Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Ride America's most scenic mountain railroad through the dramatic, steep-sided Royal Gorge. A historic journey with stunning views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride America's most scenic mountain railroad through the dramatic, steep-sided Royal Gorge. A historic journey with stunning views.
"This train ride was a bucket list item of mine. It was awesome. Really enjoyed the ride."
🎯 Book Vista Dome for Views
The Vista Dome offers amazing panoramic views, worth the extra cost for the full experience.
🧥 Dress in Layers
It can get chilly, especially in the open-air car. Bring a jacket or blanket!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vista Dome Car
All cars
Experience unparalleled panoramic views through a glass-domed ceiling. Perfect for capturing stunning photos and soaking in the scenery.

Open-Air Gondola
Designated open-air car
Feel the wind and immerse yourself in the gorge's grandeur. This is where you'll get the most unobstructed, breathtaking views.

Arkansas River Views
South side of the train
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Arkansas River as it winds through the dramatic canyon. Sit on the left side for the best river views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Vista Dome for Views
The Vista Dome offers amazing panoramic views, worth the extra cost for the full experience.
🧥 Dress in Layers
It can get chilly, especially in the open-air car. Bring a jacket or blanket!
💺 Sit on the Left Side
For the best views of the Arkansas River, choose seats on the left side of the train.
📸 Open-Air Car is a Must
Don't miss the open-air car for incredible, unobstructed views of the gorge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Vista Dome for Views
The Vista Dome offers amazing panoramic views, worth the extra cost for the full experience.
🧥 Dress in Layers
It can get chilly, especially in the open-air car. Bring a jacket or blanket!
💺 Sit on the Left Side
For the best views of the Arkansas River, choose seats on the left side of the train.
📸 Open-Air Car is a Must
Don't miss the open-air car for incredible, unobstructed views of the gorge.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own bottled water, especially on warmer days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for its breathtaking scenery and unique experience, especially from the open-air car and Vista Dome. While some find the food pricey, the overall journey is highly recommended as a bucket-list item, offering a blend of history and natural wonder.
"This train ride was a bucket list items of mine. We were boarded timely, was able to order food and drinks immediately. The train did depart late...1245 but the ride was nice. We ate and then went to the open car rail. It was awesome. Really enjoyed the ride from there. I suggest going. I would suggest riding in cooler months. We did in September. It was nice but did get warm when train was stopped to explain about the bridge."
Kri (Klmbean)
"Its an experience you cannot miss out on. It was breathtaking, mesmerizing, and historic. The service was friendly and attentive. We made it a good time with the couple with sat with. The angus burger and trainman sandwich we tried was really good and we paired it with a beer flight that has a good variety. The red beer is good.
I highly suggest to book for a clear dome to get the full experience and view. The price difference is worth it. You can move up and down the train carts freely and even step outside on one and get your breath taken away with the view. Kid friendly and service dog friendly. There’s a gift shops with cool things. You gotta get tickets and make the trip it’s worth checking it off your bucket list! There was plenty of free parking."
Ruby Quinonez
"What a great experience! The views are breathtaking, food and drinks were great and our server was amazing! Daniel was very informative and entertaining 🛤️ We got to see some bighorn sheep and enjoyed some time on the open deck, as well 🐏"
Christina Premo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is about a 2-hour drive from Denver, making it a popular day trip. Take US-285 S to US-24 W towards Buena Vista, then US-50 E to Cañon City. There is plenty of free parking available at the station.
The station is located in Cañon City, Colorado. From Denver, take US-285 S to US-24 W, then US-50 E. The address is 310 Railroad Ave, Cañon City, CO 81212.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at the train station, which is convenient for visitors driving from Denver or other nearby areas.
Public transportation options directly to Cañon City for the Royal Gorge Route Railroad are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of transport.
The most scenic and direct route from Denver typically involves taking US-285 S to US-24 W, then merging onto US-50 E towards Cañon City. This route offers beautiful Colorado mountain scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Royal Gorge Route Railroad start around $99 for adults in Coach Class, with Vista Dome seating being more expensive. Prices can vary based on the season and specific packages.
You can purchase tickets directly from the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's official website or through authorized third-party vendors. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular dates.
While specific discounts like Groupons are not always available, booking in advance or looking for off-peak times might offer better value. Keep an eye on their website for any special promotions.
Basic tickets typically include the scenic train ride. Meals and drinks are usually an additional cost, though some premium packages like the Vista Dome may include them. All guests have access to the open-air car.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad operates from March through December. Specific departure times vary daily and by season, so it's essential to check their schedule when booking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Many travelers recommend the Vista Dome for its panoramic views. However, the open-air car offers the most immersive experience. Sitting on the left side of the train provides the best views of the Arkansas River.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a scenic journey that lasts approximately 2 hours round trip. The train travels down the tracks for about an hour and then returns on the same route.
The train makes a stop to explain about the bridge, but you generally cannot disembark and re-board freely during the ride. The open-air car allows you to experience the gorge's atmosphere.
Yes, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is considered very kid-friendly. Children often enjoy the novelty of the train ride, the open-air car, and the stunning scenery.
During the ride, you might be lucky enough to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep or other native animals in their natural habitat along the gorge walls.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food and drinks are available for purchase onboard. Options range from snacks to full meals like burgers and sandwiches. Some premium ticket packages may include meals.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. Some find the meals like the Angus burger and trainman sandwich to be good, while others feel it's expensive for what you get. Beer flights are also available.
You are allowed to bring bottled water onto the train for hydration. It's advisable to check their specific policy on other outside food and beverages.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers various dining experiences, including lunch and dinner trains, depending on the season and schedule. These often provide a more complete culinary experience.
A variety of drinks are available, including beer flights, wine, and other beverages. The red beer has been specifically mentioned as good by some passengers.
📸 📸 Photography
The Vista Dome car offers excellent panoramic photo opportunities. The open-air car provides unobstructed shots of the gorge. Sitting on the left side maximizes river views for photography.
Yes, the glass-domed ceiling of the Vista Dome car is designed for optimal viewing and photography, allowing you to capture the vastness of the Royal Gorge without obstructions.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide gorge shots and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive views. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the river.
Generally, photography is encouraged. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash photography in enclosed spaces where it might be disruptive.
Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, offering softer light and dramatic shadows. Check the departure times to align with these golden hours for the best results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples and Romantic Getaways
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Royal Gorge Train Experience
Regardless of your chosen car, all passengers have access to the open-air gondola. This is where you can truly feel the scale of the gorge and hear the echoes of the canyon. It's an exhilarating experience, but remember to dress warmly as it can get chilly. For the best views of the Arkansas River, aim for seats on the left side of the train. The train journey itself is about two hours round trip, offering ample time to enjoy the scenery and onboard amenities.
History and Significance of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Today, the railroad operates as a heritage tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the thrill of train travel through one of North America's most spectacular natural wonders. The route showcases the dramatic geological formations of the Royal Gorge, carved over millions of years by the Arkansas River. Riding this train is not just a scenic journey; it's an immersion into Colorado's pioneering past and its breathtaking natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit