Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Royal Gorge Bridge Park – A Colorado Must See

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is one of Colorado’s iconic and must-see attractions, an awe-inspiring spectacle of man and nature meeting halfway. Known as America’s Bridge, located in the heart of the Royal Gorge Region and adjacent to Cañon City. Check out the Visitor Center, Waterclock, Plaza Theater & Historical Expo, Royal Rush Skycoaster, Zip Line, Gondola, and Children’s Playland.

Royal Gorge Bridge Park, Via Ferrata

Not only can visitors enjoy the breathtaking scenery from above the gorge, but they can now climb the steep walls via the new Royal Gorge Via Ferrata. This attraction is a protected and safe climbing system on the sheer vertical walls of the Royal Gorge, using trained guides, climbing lanyards with carabiners, steel cables, and iron rungs installed into the rock surfaces. Routes 400-600 feet into the gorge are tailor-made for the beginner up to the advanced. This is a perfect family outing for an unforgettable experience. The Royal Gorge Via Ferrata is suitable for ages 12 and up. (Extra pay feature, reservations required.)

Royal Gorge Bridge Aerial Gondola

Other world-class attractions include the Aerial Gondola, which traverses 2,400 feet across the gorge and reaches a maximum suspension of 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. This is a fun activity for the whole gang. Be wowed together when making this spectacular crossing.

The Royal Gorge Cloudscraper – Zipline

For the daring, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Cloudscraper, by ZipRider, flies guests a thousand feet over the river, and patrons can experience the World’s Scariest Skycoaster sitting on the very edge of the gorge. Both are extra pay features and are open from mid-March to the end of December (weather permitting.)

Royal Rush Skycoaster

Located on the south rim of the gorge is the Skycoaster. Riders are hoisted up to the top of a 100-foot tower and, from that starting point, swung out 1,200 feet over the edge of the Royal Gorge.

The Tommy Knocker Playland

This is a kid’s dream come true playground. Have fun with ropes, slides, nets, tunnels, 20-foot towers, and a splash pad. Check out panning for gold at Ole Zeb’s Sluice Box, and take a ride on the vintage-style Daisy’s Carousel.

The Plaza Theater

The park has a storied history beginning with the spectacular undertaking of building the Royal Gorge Bridge in 1929 and is the highest suspension bridge in America to date. The bridge survived a wildfire in 2013 and sustained minimal damage, while 90% of the park was destroyed. The rebuild was a spectacular undertaking. Visit the Plaza Theater and Historical Expo for the whole story!

The Visitors Center

When you arrive at the visitor’s center, you will certainly be taken in by all the breathtaking views. Just around back, check out the water clock. It’s the only one of its kind in Colorado.

The Royal Gorge Bridge Park, including the Bridge and Visitor Center, is open 365 days a year. The Visitor Center with its mammoth deck overlooking the gorge, is the perfect place to shop, dine, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.

Kids Adventure Games

What started as a backyard fun obstacle course for a few kids turned into a nationwide ADVENTURE RACE series spanning over a decade thanks to a dedicated team of outdoor professionals, who put on a n Eco Challenge/Mountain Games – style race for kids.Now in its 14th year, the Kids Adventure Games is returning to Vail Village August 10-14, 2023. Stepping into tomorrow with extra appreciation for our environment, teamwork, grit & confidence., with an awesome partner & community of friends. This experience truly does last a life time.In teams of two, participants compete together by bike, in water and on foot through a 2.5-4 mile course featuring up to 15 man made and natural obstacles. Races are limited to 130 teams per day. The Kids Adventure Games is more than a race, it’s an event for the whole family to enjoy!

Trick or Treat Trot

The Vail Recreation District will host the 30th Annual Trick or Treat Trot on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2022.

HESTIVAL

HESTIVAL is an all-inclusive, family & critter-friendly camp-out weekend! Spend nights dreaming amongst the apples in Big B’s Delicious Orchards and daytimes full of activities, excursions, talented live music, fireside chats, cider tastings, stargazing, and delicious food & drink. HESTIVAL-goers will have day trip options to mountain bike, hike in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, or simply kick back and explore the local orchards before the group reconvenes for a daily Big B’s Cider at Happy Hour before a headliner band- Raising Appalachia- will take the stage and dance under the stars of the new moon.

Youth Ski League Championships

Youth Ski League (YSL) is the earliest developmental branch of U.S. Ski & Snowboard for aspiring Alpine ski racers. YSL introduces young ski racers to the competition experience, to learn, progress, and have fun.The YSL Championship will take place on Lower Hughes and will encompass age classes U8, U10, U12, U14, and U16 competing in Slalom and Giant Slalom. These races will focus on the FUNdamentals of ski racing. The Championships will feature one Giant Slalom run, one Slalom run and a Skills Quest activity. Races will be on Lower Hughes and Skills Quest on Larry Sales.

Songbirds Girl Scout Choir

The Songbirds Girl Scout Choir will perform on Friday, May 6, from 5:30-6:30 pm at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures. The Museum will be offering free admission from 5-8 pm as part of First Friday Art Walk. In the Museum’s Main Gallery, “Girl Scouts Impact the World” explores the history of Girl Scouts since its founding in 1912. The Songbirds have been sharing traditional and international campfire songs since 2002. For more information, visit globalvillagemuseum.org or call 970-221-4600.

VANS® King of the Grommets® Slopestyle

For groms (youth) ages 15 and under, the ski and snowboard slopestyle competition is an awesome opportunity for boys and girls to discover the fun of competing on intermediate terrain found in Winter Park Resort terrain parks and Trestle Bike Park.

83rd Annual Bronc Days – Green Mountain Falls, CO

Bronc Day is a free one-day, one-of-a-kind family fun western themed event with a pancake breakfast, entertainment, a parade, live music, food trucks, kids’ games, face painting, vendors, horses, bright blue skies, a beautiful lake and so much more! Just a 20-minute drive up scenic Ute Pass (Hwy 24) from Colorado Springs.Bronc Day is one of the longest running historical events in Southern Colorado. It began in 1939 to welcome cowhands, tourists and families who were coming to the Ute Pass area to rodeo, vacation or work the summer trades. Bronc Day became an annual day for friends and family fun and memories. A Parade is again a highlight of the traditional festivities and this year includes horses, antique cars, firetrucks, and surprises! Free kids’ games, monster truck bounce house, vendors selling their wares and fabulous food from our local merchants and local food trucks along with live entertainment, western costumes, and much more. It truly is the friendliest day and a fun-filled event for your family to enjoy each summer!This year’s theme is: Ute Pass: Past Present & Future!The ever-popular Pancake Breakfast is returning this year! This will take place at the Church in the Wildwood from 7-10am before the parade. The Friends of the Ute Pass Trails will be sponsoring this loved annual breakfast with proceeds going to enhance their work on the local trail systems.The Grand Marshall for this year’s parade is Margaret Peterson-long-time resident of Green Mountain Falls, Margaret says, “Bronc Day is my favorite day; it makes me feel like I’m 8 years old again.” She has worked tirelessly as a volunteer for many organizations and has served on numerous boards, including Bronc Day, for many years. The Parade starts at 10am.The evening Barn Dance on Friday July 28th 7-9pm, is located in the Green Box Farm Stand featuring long time local band Friends of the Riders. The Firebird food truck will be there too.So put July 28th and 29th on your calendar for a drive to the beautiful town of Green Mountain Falls for the 85th Annual Bronc Day Festival!

Trunk or Treat

Join local businesses, police officers, firefighters, and community members for Localworks’ Trunk or Treat – a fun and safe trick-or-treat experience for kids and their families. Owners will decorate their cars and trucks with creative disguises to delight kids of all ages and distribute candy or small items like pencils and stickers. Attendees vote on the Best Decorated Car and the winner receives a prize. This event features a haunted house, carnival games, and a trunk decorating contest.

National Parks Free Entrance Day

Come experience the national parks! On four days in 2018, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

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