Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Walk across America's tallest suspension bridge, nearly 1,000 ft above the Arkansas River, for breathtaking canyon views and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk across America's tallest suspension bridge, nearly 1,000 ft above the Arkansas River, for breathtaking canyon views and family fun.
"The feeling you get when you're on the bridge is like nothing else. "
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip lines by purchasing tickets in advance online. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking a lot! Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the bridge and park. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Gorge Bridge
Spans the Royal Gorge
Walk across America's tallest suspension bridge, nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River. A thrilling experience with breathtaking views!
Royal Gorge Gondola
Across the Royal Gorge
Soar over the canyon in a gondola for a unique perspective of the bridge and the stunning geological formations below.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Departs from Cañon City
Take a scenic train ride through the gorge, offering epic views and a chance to stand outside during the journey.
Tommy Knocker Playland
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
A family-friendly area with a carousel, ropes course, and splash pad, perfect for kids to burn energy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip lines by purchasing tickets in advance online. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking a lot! Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the bridge and park. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Your Own Snacks
Pack snacks and drinks to save money and stay hydrated during your visit. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The photo opportunities are incredible, especially from the bridge. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip lines by purchasing tickets in advance online. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking a lot! Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the bridge and park. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Your Own Snacks
Pack snacks and drinks to save money and stay hydrated during your visit. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The photo opportunities are incredible, especially from the bridge. :camerawithflash:
⏰ Go Early
Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park for its breathtaking views and the thrilling experience of walking across America's tallest suspension bridge. The park is highly recommended for families, with the Tommy Knocker Playland being a particular hit with children. Some find the train ride less engaging than expected, but the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile and memorable destination.
"Buy tickets online in advance $4/person cheaper (screenshot the confirmation code) they didn't email me like they said they were.
The gorge was beautiful!!! The tickets included Gondola rides but we didn't want to do that (kinda scary and claustrophobic) although the line was moving pretty quick.
You're able to bring in your own snacks and drinks. Stay hydrated!!"
Thu Pham
"A Truly Breathtaking Experience for the Whole Family!
We absolutely loved our visit to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park! The views from the bridge were incredible it’s a mix of awe and adrenaline standing nearly 1,000 feet above the gorge. Walking across felt like a once in a lifetime experience, and the gondola ride gave us a whole new perspective of the canyon.
One of the highlights for us was how kid-friendly the park was. The Tommy Knocker Playland was a huge hit my son had the best time on the carousel, ropes course, and the splash pad. It’s a safe, clean space where they could run around, explore, and just enjoy being kids while we relaxed nearby.
The park is well maintained, staff were friendly, and there are plenty of spots for families to take a break or grab a bite. If you’re visiting Colorado with kids, this place should be on your list!
Tip: Go early, wear comfy shoes, and don’t skip the play area!"
Sama Odwan
"We didn’t really know what to expect when we got to the Royal Gorge, but it was absolutely gorgeous. Walking across the bridge was breathtaking — you can see the river way down below, surrounded by beautiful rock walls. It really felt like a mini Grand Canyon. The bridge itself is lined with flags from every state, and we made sure to take a picture by our state flag.
There’s also a train that runs along the river through the gorge, which looked amazing. One of my favorite parts was the gondola — you could ride it as many times as you wanted for free, and we ended up going about three times before the rain came in.
When we came back later, there was a raptor exhibit where someone was talking about birds of prey, which was really cool to see. Overall, the Royal Gorge was breathtaking and definitely one of the highlights of our trip."
Shelley Iverson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is about a 2-hour drive from Denver, Colorado. Take US-285 S and US-50 W to Cañon City. Many visitors find driving to be the most convenient option.
Yes, there is parking available at the park. It's generally considered bus-friendly and small-car friendly.
Public transportation options directly to the Royal Gorge are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Colorado Springs, making it a popular day trip destination.
While not widely advertised, some local tour operators in the Colorado Springs or Denver areas may offer shuttle services or organized tours that include transportation to the Royal Gorge. It's best to check with local tour providers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but general admission is around $30 per person and typically includes access to the bridge, gondola rides, and the Tommy Knocker Playland. Booking online in advance may offer a slight discount.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the Visitor's Center upon arrival, but it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance to potentially save money and ensure entry, especially during peak season.
A standard ticket usually includes access to walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, unlimited gondola rides over the gorge, and entry to the Tommy Knocker Playland.
Yes, group tickets are available and can be a cost-effective option for larger parties.
The park is generally open 365 days a year, weather permitting. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any closures or weather-related advisories.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, ride the gondola for stunning views, explore the Tommy Knocker Playland, and even take the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a scenic journey. There are also exhibits and viewpoints to enjoy.
For some, walking across the bridge can be thrilling due to the height, but it's a very stable structure. The views are breathtaking, and many find it an exhilarating experience rather than frightening. +1
The bridge itself offers incredible panoramic views. The gondola ride provides unique angles of the gorge, and various viewpoints around the park offer different perspectives of the canyon and bridge. +1
Absolutely! The Tommy Knocker Playland is specifically designed for kids with a carousel, ropes course, and splash pad. The gondola and bridge walks are also manageable for families.
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks into the park, which can help save money. Remember to stay hydrated!
🎫 🚂 Royal Gorge Route Railroad
The train ride is a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour journey through the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River, offering spectacular views. Some passengers enjoy being able to stand outside during the ride.
The train ride typically lasts about an hour and a half to two hours, providing ample time to soak in the scenery.
Opinions vary. Some find it to be an epic and worthwhile experience with stunning views, while others have found it boring. Consider your interest in scenic train rides. +1
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad departs from Cañon City, Colorado.
Yes, the train route passes through the gorge, and you can see the Royal Gorge Bridge in the background from certain points during the ride.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh, but still offers dramatic views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the gorge and bridge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and popular tourist attractions due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation.
Experiment with different angles from the bridge itself, the gondola, or from viewpoints along the rim. Capturing people walking across the bridge can add a sense of scale. +1
Avoid shooting directly into the sun, especially at midday. Be mindful of safety when leaning over railings for shots. Don't forget to capture the details, like the state flags on the bridge. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider arriving early to beat the crowds and allow ample time for the kids to enjoy the playland. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is also a smart move to keep everyone fueled and save money.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Royal Gorge Bridge
+1Walking across the bridge provides unparalleled views of the rugged canyon walls and the river far below. It's a place where you can feel the wind, hear the echoes of the gorge, and truly appreciate the scale of nature and human ingenuity. The bridge is lined with flags from every U.S. state, adding a patriotic touch to the already stunning scenery.
While the bridge itself is the main draw, the surrounding park offers additional activities that complement the experience. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has evolved to include more than just the bridge, aiming to provide a comprehensive adventure for all ages.
Experiencing the Gorge: Gondola and Train
For those seeking a journey through the heart of the gorge, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a popular choice. This scenic train ride takes passengers along the Arkansas River, offering dramatic vistas and a chance to witness the canyon's geological formations up close. Some travelers highlight the ability to stand outside during the ride as a key selling point, allowing for an immersive experience.
However, it's worth noting that opinions on the train ride's entertainment value can vary, with some finding it less engaging than others. Both the gondola and the train are included in the park's admission, making them accessible ways to enhance your visit and gain different perspectives of this natural wonder.
Family Fun at the Park
Beyond the dedicated play area, the park's overall atmosphere is family-friendly. The ability to bring in snacks and drinks, coupled with the inclusion of the gondola and bridge walks in the ticket price, makes it a practical choice for families. The sheer scale of the bridge and the gondola ride can also be awe-inspiring for children, creating memorable moments.
When planning a family visit, arriving early is recommended to make the most of the day and avoid peak crowds, especially if the children have a lot of energy to expend at the playland.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit