Royal Gorge Area - South Central Colorado
Considered the climate capital of Colorado, Canon City's natural setting protects it from harsh weather. Once a favorite camping area of the Ute Indians, both dinosaur bones and oil were discovered here. Five miles north of the city is the Garden Park Monument commemorating the 1877 dinosaur find. The Arkansas River, flows through the city and offers great fishing west of town, formed one of the most spectacular attractions in the state - the Royal Gorge, 8 miles west. The world's highest suspension bridge hangs a dizzying 1,053' above the rushing river, offering unforgettable vistas of the 8 mile canyon in the city's largest park. Beginning in May 1999, for the first time in 30 years, you can now travel through the spectacular Royal Gorge by rail aboard the Canon City and Royal Gorge Railroad.
Next to viewing the bridge, rafting the Arkansas River is the most popular reason for vacationing here, followed by fishing in the spring and fall. Cotopaxi and Coaldale are also popular launching pads to rafting the Arkansas River. The Colorado Territorial Prison in Canon City, built in 1868, is the only prison museum located next to a currently operating prison. Several scenic byways lead out of Canon City, including one through Phantom Canyon where the road passes granite tunnels and between sheer cliff walls on its way to Cripple Creek. Texas Creek, located between the Royal Gorge and Cotopaxi, was named by a Texas driver whose heard of longhorns was stampeded by a marauding bear one night.
Guffey Colorado. A small mountain town less than a mile off Colorado Highway 9 at mile marker 21, surrounded by 25 miles of mountains and outdoor activities. This small town offers 3 restaurants, 2 bars, an antique shop, and a Post Office. Each 4th of July come and enjoy Annual Chicken Fly, with a "Chicken Drop", and the "Chicken Rollin' Alley." See the historic Guffey Jail and City Hall.
is near: Colorado Springs Metro, Pikes Peak Area, San Isabel, Salida & Westcliffe
Royal Gorge Area Featured Businesses
A Registered National Natural Landmark for fossils - take a Fossil tour. 2,100 secluded acres. 5 miles east of Canon City. A unique, family friendly, accessible, destination campground - We LOVE groups.
Since 1973, ART has offered exceptional whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River; in Cotopaxi, between Canon City & Salida. On the Rio Chama in NM raft trips include painting & geology experiences.
In the Rockies of Central Colorado, Hayden Creek is surrounded by National Land between Canon City and Salida off Highway 50. Clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pool, teen center, adult lodge and mini-golf.
Your river adventure starts in Canon City: fun family floats or a wild ride through challenging whitewater, your pick! We offer trips for all ages. 2-hours from Denver. Less than one hour from Colorado Springs!
TWO GREAT RIVERS - TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! Whitewater trips on the Arkansas River (Royal Gorge) and on Clear Creek (Idaho Springs), 2 hours to multi-day trips. There's something for everyone!
All Royal Gorge Area Businesses
COMMITTED TO SAFETY AND EXCELLENCE! Family Fun to Expert Runs. 1/2 Day & Full Day trips in Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge. Great Guides + Great Prices = Great Value! It’s that simple!
2000 foot frontage on beautiful Arkansas River with great fly fishing. WI-FI on-site. Campground & cabins with kitchenettes. Motel rooms. Family rates. Riverside pavilion for groups. Near ATV tours & trails.
Since 1973, ART has offered exceptional whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas River; in Cotopaxi, between Canon City & Salida. On the Rio Chama in NM raft trips include painting & geology experiences.
Between Salida & the Royal Gorge by the Arkansas River. Cabins, motel rooms, RV & tent sites, WI-FI. COWBOY DINNER SHOW with live western music, poetry -- lodging not required. Fish, Hike, Jeep.
Beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Full service rustic resort: modern cabins, motel, big rigs sites, along The Arkansas River with excellent fly-fishing. Between Salida & Canon City in Coaldale.
A DAY OF YOUR SUMMER. . . FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! Colorado River rafting is a fun and exciting family sport. Two offices: Buena Vista and Royal Gorge area with 1/2-day and multi-day adventures.
TWO GREAT RIVERS - TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! Whitewater trips on the Arkansas River (Royal Gorge) and on Clear Creek (Idaho Springs), 2 hours to multi-day trips. There's something for everyone!
A full service adventure company with Rock Gardens Rafting, Glenwood Bike Tours & Glenwood Canyon Zipline Adventures, Highside Adventure Tours & Colorado Canopy Adventures offering rafting & zip-line.
Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.
In the Rockies of Central Colorado, Hayden Creek is surrounded by National Land between Canon City and Salida off Highway 50. Clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pool, teen center, adult lodge and mini-golf.
Mountain views, 5 miles from the Royal Gorge Bridge near Canon City; 1 hour from Colorado Springs. Full hookup & pull-through RV sites. Secluded & shaded tent sites. Camper cabins with linens provided.
Big Rigs Welcome! Classic Colorado RV Park. 17 minutes east of Canon City, 25 minutes east of Royal Gorge, 40 minutes south of Colorado Springs, 15 minutes to Pueblo Reservoir for fishing and boating.
Rustic 1800's cabins, camp under the stars! Eleven mile reservoir is just up the road, Cripple Creek is over the hill, and the Royal Gorge is down the hill, we are centrally located for Colorado vacation fun.
A Registered National Natural Landmark for fossils - take a Fossil tour. 2,100 secluded acres. 5 miles east of Canon City. A unique, family friendly, accessible, destination campground - We LOVE groups.
Your river adventure starts in Canon City: fun family floats or a wild ride through challenging whitewater, your pick! We offer trips for all ages. 2-hours from Denver. Less than one hour from Colorado Springs!
Near the Royal Gorge Bridge with luxury sites: Park on level gravel, concrete porch, firepit, and canopy covered picnic table. Tent sites & camper cabins. Coming soon, a community center with exercise room.
- Mountain trail riding is exciting and fun! Texas Creek is considered to be the ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE CAPITAL of Colorado. An hour scenic drive from the Pikes Peak Area and 15 minutes from Canon City.
Near Royal Gorge Bridge: Shaded, pull thru, RV sites with 50 amp service; Separate tenting area near the bathhouse; and Air-Conditioned cabins. Ideal for families with mini golf, heated pool, and hot tub.
Experience Counts! Ours & yours! We always provide free wetsuits, private photographers & entertaining slideshows of your trip and more! All Royal Gorge Rafting guides have a minimum of 4 years experience.
Affordable vacation rentals on 37 private acres along the Arkansas River with access to rafting, fishing and private beach. WEDDING PACKAGE: 3 nights (20 people) and a wedding venue for 200 guests.
Upgraded Facilities: Free WI-FI, heated pool, mini-golf & game room. 9 miles west of Canon City, away from the highway, a quiet & relaxing atmosphere. View the Royal Gorge Bridge from your campsite.
On the Arkansas River. Small, peaceful, relaxing. Close to Royal Gorge, Canon City, Salida & Westcliffe. WI-FI. On-site fishing and bird watching. Rafting, hiking, wildlife viewing, ATV and Jeep trails nearby.
For more travel information contact:
Royal Gorge Area Activities and Maps
National Historic Sites and Landmarks:
Garden Park Fossil Area
Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site
Scenic Byways:
Goldbelt Tour Scenic Byway
Hiking Trails:
Rainbow Trail Hiking
Greenhorn Mountain Road Mountain Bike Trails
Fishing:
Arkansas River Headwaters - East
Rafting & Kayaking:
Arkansas River
Jeep & 4WD:
Texas Creek Jeeping & ATV Trails
Cabins/Cottages
Motels & Hotels
Lodges
Vacation Homes
Condos & Suites
Bed & Breakfast
Tent Camping
RV Parks
RV Sales & Rentals
Romance Packages
Family Friendly
Pets Welcome
By Water Rentals
Swimming Pools
Guest Horses
Groups/Reunions
Weddings & Elope
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Transportation
Colorado Maps
Events
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Scenic Byways
Hot Springs
Horse Riding
ATVing
Jeeping & 4WD
Rafting/Kayaking
Attractions
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More Fun Stuff
Hunting
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Snowshoeing
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