The Royal Gorge Bridge spans 955 feet above the Arkansas River at a height of 956 feet, making it one of the world's highest suspension bridges. The surrounding park features zip lines, aerial gondolas, and dramatic canyon views.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, located 8 miles west of Cañon City in south-central Colorado, spans one of the most dramatic gorges in the American interior. The Royal Gorge is a narrow slot canyon carved by the Arkansas River through Precambrian granite over millions of years, reaching depths of 1,250 feet. The suspension bridge spanning the gorge opened in 1929, at the time considered the world's highest bridge, and remains one of the highest suspension bridges in the United States at 956 feet above the river.
The bridge itself is 1,260 feet long with a roadway wide enough for pedestrian traffic and the park's small tram vehicles. Walking the bridge is the central experience for most visitors — the steel mesh decking and cable sides offer views directly down to the Arkansas River threading between sheer granite walls hundreds of feet below. The crossing takes about 15 minutes on foot, though most visitors pause at the center for extended photography and to take in the full scale of the canyon.
The surrounding park encompasses 360 acres of canyon rim terrain with multiple additional activities. The Aerial Gondola, one of the longest aerial tramways at a privately operated attraction, crosses the gorge on a separate cable at a different angle from the bridge, providing an alternative overhead perspective of the canyon. A Via Ferrata climbing route descends from the rim to a mid-cliff ledge; all equipment and instruction are available from park staff. Zip lines traverse shorter sections of the gorge at varying heights. A seasonal children's ride area and entertainment programs broaden the park's family appeal.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad operates on the historic Denver & Rio Grande Western grade at the canyon bottom — a vantage point that looks up at the bridge from river level as the train passes beneath. Railroad tickets are purchased separately from park admission. A wildfire in June 2013 burned through approximately 48 park acres and destroyed multiple structures; the bridge itself survived intact and the park fully reopened following extensive reconstruction in 2014.
Good to know
- Hours
- 10AM-6PM daily (seasonal variations)
- Best time
- Morning
- Best for
- families, thrill seekers, photographers, couples
Location
4218 County Rd 3A, Canon City, CO 81212
38.4607, -105.3244 View on map
Highlights
- Royal Gorge Bridge — 956 feet above the Arkansas River, one of the highest suspension bridges in the United States
- Aerial Gondola crossing the gorge on a separate cable for a different overhead perspective of the canyon
- Via Ferrata climbing route descending from the rim with all equipment and instruction available on-site
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad running at canyon bottom — a view looking up at the bridge from the river level
- Zip lines traversing the gorge at varying heights above the 1,250-foot canyon
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online to avoid queues
- The Via Ferrata climbing experience is excellent
- Combine with a white water rafting trip on the Arkansas River below
When to visit
Morning visits avoid the largest crowds and offer the best light on the canyon walls; the gorge faces are in direct sun from mid-morning. Weekdays in May, June, September, and October offer the most pleasant conditions with manageable visitor numbers. Summer weekend afternoons bring the largest crowds and longest wait times for the Aerial Gondola.
Accessibility
The park entrance and main plaza areas are accessible. The bridge surface is walkable by wheelchair users with assistance, though the steel mesh deck can be challenging with some wheel types. The Aerial Gondola is accessible for most mobility aid users. The Via Ferrata and zip line activities require physical ability to manage vertical terrain and are not suitable for visitors with mobility limitations. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the park.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park take?
Walking the bridge and riding the Aerial Gondola takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Visitors who add the Via Ferrata, zip lines, and children's attractions should plan 2 to 3 hours in the park. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a separate ticket and experience that adds 2 hours.
Is it worth visiting even without doing the thrill activities?
Yes — the bridge walk itself is a unique experience that requires no special fitness or equipment. The views of the canyon from the bridge and surrounding rim overlooks are spectacular. Visitors who skip zip lines and the Via Ferrata can still have a fully satisfying visit focused on the bridge, gondola, and canyon scenery.
Can visitors take photographs on the bridge?
Photography is freely permitted on the bridge and throughout the park. The center of the bridge offers views both into the canyon and back along the bridge span toward the granite walls. The Aerial Gondola provides unique angles of the bridge from above that are popular for photography.