An orange and black train marked "Royal Gorge 403" travels through a narrow rocky canyon under a partly cloudy sky.
Rock and Rail Railroad operates the Royal Gorge Express tourist train through the Arkansas River's Royal Gorge. The railroad company opposed a request to force Union Pacific to sell the 178-mile Tennessee Pass Line, which includes their stretch of rail. (Provided by Royal Gorge Express)

There are more than a few ways to experience this jaw-dropping stretch of the Arkansas River, but riding along the banks of the roaring rapids from the comfort of a railcar is pretty Colorado. It’s one of the more sophisticated train rides in the state.

The Royal Gorge and nearby Cañon City are like an amusement park for the outdoor adventurer. In addition to the train, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park includes biking, hiking, a zipline, “skycoaster,” gondola, via ferrata and suspension bridge.

Just downstream, in Cañon City, you can add swim, boat and surf to the list.

Royal Gorge Route

S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA (38.433306, -105.24118)
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