Ride, Dine and Unwind Aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad!

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(236 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Paper ticket only accepted

About this experience

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is Colorado's top train experience and America's most scenic railway. Join us with friends and family to journey through the winding Royal Gorge, along the Arkansas River, deep within Colorado's grandest canyon. Indulge in made-to-order entrees for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from our fresh grill menu along with fully stocked bars featuring specialty drinks, beers, and wines from regions worldwide. Enjoy your drinks at your table or on an open-air car, where you can soak in the breathtaking scenery, and a closer connection to nature. Choose one of the following classes of service:

Vista Dome: Offers unparalleled views of the Royal Gorge from glass-topped dome cars.

Deluxe Class: Offers elegant seating and an adjoining table for absolute comfort, with expansive windows providing breathtaking views of Colorado’s Royal Gorge.

Coach Class: Features comfortable seating (no tables), with large windows to take in the spectacular views of the Royal Gorge.

Available options

Coach Class

Coach Class: Comfortable seating with new, butcher-block style cocktail tables, and large windows to take in the epic views. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes Available for Purchase: Order your favorites from our casual 403 Grill menu, including cocktails, mocktails, wine & beer. Up and back through the Gorge: We run approximately 12 miles each way through the Royal Gorge, along the winding, rushing Arkansas River.

Deluxe Car

Deluxe Car: Comfortable, beautifully appointed dining car with large plate glass windows. Available for purchase: Enjoy delicious dining and our fully stocked bar throughout your journey. Order from our 403 Grill.

Vista Dome

Vista Dome: Beautifully appointed, glass-domed car with comfortable booth seating. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes Available for purchase: Enjoy delicious dining and our fully stocked bar throughout your journey. Order from our 403 Grill.

Holiday Train - Vista Dome

Holiday Train: Enjoy the season with a special journey aboard our beautifully decorated Holiday Train. Vista Dome: Relax in style aboard our comfortable dome cars, with an even greater view of Colorado's Royal Gorge! Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Available for purchase: Order your favorites from our 403 Grill and our fully stocked bar throughout your journey!

Holiday Train - Deluxe

Holiday Train: Enjoy the holiday season aboard our beautifully decorated Deluxe railcar. Deluxe: Relax into our comfortable deluxe car with large windows for top-notch views. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Available for purchase: Order your favorites from our 403 Grill and fully stocked bar throughout your journey.

Mother's Day Weekend!

Mother's Day Dome Brunch: Treat mom this Mother’s Day with a multi-course experience. Includes glass of sparkling wine, salad, entree, and dessert. Duration: 2 hours Mother's Day Dome Brunch: A three-course experience. Choose vegetarian, salmon, chicken marsala or beef tenderloin & crab cake. Vista Dome

Thanksgiving Train, Coach Car

Coach Car: Comfortable high-backed seats facing one another. While no table is available, guests may order food on trays. Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes: Experience Colorado's grandest canyon aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Coach railcar.

Vista Dome

Vista Dome: Experience Colorado's grandest canyon aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Vista Dome railcar. Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes Available for purchase: Enjoy delicious dining and fully stocked bar throughout your journey. Order from the 403 Grill.

Oktoberfest! Dome Car

Dome Car: Experience the Royal Gorge from our elevated Dome car in comfortable booth-style seats. Oktoberfest - Dome Car: German style bratwurst served with sauerkraut and spaetzle, mustard, pickled onion and a pretzel.

Thanksgiving Train, Dome Car

Dome Car: Beautifully appointed dome dining car with banquet seats and dome windows. Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes: Experience Colorado's grandest canyon aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Dome railcar.

Deluxe Car

Deluxe Car: Beautifully appointed dining car with comfortable seating. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes Available for purchase: Enjoy delicious dining and our fully stocked bar throughout your journey. Order from our 403 Grill.

Thanksgiving Train, Deluxe Car

Deluxe Car: Beautifully appointed traditional four-top dining car. Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes: Experience Colorado's grandest canyon aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Deluxe railcar.

Oktoberfest! Deluxe Train

Deluxe Car: Enjoy the spectacular scenery from our beautifully restored Deluxe Dining car. Comfortable restaurant-style seating. Oktoberfest! Deluxe Car: Authentic German style bratwurst served with sauerkraut and spaetzle, mustard, pickled onion and a pretzel.

What's included

Journey through the Royal Gorge

Includes $10 Preservation Fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad travels along side the rushing Arkansas River, where you may catch a glimpse of white water rafters navigating the winding rapids.

Stop 2 Pass by

For a stunning view 1,000 feet below the highest suspension bridge in America, take a ride aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. From here, you'll see this modern marvel during the day while enjoying the ride from the train's open-air car.

What's not included

Order from our 403 Grill Menu! All dining, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages are an additional cost and may be ordered while aboard the train.

Gratuity is not included.

Available languages

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

69 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

167 reviews

5★

106

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Coach and Deluxe Dining Cars are wheelchair accessible. Vista Dome is not wheelchair accessible.

Infants less than 2 years old may sit on laps. Children 2 - 12 require a children's ticket. Note, some journeys only offer one type of ticket for all passengers 2 and older.

Must be able to climb 10 steps without assistance

Meeting point

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is located at 401 Water St. Canon City, CO, 81212. Park in one of our free lots surrounding the Santa Fe Depot, where you'll find fantastic shopping. Here, you will also pick up your train tickets at least 45 MIN. BEFORE DEPARTURE, before boarding the train. Thank you!

Important notes

Please arrive 45 minutes before departure. Upon arrival, we will print your ticket for you - NO NEED TO BRING A PRINTED TICKET FROM HOME. Travel to the Santa Fe Depot, located at 401 Water Street, Canon City, Colorado, 81212. Park your vehicle in one of our free parking lots, then make your way to the Depot building. There, you'll find our retail experience and our ticketing desk, where you'll check in and pick up your tickets before you board the train.

About Cañon City

Cañon City, nestled in the heart of Colorado, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Known as 'The City of Canvas,' it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, historic sites, and scenic landscapes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Top Attractions

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

This iconic suspension bridge spans the Arkansas River, offering breathtaking views of the Royal Gorge. The park features hiking trails, a scenic gondola, and a visitor center.

Nature/Adventure 2-4 hours $20-$30

Garden Park Fossil Area

This area is a significant fossil site with numerous dinosaur bones and tracks. It's a great place for paleontology enthusiasts and hikers.

Historical/Nature Half day Free

Cañon City Main Street Historic District

This charming district features beautifully preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with green chiles, potatoes, and meat, a staple of Southwestern cuisine.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Bison Burger

A burger made with bison meat, often served with local toppings like green chile.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking Rafting Rock climbing Scenic drives Spa visits Wine tasting Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit Cañon City for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm, and all attractions are open.

15-30°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cañon City is generally safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when hiking alone
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Colorado Springs Airport • 50 miles

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public bus service is available but limited. Check schedules in advance.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Cañon City Mesa Village

Day trips

Colorado Springs

50 miles • Half day to full day

Colorado Springs offers a variety of attractions, including the Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center.

Pueblo

40 miles • Half day to full day

Pueblo is known for its historic sites, museums, and the Arkansas Riverwalk.

Festivals

Royal Gorge Blues Fest • June Cañon City Rodeo • July

Pro tips

Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge early in the morning for the best views and fewer crowds
Try local green chile dishes for an authentic taste of the region
Check for guided tours at the Garden Park Fossil Area for a deeper understanding of the fossils
Pack layers for variable weather conditions, especially in the mountains
Explore the historic Main Street for unique shopping and dining experiences