Dramatic cliff-edge walk along the rim of the Royal Gorge with views 956 feet down to the Arkansas River and the world-famous suspension bridge below. Canyon wildlife including golden eagles and bighorn sheep visible.
The Royal Gorge Rim Trail follows the dramatic canyon edge above the Royal Gorge near Canon City, one of the deepest river gorges in the American West carved through Precambrian granite by the Arkansas River in south-central Colorado. The trail is located within Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, a privately operated attraction at 4218 County Road 3A, Canon City; an admission fee is required for all visitors, approximately $32 per adult in 2025, and covers access to the rim trail, suspension bridge, gondola, and other park features. The park is open daily year-round with seasonal hours and is reached via US-50 west of Canon City. The trail covers approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) along the granite canyon rim at approximately 1,707 m (5,600 ft) elevation, with the Arkansas River nearly 291 m (956 ft) directly below. The trail surface is a mix of paved walkway and compacted gravel path, largely flat across the rim plateau with minimal elevation change throughout. The Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, completed in 1929 and for decades the world's highest suspension bridge, spans the gorge as the park's central feature; the bridge deck is accessible on foot and provides a vertiginous 291 m crossing above the river below. From the rim trail, hikers pass additional viewpoints including vantage points over the Skycoaster, gondola, and Incline Railway descending to the canyon floor. Wildlife commonly seen from the rim includes golden eagles, turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, and California condors riding thermals above the canyon. Bighorn sheep inhabit the canyon walls and are visible from viewpoints with binoculars. The Arkansas River far below hosts commercial whitewater rafting operations through the gorge. No drinking water sources exist on the rim trail itself; the visitor center has facilities at the park entrance.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Canon City
- Best season
- Year-round; most comfortable from April to June and September to November
Highlights
- Royal Gorge suspension bridge views
- Arkansas River 956 feet below
- Canyon rim geology
- Eagle and bighorn sheep sightings
Tips for visiting
- Purchase park admission tickets online in advance to skip ticket queues, especially on summer weekends and holidays.
- Early morning or late afternoon visits see lower crowd density around the suspension bridge crossing and the main canyon-edge viewpoints.
- Bring wind-resistant layers and sun protection; the canyon rim can be significantly windier and cooler than the surrounding Arkansas River valley below.
- Visitors prone to vertigo should note that the suspension bridge walkway and several canyon-edge viewpoints have no visual barrier from the 291 m drop to the river.
- Binoculars are useful for spotting bighorn sheep on the canyon walls and raptors soaring along the thermals above the gorge.
When to visit
The park is open year-round. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds relative to the summer peak. Morning visits provide the best canyon lighting for photography from the rim as light reaches the canyon floor most directly in morning hours.
Accessibility
The Royal Gorge Rim Trail has paved and compacted gravel sections that are largely accessible for wheelchair users; the park has invested in accessibility improvements throughout. The suspension bridge itself is accessible. Some sections at canyon-edge viewpoints have natural terrain variations; park staff can advise on the best accessible routes for specific mobility needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission fee to access the Royal Gorge Rim Trail?
Yes. The Rim Trail is within the privately operated Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, which charges admission. As of 2025, tickets are approximately $32 per adult. The fee includes access to the rim trail, suspension bridge, gondola, and other park attractions.
How high is the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge above the river?
The Royal Gorge Bridge spans the Arkansas River 291 m (956 feet) above the canyon floor. When completed in 1929 it was the world's highest suspension bridge and it remains one of Colorado's most recognized landmarks.
What wildlife viewing opportunities exist along the Rim Trail?
Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, turkey vultures, and occasionally California condors are spotted soaring above the gorge year-round. Bighorn sheep inhabit the canyon walls and are sometimes visible from rim viewpoints; binoculars significantly improve sightings.
Is the Rim Trail suitable for visitors with a fear of heights?
The canyon rim trail and suspension bridge crossing can be challenging for those with acrophobia. Several viewpoints place visitors at the exposed canyon edge with steep drops. Interior park paths away from the canyon edge are available as alternatives.