While at the Royal Gorge Bridge, be sure to enjoy the Aerial Tram that hovers 1,178 feet over the Arkansas River, or fly over the river on the world's wildest Skycoaster® or try the newest family friendly thrill ride; The Soaring Eagle Zipline. Continue to unlock the adventure and experience a treasured memory with a parent-led Burro Ride and take a trip down the Incline Railway at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.
See more on Family Raft Trips in the Royal Gorge
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Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a pulse-raising workout, you can find a trail to suit you needs. Just a few minutes out of town, the moderate Stultz Trail serves horseback riders and mountain bikers as well as hikers; or venture a few more miles to the challenging Tanner Trail for more spectacular mountain views. The narrow Tunnel Drive is a hiking trail in the foothills west of Cañon City. These and other area trails attract hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders year-round.
See more on Trails in The RoyalGorge Area
| Fresh Farmers' Market Flavor |
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Build your own picnic with a stop at one of the local summer farmers' markets. Florence hosts an open-air market every Thursday in Pioneer Park from 7:30am to 1:30pm. The market is a great way to enjoy fresh produce and homemade goods while supporting regional farmers and local businesses. Vendors typically sell seasonal produce, honey, breads, garden crafts and body products, including hand-crafted soaps and oils.
Royal Gorge Area Farmers':
Tuesdays - Canon City Farmer's Market, June 5 through September, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., 6th & Macon Avenue in front of the Library and Arts Centers, Canon City, CO
Wednesdays - Cañon City Farmers' Market, near the Train Depot June through Oct. Con 3rd St., www.ccfa.coop
Thursdays - Florence Farmers' Market, June through Sept., Pioneer Park, 719-784-3544
See a list of Colorado Farmer's Markets
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You'll think you're on the Santa Fe Trail as you make your way through the pines and evergreens at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, on the back of a mule. Watt Company mule and trail rides are lead by experienced outfitters, Carole and Porter Watt. Mules are surefooted animals suited for all types of terrain, and the best way to travel the backcountry to the rim of the Royal Gorge. During the busy summer season, no reservations may be necessary and guests at the park can experience the half hour trail ride, hour trail ride or the popular two hour Ride the Rim. In the winter, Watt Mule Company will take reservations. Anytime during the year, guests can experience a four-hour afternoon or full-day ultimate ride complete with a campfire dinner for a group of 2 to 12. For more information, visit www.wattmules.com.
Royal Gorge Region Wildlife
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On a hike, while camping or from you car window, wildlife viewing is a favorite, and oftentimes unavoidable, activity in the Royal Gorge region. The lush, expansive area is home to large populations of elk, bighorn sheep, eagles and more. The six-mile Arkansas Riverwalk trail is a great place to spot water foul and other wildlife as it winds along the Arkansas River past forests and wetlands.
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One step aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and you've embarked upon a breathtaking journey that started back in the 1870s. Like a barroom brawl on wheels, two railroad companies - the Denver & Rio Grande and the Santa Fe - vied for the route. But the Gorge had only enough room for one set of tracks, and the legal battle dubbed the "Royal Gorge War" began. Once the dust settled, the Denver & Rio Grande came out the victors. Today, Royal Gorge Route Railroad's 1950s-era air-conditioned rail cars ferry more than 100,000 passengers each year for a 24-mile round trip through the dramatic Royal Gorge over the famous Hanging Bridge and below soaring bald eagles and blue herons. Tickets start at $33. See more on the Royal Gorge Railroad
Make Holiday Memories
St. Nick visits the Royal Gorge each year on the festive and nostalgic Santa Express. Sip hot cocoa, nibble on cookies and listen to holiday stories and tunes during this magical journey. Thousands of lights bedeck the North Pole Village in the Gorge itself where Santa Claus boards the train to hear children's Christmas wishes and present each a holiday gift. Visit SantaExpressTrain.com to purchase tickets, which start at $19.
Prehistoric Paths & Dinosaur Discoveries
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In 1999, a paleontology student from the University of Colorado noticed the tip of a Dinosaur Track formation hidden in an overhang on Skyline Drive. In February 2000, volunteers from the Garden Park Paleontology Society began excavating the tracks, exposing evidence that dinosaurs one roamed the Arkansas Valley. For an up-close view of the dinosaur tracks, venture 15 minutes west of Cañon City and take the scenic Skyline Drive route off U.S. Highway 50.
Garden Park Fossil Area, just north of Cañon City on Shelf Road, is a 3,600-acre area that has been producing fossils for nearly 125 years. Most of the Jurassic dinosaurs on display at Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History are from this area. Three Stegosaurus skeletons, including Colorado's state fossil, are from this area.
Click here for more on Royal Gorge Region Fossil Finds!
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Grab a bite to eat at the many family-owned restaurants in Fremont County. Whatever the kids are craving - pizza, Italian, hamburgers, BBQ - it's all here. Just ask a local for advice on the perfect family spot. They'll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
See Royal Gorge Dining
Stroll Along the Riverwalk
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Cañon City's Riverwalk follows the Arkansas River for more than seven miles, winding through wetlands, groves of cottonwoods and the John Griffin Regional Park, a nature area in Cañon City. An early evening stroll along the Riverwalk provides a great opportunity for bird watching and wildlife spotting. The crushed gravel path is open for biking, hiking, strolling and horseback riding. Leashed dogs are welcome. The Cañon City Whitewater Kayak and Recreation Park is an exciting new addition to the Riverwalk area, benefiting boaters, fishermen, hikers, walkers, bikers and runners.
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