Santa Fe Depot Cañon City
Ride a historic train through Colorado's stunning Royal Gorge, following the Arkansas River with breathtaking canyon views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Train operates seasonally
Santa Fe Depot Cañon City
Best Time
Train operates seasonally
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic train through Colorado's stunning Royal Gorge, following the Arkansas River with breathtaking canyon views.
"Awesome way to see Royal Gorge, however… the actual train ride is so slow it’s almost irritating."
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular dates sell out fast, especially for specific cars. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
🏞️ Sit on the River Side
For the best views of the Arkansas River and canyon, request seats on the river side.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Santa Fe Depot, Cañon City, CO
A scenic 2-hour train journey through the stunning Royal Gorge, following the Arkansas River.
+1Arkansas River Views
Along the train route
Experience breathtaking vistas of the Arkansas River and towering canyon walls.
Vista Dome Car
Onboard the train
Enjoy panoramic views from this glass-topped car, offering a unique perspective of the gorge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Consider Your Seating Choice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular dates sell out fast, especially for specific cars. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
🏞️ Sit on the River Side
For the best views of the Arkansas River and canyon, request seats on the river side.
🍽️ Food & Drink Options
Meals and drinks are available for purchase, though some find them pricey.
⏳ Allow Extra Time
The train stops multiple times, extending the journey. Factor this into your plans.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular dates sell out fast, especially for specific cars. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
🏞️ Sit on the River Side
For the best views of the Arkansas River and canyon, request seats on the river side.
🍽️ Food & Drink Options
Meals and drinks are available for purchase, though some find them pricey.
⏳ Allow Extra Time
The train stops multiple times, extending the journey. Factor this into your plans.
📸 Instagrammable Views
Capture stunning photos of the gorge and the historic train.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for its stunning scenery and unique experience, highlighting the beauty of the Arkansas River and the canyon. The historic train and knowledgeable guides are often cited as positives. However, some find the train's pace slow, the food and drinks pricey, and the Vista Dome's tinted windows disappointing for photography.
"The lobby was extremely crowded due to everyone checking in and shopping. Long bathroom lines. Excellent experience on the train. Our waitress was fun and knowledgeable.
We had the meal which was very tasty. Our seats were on the river side of the train so that was a bonus."
Kim Stutzman
"Awesome way to see Royal Gorge, however…. The actual train ride is so slow it’s almost irritating. I think they could speed it up a little and still enjoy the beauty of the canyon. Also, the train stops 3 times during the journey. Once at the river rafting campground. Again to reverse. And again while your directly under the Royal Gorge Bridge which only adds to the time spent. Drinks and food are pricey (what isn’t) but you’re kinda warned about that on the website. Service was excellent. We opted for the more expensive domed car and were disappointed that it had a hard solid ceiling; the windows only curved slightly upward and were darkly tinted. So you really couldn’t see much on the other side of the train.We were fortunate that our tickets seated us on the “river” side for a more scenic view. Assigned seating is the absolute best, cuz there’s always the tourons that have to be first in line, first to board. With these tickets your seat is reserved no matter when you board. I gave it 4 stars only because it’s such a unique thing to do in such a beautiful area of Colorado. But the 2 hours it takes to go up and back could easily be done in half the time and once you’ve done it there’s no reason to do it again."
Nancy Marak
"Royal Gorge train ride was eventful but nothing to write home about. The guides on the open air carts were extremely knowledgeable and definitely provided a high point for the experience. Food was mediocre at best, canned chicken on nachos and lack of any flavor left more to be desired for the price. It took us nearly 30 minutes to receive our drinks. The experience looks good on Instagram but lacks the same thrill firsthand."
Andrew Fishencord
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santa Fe Depot is located in Cañon City, Colorado. It's approximately a 2-hour drive from Denver. Many visitors drive directly to the depot. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, there is parking available at the Santa Fe Depot for visitors. It's recommended to arrive a bit early to secure a spot, especially on busy days.
Public transportation options directly to Cañon City are limited. Most visitors opt to drive. If coming from Denver, consider carpooling or ride-sharing services.
The drive from Denver to Cañon City is scenic and takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic. The route primarily follows US-50 E.
While the train is a popular way to see the gorge, you can also visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park for a different perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the car class and time of year. The Vista Dome car is more expensive, around $129 per person. It's best to check the official website for current pricing and packages.
The train typically operates from March through December. Daily departures are common, but it's essential to check the schedule for specific dates and times.
While same-day tickets might be available, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular dates or specific seating. This ensures you get your preferred experience.
A standard ticket includes the 2-hour scenic train ride. Meals and drinks are typically an additional purchase. +1
Yes, there are various seating options, including standard coaches, the Vista Dome car with a glass ceiling, and open-air cars.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a 2-hour round-trip excursion through the Royal Gorge.
Many visitors recommend sitting on the river side of the train for the most scenic views of the Arkansas River and the canyon.
The train makes several stops during its journey, including at a river rafting campground and to reverse direction. Passengers generally remain on the train for the duration of the excursion.
Yes, the train ride is generally enjoyed by all ages, from young children to seniors.
Weather can vary. It's advisable to check the forecast and dress in layers. The canyon can be cooler than the surrounding areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are available for purchase on board.
Yes, a full selection of cocktails, beer, and wine is offered on the train.
Food and drinks are considered pricey by some passengers, which is common for such excursions. It's wise to budget accordingly if you plan to dine on board.
Policies on bringing outside food and drinks can vary. It's best to check with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad directly before your trip.
Menu items can include options like nachos with canned chicken, and other typical train dining fare. The quality and taste can be subjective.
📸 📸 Photography
The open-air cars offer unobstructed views for photography. The Vista Dome car also provides great panoramic shots, though the tinted windows can affect image quality.
Yes, the open-air cars are fantastic for photography, allowing you to capture the scenery without glass interference.
Generally, photography is encouraged. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash in enclosed areas.
Morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots of the canyon.
Capturing the train against the backdrop of the gorge is a popular photo opportunity. Look for vantage points along the route or from the depot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 2-hour duration is manageable for most kids, and the opportunity to see the Arkansas River and the canyon walls provides constant visual interest. Consider booking seats on the river side for the best views, and perhaps pack some snacks or drinks if you're concerned about onboard costs, though check their policy first. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The open-air cars are particularly valuable, offering unobstructed shots of the canyon and river. Be sure to get shots of the train itself against the backdrop of the impressive canyon for truly iconic images. 💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoying the breathtaking views together from the comfort of the train, perhaps with a drink from the bar, creates a memorable shared adventure. Opting for a meal onboard can add to the special occasion, though managing expectations regarding price and service is advisable. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad Experience
+1 The train itself is composed of 1950s-era cars, adding a touch of nostalgia to the adventure. +1Passengers can choose from various seating options, each offering a different perspective. The Vista Dome car is a popular choice for its panoramic, glass-enclosed ceiling, allowing for unparalleled views of the gorge's dramatic landscape.
While the ride is primarily about the scenery, the experience can be enhanced with onboard dining. The railroad offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, along with a full bar service.
+1 However, reviews suggest that while the food can be tasty, it may be pricey, and the service can sometimes be slow. Navigating the Santa Fe Depot and Train Amenities
Onboard the train, the experience is designed for comfort and scenic enjoyment. Beyond the standard seating, the Vista Dome car offers a unique elevated perspective with its glass ceiling, though some find the tinting can impact photo quality.
Food and beverage services are available onboard, with options ranging from breakfast and lunch to dinner, alongside a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
+1 While some passengers find the meals enjoyable, others note that the prices are high and the food quality can be inconsistent. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit