Royal Gorge / Canon City KOA

Royal Gorge Bridge

Colorado is known for its spectacular scenery. And there's no place more spectacular than the famous Royal Gorge...where the world's highest suspension bridge soars 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River. A thrilling aerial tram and incline railway add to the experience. In fact, an entire park has grown up around the bridge, combining quality entertainment with unparalleled natural beauty.

Royal Gorge Route - Train Ride

Canon City & Royal Gorge Railroad. Fun for the whole family. This Train ride through the Royal Gorge operates year round. The Royal Gorge Route follows the most famous portion of the old Denver & Rio Grand Western train line, 24 miles round-trip, from Canon City to Parkdale and return. The two hour train ride takes passengers through the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas" on an unforgettable journey over the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of the Royal Gorge, towering over 1200 feet above. Ask KOA staff to make your reservations.

Buckskin Joe and Royal Gorge Scenic Railway

Step back in time in this Old West theme park - an authentically restored 1860’s mining town. There’s horse and pony rides, street shows daily, food, drinks and souvenirs, western entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, friendly farm animals, gold panning. Over 40 things to see and do. Board the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway for a 3 mile, 30 minute ride to the rim of the Royal Gorge. Sometimes you’ll be greeted by a friendly deer or chipmunk as you wind your way through pinons and pines toward a breathtaking view.

River Rafting

As the snow melts high in the Colorado Rockies, world class whitewater rapids are born in the Royal Gorge Region. The Arkansas River hosts more rafters than any other river in the world. Easy access and wide diversity, awards the Arkansas River recognition as the number one river in the country for rafting and kayaking. Bighorn Sheep Canyon just west of Canon City offers Class II-Class III waters, ideal for first time rafters and families, while the Royal Gorge itself boasts the steep drops and huge rapids that make this the Class IV and V run that draws experienced rafters from far and wide. The Arkansas River also provides other water sports for the ultimate sports enthusiast - kayaking the rapids to fly fishing for trout in trophy waters.

Horseback Rides at Fort Royal Riding Stables

Dinosaur Depot

The Dinosaur Depot is an educational and interpretive facility located in downtown Canon City. Included within the Depot are a number of interpretive displays about the fascinating and colorful history of the Garden Park Fossil Area and the Picketwire Track way. In the interpretive area, there is a dinosaur skeleton preparation laboratory where you can see a preparator up close working on a skeleton. There are regularly scheduled dinosaur programs for the entire family and tours of the internationally known Garden Park fossil area, just north of Canon City.

Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak Highway
The Road to a new adventure. Open daily to uphill traffic. December thru March open at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday. April-May open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. Memorial Day Weekend open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. June thru Labor Day open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. September thru November open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. (The weather may effect the opening and closing times.)

Cog Railway
Sit back and relax as the world's highest cog railway takes you to the top of America's best-known mountain, Pikes Peak, 14,110 feet! Depart seven days a week. The round trip takes three hours and ten minutes. Operates from late April through late October (weather permitting). Advance reservations are highly recommended. Royal Gorge staff can make reservations for you.

Garden of the Gods Trading Post and Visitor Center
A free city park, a park for all seasons. Enjoy features like theater presentations, educational exhibits, bus/walking tours, nature talks, dining and refreshments, information on the region and souvenirs and gifts. Hours are summer 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and winter 8:30 a.m .to 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. There are various tours to choose from. They are Discovery Tour (stroll through a world millions of years old), Explorer's Trip (spend a day in the dark), Laser Canyon (we're a magic mountain after dark), and Lantern Tour (experience the past, today). Open year round. Cave tours are conducted Labor Day weekend thru Memorial Day weekend 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour at 5 p.m.) and Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last tour at 8 p.m.). Laser Canyon Shows are conducted Friday, Saturday in May at 9 p.m. and Memorial Day thru Labor Day 9 p.m. nightly.

Northpole - Home of Santa's Workshop
Admission includes unlimited rides, all shows and attractions. Special rates for large families and tour groups. Mid May thru May 31 (closed Thursday) open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 1 thru August 31 open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and September 1 thru December 24 (closed Wednesdays and Thursdays) open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Flying W Ranch
Chuckwagon suppers and original western show. Open October thru May. Closed January and February. Reservations necessary. To make reservations please call (719) 598-4000.

Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek Gold Mining Camps Area
See old mine sites and also a current state of the art gold mining operation midway between Cripple Creek and Victor on CR 67.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
End of July -- Hornbeck Homestead Days and Florissant Heritage Days.

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Take the Goldmine Tour that goes 1000 feet underground. This tour is designed for all ages. No steps, ladder or climbing involved. You will enjoy the slow walking pace. Open daily at 9 a.m.

Lowell Thomas Museum
Located in Victor, Colorado. Named for the famous journalist and broadcaster who grew up and began his newspaper career in Victor. Outstanding mining exhibits, historical items, Thomas momentos.

Pikes Peak Heritage Center at Cripple Creek
Scheduled to open Fall 2007.