CANON CITY — In our exclusive new series Adventures with Alan, we'll travel across Southern Colorado week-by-week to show you thrills and chills, hidden gems and well-known spots.
This week, our adventures take us to Canon City for an unforgettable ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
With their iconic orange trains, they've been taking guests on a scenery-filled ride along the Arkansas River since 1998.
“We travel about 24 miles. It’s an hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, and you’re going right through the middle of the Royal Gorge," Sales Manager Lynda Larsen said.
The train departs from Canon City's Santa Fe Depot.
During non-pandemic times, it can accommodate more than 720 guests. It's Colorado's only full-service railroad dining experience, with multiple kitchens and bars.
"We really pride ourselves on the ability to have servers in every car. They come up to you. They take your order right at your seat, and you get your food right there," Larsen said.
Large windows offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery from inside the train. When you move outside to an open car, it takes the experience to the next level.
The views are spectacular roughly 1,000 feet down from the rim of the gorge. You can fully appreciate the uniqueness of the experience and the sheer magnitude of the gorge.
Along the way, you might spot wildlife like Colorado's state animal, the bighorn sheep. During the summer you may also see river rafters pass by on the Arkansas River.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers up to four trips daily.
For more information on the experience and to purchase tickets, visit royalgorgeroute.com
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