Royal Gorge Bridge, CO | Full Guide Rafting, Camping & Attractions

Dani — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 22:00:04 +0000

This post was updated on June 15, 2023.

Spending a Birthday in Colorado? Try White Water Rafting at Royal Gorge Bridge

For my birthday, we decided to go rafting and camping at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Colorado. My present was crazy White Water Rafting on the Arkansas River, gorgeous views at sunset, camping at KOA under the stars, and walking on the highest suspension bridge in the USA. Not a bad birthday at all!

Check our full itinerary for Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Colorado, with information and tips for visiting the attractions and the bridge, rafting under it, and camping nearby.

Royal Gorge - The Highest Suspension Bridge in the USA

Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the United States. It is 956 feet above sea-level.

It is located 130 miles Southwest of Denver and 60 miles from Colorado Springs. There is an amusement park around it, full of activities and attractions for the whole family. You can easily spend a day or two there. The closest town, Cañon City, is 14 miles away.

The views from the bridge are amazing. It is worth stepping on it and crossing to the other side. This is a wonderful place to come for a weekend trip. It is only 2.5 hours drive from Denver.

Some Facts About The Bridge

In 1929, the world’s highest suspension bridge was constructed — The Royal Gorge Bridge.

It was built in 7 months, with an original cost of $350,000 and $100,000 over budget. Today, it would equivocate to about $20 million.

Royal Gorge was the world’s highest bridge until 2001 when Liuguanghe Bridge in China surpassed it, to become the new highest bridge (temporary), with a deck height of 974 ft (297 m).

As of 2020, the Royal Gorge Bridge is among the 25 highest bridges in the world and remains the highest bridge in the United States.

It is also famous as America’s Bridge, symbolic meaning.

The bridge is 1,260 feet long and 18 feet wide.

There was a fire around the park, back in 2013, and the whole place was temporarily closed for more than a year. A grand reopening ceremony took place on May 8, 2015, after the completion of $30 million in repairs and building new attractions.

How to Get to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park from Denver?

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is located at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, 4218 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212. Two roads go from Denver to Canon City, CO, which is the closest town to the park.

The fastest way is through I-25 S and then take CO-115 S Road.

The slower, but the more beautiful, option is to drive through US Hwy 285 S and CO-9. It is a 30-miles longer route, but you pass through a National Forest, and it’s much more pleasant than I-25. If you have more time, I recommend choosing the second road on your GPS app.

White Water Rafting at Royal Gorge Bridge, CO

We’ve tried Packrafting in Alaska a few years ago, but this was our first time on White Water Rafting.

Royal Gorge Bridge White Water Rafting is an exciting activity every enthusiast should try at least once! The action in the water boosts your adrenaline. The feeling of surviving the rafting, without falling, is glamorous! My legs were shaking after we came out of the boat, but I was so proud of myself!

Moreover, the site is not just any, but you go rafting on the Arkansas River, plus paddling in an impressive gorge, under the highest bridge. Amazing views along the way, mixed with a big portion of fun! Did we convince you to try it?

Is White Water Rafting Suitable for You? Check the Requirements

You should be physically healthy to perform white water rafting.

Swimming ability and a healthy fitness level are always recommended. Don’t worry, they will give you life vests, so you’ll be safe even if you can’t swim.

During the rafting trip, you will actively participate in the paddling, and should follow the guide’s instructions on how and when. Therefore, you should hear and understand what he’s saying.

Rafting is not for children, so the minimum age to participate is 13 years old.

There is some danger involved in this activity. However, like all adrenaline-based sports, you need to get out of your comfort zone and have fun!

Here is what Royal Gorge Rafting & Zipline Tours are saying:

“The Royal Gorge Rafting trip is suitable for ages 13 and up, depending on the water levels. You will enter a 1000 ft gorge, famous for the name “Royal Gorge Arch.” The Arkansas River offers a moderate challenge, fun waves, and extraordinary views. Our rafting trips will be accompanied by a team of professional support kayakers and photographers.”

Check our video on YouTube

Where to Book Royal Gorge Rafting? How Much Does a Half-day Trip Cost?

We searched online and found Royal Gorge Bridge Rafting & Zipline Tours as the best rafting company at Cañon City. They have tons of reviews from happy customers and offer professional services and tours at great prices.

A half-day world-class white water rafting trip on Royal Gorge starts at $129 per person, before taxes. It is with 3 hours duration. This is what we tried and we loved it!

A full day adventure on Arkansas River starts from $239 per person, and will last about 6 hours.

Why to Choose Royal Gorge Bridge Rafting & Zipline Tours?

Royal Gorge Bridge Rafting & Zipline Tours offer a half-day and full-day rafting trips at Class III, IV, and V on Arkansas River.

Additionally, they have an easier rafting trip, called Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting. It is suitable for families and smaller children.

Book your trip on their website (if the date is more than 24 hours away) or call at 719-275-7238. If you are already in the area, go to their office, located at 45045 West US HWY 50, Cañon City, CO 81212.

Please note: Saturday prices incur $10.00 on the Royal Gorge section.

The company provides all river gear, free of charge, including wet-suits, booties, splash tops, and helmets.

The rafting tours are at 8 am and 12:30 pm. In July and August, they have extra windows at 10 am and 2:30 pm. You should call or book online in advance as it’s a very popular activity and spots are limited. Go to the office a little bit earlier to check-in and sign the waiver.

White Water Rafting Trip on Arkansas River

The duration of the whole rafting is around 2.5 hrs. The starting point is the company’s office. After short instructions from the guides, all participants get on a bus that goes to the Arkansas River’s shore.

Once the boats are inflated and ready, you sit in one of them with 3 more tourists and the assigned guide. Ivan and I were together with two lovely girls from another part of Colorado. Three of us screamed as it was our last minute on Earth. Poor Ivan!

However, you go down on the Arkansas River where you pass fast rapids and paddle under Royal Gorge Bridge. It is an amazing experience!

During this time, there are 2 men with kayaks, which are paddling around the boats. Their job is to take photos and help people, in case someone falls.

The whole paddling is about an hour and something. There are slow times and more exciting ones where you should follow the guide’s instructions.

While we were paddling in calm waters, our guide explained to us about the nearby nature, architecture, and some history of the place.

The trip finishes at Cañon City where the bus is waiting to drive you back to the office.

We had marvelous experience rafting on the Arkansas River with these guys! Check their website for packages and offers at Royal Gorge Bridge.

Purchase Photos from Your Rafting

After the rafting trip, you can see your photos in the nearby White Water Bar & Grill, and purchase the album online, like we did. The photos are high quality and catch the best moments in the water. You pay for the album on their website and then have access to a link with all photos.

How to Dress & What to Bring for Rafting?

Keep in mind that you’ll go rafting in the summer months, so a swimwear or shorts and a t-shirt are fine. The rafting company provides wet suits, but you’ll still get wet under it. Therefore, bring a pair of dry clothes to change after the rafting. There are toilets next to the office where you can change.

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There is also free parking for your car. Leave your valuables in the car’s trunk. We took only the Go Pro camera with us. There is an option to give your car’s key to the front desk lady, so use it.

What to bring with you for rafting?

A top/t-shirt & shorts (you’ll travel on a bus before and after). Avoid wearing jeans.
Swimsuit
Comfortable shoes, tourist sandals is a better option than flip flops
Sunscreen Lotion to apply before the trip
Sunglasses
Waterproof GoPro Action Camera for awesome 4k videos
Dry clothes and shoes in your car for changing later
Microfiber towel for drying yourself later

Camping at Royal Gorge Bridge

We slept 2 nights in a tent at KOA Campground Royal Gorge Bridge. It is 4 miles from the entrance of the park and 10 miles from Cañon City. The campground has a wonderful location and amenities. Check their website KOA.com for availability and reservations.

KOA Campgrounds - Amenities and Why We Love Them

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is our favorite private campground company in the USA. They have tents and RV spots, plus a few cozy cabins.

Their campgrounds are always nice and clean, and the customer service is the best!

KOA provides all amenities you would need for a wonderful stay – toilets, hot showers, laundry machines, children’s playgrounds, a mini-golf playground, pool, pool slide, gift store.

Besides, each camping spot has a table, a bench, a parking spot for your car, and a fire ring.

*When we visited in June 2020, part of these amenities (the pool, mini-golf) were closed due to pandemic regulations. Check their website for more information.

We’ve slept in a few KOA campgrounds so far, and all of them have been wonderful.

Our Kazoo Tent Survived A Storm

It was a quiet afternoon, hot and sunny. We just got back to the campground from our rafting trip and lunch after.

Out of nothing, a strong wind appeared and started messing around. Ten minutes later, a heavy rainstorm hit us.

Thankfully, we were there and managed to secure our tent with extra ropes. This was our first camping with the new purchase, and let me tell you, it proved its price and survived without (almost) any damages.

Shop our storm-surviving Kazoo waterproof tent on Amazon here

That wasn’t the situation with the other tents nearby. Most of them were larger and higher than ours and the winds started blowing them away. Unfortunately, their owners weren’t at the campground at that moment.

My boy was there to save the day, and, together with another camper, put big stones over the tents, to keep them on the ground.

The whole storm lasted about 30 minutes, but during this time, we fought with nature to save our and neighbors’ tents. What an experience we had!

Where to eat near Royal Gorge Bridge, Cañon City

After we finished successfully with the rafting trip, Ivan and I decided to celebrate it. We stopped for a beer at the nearby White Water Bar & Grill. It is the place where you can watch a slideshow with your rafting photos while having lunch. The bar belongs to the same owner, and it’s on the opposite side of the tour office.

However, it offers full service and a large menu of meals and drinks. We tried their Green Chilly Soup, and it was delicious!

White Water Bar has a beautiful courtyard and a patio where you may enjoy your drink and play games, such as beach volleyball. Just chill out.

A secret spot to watch the sunset over Royal Gorge Bridge

Our secret spot for watching the sunset over the Royal Gorge Bridge is not secret at all. You need to go to the Outlook Point at Royal Gorge Mountain Park, which is above the main entrance for the bridge.

Just continue driving up on County Road 3A until you reach a parking lot and a small roundabout on the top.

There are many trees, and you may not see the bridge directly from your car. Get out of the car and walk a little bit between the trees, until you reach the rocks. Once you are at the rocks, look right. You should be able to see the bridge and the canyon from there.

It’s a spectacular view, isn’t it?

What to See and Do at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, CO - Attractions

From walking the Royal Gorge to trying the Skycoaster, the Gondola, and ZipLine over Arkansas River, there are many fun things to do at and around the bridge and a 360-acre amusement park.

Moreover, you can have lunch with a view on the other side and even listen to a free concert. Explore around, a lot to be seen.

The park is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.

How Much Does It Cost to Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge?

It costs $32 (ages 12 & up) to cross the bridge and to use a gondola on your way back (if weather permits). Children under 12 will pay $27, and these under 2 years old have free admission, however, a ticket is still required. You need to pay extra fees if you want to try the attractions on the other side.

This is the General Admission for the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Tickets are not for a specific day. They can be used up to one year from date of purchase and can be validated for a FREE next day return.

General Admission includes access to America’s Bridge, Aerial Gondola’s, the Plaza Theater, the Children’s Playland, and Spectacular views of the Royal Gorge.

Zipline, Skycoaster, and Via Ferrata are extra pay experiences.

Purchase your tickets online to save money, and pass the queue faster.

All rides are subject to weather closures. They do not refund for Gondola Closures. For example, when we visited the bridge, it was very windy, and they closed the gondola under our noses. We were very disappointed, but couldn’t do anything about it and walked back.

Attractions at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, CO

We visited the park on Sunday afternoon, and it was crowded with people. There were huge queues for all attractions, so we decided to skip them for the next time.

However, I prepared some useful information about the Gondola, Skycoaster, and the Zip Line, which you may find useful.

IMPORTANT: You must purchase a general admission ticket for the Royal Gorge Bridge to access the attractions on the other side.

Age, Weight & Height restrictions apply to the rides, and you sign a waiver before riding. All extra pay attractions are weather permitting only.

The Gondola - Your Go Back Transport at Royal Gorge

Be prepared for an awesome ride in the sky!

The Aerial Gondola ride is included in the General Admission ticket, and guests can ride it an unlimited amount of times during their visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.

Additionally, you can take your dog in the cabin with you if he’s leashed and friendly.

This attraction is handicap accessible for wheelchairs no wider than 30 inches. There is no handicap ramp on the South platform, so you may want to ride the gondola round trip then take the paved path to the bridge.

The Gondola opens at 10 am daily.

The ride is open year-round and it’s weather permitting. Strong winds and lightning may affect the operation of the attraction and the gondolas can close temporarily for the safety of the guests.

Free next-day admission is available by having your tickets validated at the ticket counter before you leave.

The Skycoaster - A Swing Over The Gorge

The Skycoaster is a huge swing on the edge of the gorge. It looks like an unforgettable experience and a lot of fun. One to three people can go per ride. It costs $38 for a single rider, $66 for two riders, and $87 for three riders.

This thrilling experience doesn’t have the title of the World’s Scariest Skycoaster for nothing.

“Riders are hoisted up to the top of a 100-foot tower and will encounter views unlike any other from this vantage point. Once the adrenaline is pumping, the ride operator will shout 3-2-1, and riders will be off for the flight of their life! Speeds can reach up to 50 miles per hour and guests will be extended 1,200 feet over the edge of the Royal Gorge”.

All Royal Rush Skycoaster Riders Must Be 42”-82” tall. There is no weight requirement for this attraction, if the flight suit fits, you can fly.

For small children, flight suits will be tried on to determine ride eligibility.

This attraction is weather dependent and can close temporarily for the safety of the guests.

Unfortunately, they don’t allow you to take your GoPro camera on this ride.

The Zip Line over Arkansas River

Fly through the air 1,200 feet above the roaring Arkansas River on America’s Highest Zip Line!

The Cloudscraper Zip Line is on the south side of the Royal Gorge Bridge. The admission is $48 per person. It looks like a very fun thing to do and worth the price. Again, we didn’t get to the attractions, because there were too many people that day. However, I want to come back to the park and try the Cloudscraper Zip Line next time.

Requirements for Cloudscraper Zip Line Riders:

10+ years of age
Weigh between 100-245 pounds – Wind can change the weight requirements on this ride. Confirm current weight restrictions before purchasing a ticket.
Between 48″-82″ tall
Children ages 10-16 must have an adult on-site at the park.

Attractions Packages - Combine Rides & Save Money

There are available packages for the attractions at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park that can save you money. For example, you can get a ride package ticket for $75, including 1 Zipline Ride, and 1 Skycoaster One Rider. You will save $11 this way.

10 More Things to See & Do at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park Besides The Rides

Besides walking the bridge and riding the attractions, there are at least 10 more things to see and do on both sides of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Here is our list:

Check the Visitor Center for amazing views and a gift shop. Enjoy a cup of coffee.
Explore the Water Clock behind the Visitor Center – one of the rarest clocks on Earth.

Listen to a free rock/country concert at a stage.
Make a picnic with a view – both sides.
Have a meal and a drink at the restaurant on the South side.
Eat an ice-cream from the local stand.
Take beautiful photos from the Lookout Point, next to the Skycoaster.
Go to the Plaza Theater and learn more about the history of this place.
Bring your children to Tommy Knocker Playland.
Watch how the Royal Gorge Train pass below the bridge.

Get on a train under the bridge - Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Another fun activity near the Royal Gorge Bridge is taking the famous train for a beautiful trip in the middle of the gorge.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers daily departures at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, with 6:30 pm departures on weekends.

The scenic trip lasts about two hours and starts at Canon City Railroad Station. The price depends on what type of wagon you will choose to experience – Coach Class, Vista Dome, or Club Class.

The company also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner train packages where you’ll try delicious meals and drinks while watching the views. Get on the train Christmas time for a meeting with Santa!

The cheapest ticket to get on Royal Gorge Railroad Route is $89 per adult for the Coach class. The child ticket is $84 (ages 2-12).

Make sure to reserve tickets online early in advance because seats are selling very fast.

In conclusion, I had an amazing birthday at the Royal Gorge Bridge Area. It is a wonderful place to spend a few days with your family.

In summer months, go on an adventure and experience the white water rafting. Spend a night at the nearby KOA camping. Walk on the highest suspension bridge and try all attractions there. Watch the sunset from Outlook point or hop on Royal Gorge Route train for an incredible lunch with a view. You won’t regret trying any of these!

Happy Travels,
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