The Royal Gorge Tour

Let the Adventure Begin

Give us 12 hours and we’ll open your eyes to the stunning majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains! Never before have so many varied and thrilling activities been packaged into one complete adventure. Sounds like your idea of a great family fun day? Well, buckle up, ‘cause here we go! 

Luxury Van Ride to the Station

Your day begins with a gorgeous drive over the Continental Divide as we ascend to the top of Hoosier Pass at 11,541 feet above sea level. Three fourteeners, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Democrat and Mt. Bross make a splendid backdrop for a unique family photo opportunity before we descend into Canyon Country.

Wildlife is abundant on your ride to historic Cañon City. This is one of the few stretches of Colorado roadways where you are certain to see herds of Rocky Mountain buffalo, along with pronghorn antelope and mule deer. Fly fishermen also populate the scenery as we pass by several gold-medal rainbow trout streams in the South Park region.

A highlight of your luxury van ride to the train station occurs jast as we enter the Cañon City area, with a one-of-a-kind drive up Skyline Drive. Built with convict labor (the Colorado Territorial Prison is nearby) in the 1930’s, this ribbon of asphalt ascends to a high ridge above the city that offers stellar views of the canyon landscape. You’ll be glad you brought along that extra roll of film or memory chip for this panorama!

Jump on the Train

Upon arrival at the Cañon City depot, we have just the right amount of time to spread out a delicious picnic lunch on the riverbank of the mighty Arkansas River. This is the river that carved the Royal Gorge Canyon and provides a delightful backdrop to a noontime interlude. Then it’s time to grab a complimentary bottle of water and board the train!

During your rail expedition, you can relax in the air-conditioned coaches as well as embrace the wilderness in the “open” cars where you can photograph the towering granite walls and hear the thunderous roar of the Arkansas River. Your conductor will tell you about the history of this famous line including the original exploration by Lt. Zebulon Pike, and tales from the frontier battles during the Royal Gorge Railroad War.

The Royal Gorge Bridge

This 1950’s-era diesel locomotive train takes you over 12 miles up the old Denver, Rio Grande and Western rail line and back again. This journey glides through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” with an unforgettable vista at the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls. The top of the canyon is over 1,000 feet above and gives you a breath-taking view of the Royal Gorge Bridge. Soaring high in the brilliant blue sky, this suspension bridge, built in 1929 (on a bet!) will be a focal point of our tour later in the afternoon.

Along the way, you’ll marvel at the numerous kayaks and commercial rafts playing in the Class IV rapids of the Arkansas. This waterway is one of the most popular whitewater stretches in the entire state and the smiles on the faces you’ll see are obvious!

Winery Tour

Upon your return to the Cañon City station, your Alpenglow Adventures tour guide will have your van transportation ready for the next round of excitement with a visit to the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. We go to a beautiful ancient monastery and invite you to experience some delightful Colorado vintages. And while the adults are enjoying some complimentary “home grown liquid magic,” our guides perform some up-close magic tricks for the kids… complete with prizes, prizes, prizes for all!

Then it's time to leave the valley floor and point our motorcoach skyward, for the sensations and awesome views from the top of the Royal Gorge Canyon are even more jaw-dropping!

After a scenic 15-minute drive out of Cañon City, the pine trees suddenly part to reveal the Royal Gorge Bridge/Theme Park, perched high on the rim of the deepest canyon in all of Colorado. Since its completion almost 80 years ago, the Royal Gorge Bridge has thrilled millions of visitors and continues to be one of the West’s most-desired day-trip destinations. Whether you walk across, or ride the free park trolley, you’ll marvel at the vistas of snow-capped peaks… and at the dazzling spectacle of the blue-green waters over a thousand feet below.

Epic Views of the Royal Gorge Chasm

Then, soar like an eagle and thrill to an unbelievable view of the Royal Gorge chasm aboard a 35-passenger aerial tram as it glides from one side of the abyss to the other, more than 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. Or perhaps you’d rather ride the world’s steepest incline railway to the bottom of the gorge, for one more sumptuous riverside view of this wonderful geological quirk of nature. From the river’s edge, you’ll see the Royal Gorge Bridge as a delicate ribbon in the sky. And just about an hour after entering the park, the railroad train runs right by the riverside viewing platform. Get those video cameras ready!

Visitors of all ages will enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout the park; from a musical revue or multi-media historical presentation at the Plaza Theatre to the professional talent taking requests and performing at the Gazebo. The kids can enjoy a children’s petting zoo, with cute barnyard animals that are just the right size for close-up fun. Larger animals, such as elk, buffalo and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are also housed at the park in a natural setting.

When was the last time you rode on an old-fashioned carousel? With over 3,400 lights, the Grand Carousel is one of the most ornate in existence. Or how’ bout one more train ride… on the Silver Rock Railroad. A delightful scenic excursion awaits you and the “young uns” on this vintage miniature train!

Royal Gorge Theme Park Included

Since your Alpenglow Adventures fare covers all of these attractions at the Royal Gorge Bridge/Theme Park (food, beverages, zipline and Canyon Swing NOT included) you can choose to do as much as you’d like at no additional charge… or just relax and simply enjoy the vibrant Colorado sunshine and fresh air. It all adds up to great fun… and a fantastic afternoon that your family will never forget.

Relaxing Ride Home to Your Front Door

When the day is done, your Alpenglow Adventures shuttle van awaits, to give you a safe, comfortable ride back to your front door. During the return trip, the Colorado skies put on a show of their own, with brilliant sunsets and the marvelous pastels of alpenglow. And to make the trip back home even more fun, we’ll play our world-famous “TV Theme Song Trivia” contest for fun and prizes! 

Options

If you want to ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, but skip the winery and the amusement park visit, we offer this tour in a shortened 8-hour format. You still enjoy the all-you-can-eat picnic lunch and the full two-hour train ride. And, we get you back to your front door in the late afternoon with plenty of time to pursue other evening delights and venues. If your time is limited, consider this 8-hour Royal Gorge Route RR Tour for scenic adventure and family picnic fun!

With so much entertainment to be had, make the call and get your reservations confirmed today. Because, after all, don’t you and your family deserve the very best in outdoor entertainment that Colorado has to offer?

Tour Prices and Booking Below

PLEASE NOTE

All prices quoted refer to pick-up locations in Summit County (Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone and Silverthorne). For door-to-door service in Eagle County (Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards) add $100 per person. Groups of four or more will have an automatic 15% driver gratuity added to each total tour charge.

8hr Royal Gorge Route Railroad Canyon Adventure Tour

Approximately 8 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return. This train ride-only tour DOES NOT include visits to the winery or bridge/amusement park.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A RESERVATION DATE

12hr Royal Gorge Route Railroad Deluxe Tour

Approximately 12 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A RESERVATION DATE