Welcome to the Climate Capital of Colorado!
The Royal Gorge Region enjoys a south-central Colorado sweet spot where mild temperatures grace the Arkansas River Valley and form an ideal year-round outdoor playground.
When the rest of the state is digging out from Spring snowstorms, area locals and visitors are hitting mountain biking and hiking trails. This is also a great time to visit museums and attractions like the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience and the Museum of Colorado Prisons. Get a jump on summer travelers and hit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park to walk across one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, zipline over the canyon and brave the exhilarating Royal Rush Skycoaster.
Summer 
heats up with area outfitters launching boats into the Arkansas River for world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking. Hikers and bikers take to Skyline Drive and Cañon City’s Royal Gorge Park trails, ATV and Jeep tours explore endless open space. See the valley’s beauty from above on a helicopter or horseback tour.
As Fall rolls around, the desert-meets-mountain landscape radiates in reds, yellows and oranges. Autumn is the perfect time for a family stroll along the Arkansas Riverwalk Trail, antique shopping in Florence and wine tasting at the award-winning winery. In September, the Harvest Festival celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Take a drive on the picturesque Gold Belt National Scenic Byway and cruise high above Cañon City on Skyline Drive’s cliff-side razorback ridge.
Resting at 5,332 feet—slightly higher than Denver—and tucked into the valley’s protective bluffs, Winter in the Region tends to hover around a comfortable 50 to 60 degrees. Conditions remain ideal for fly-fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, rock climbing, golfing and even the occasional camping expedition. Though it operates year-round, the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad’s winter themed rides are a season must.
Elevation:
5,343 – 9,500 feet
Population:
47,426
Temperatures:
Summer 57o – 87o
Fall 43o – 74o
Winter 23o – 52o
Spring 40o – 69o
