Come experience our moving and roaring life-like animatronic dinosaurs on our Dinosaur Wild Walk, a 1/8 mile trial that trail where you can explore our prehistoric past.
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Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience

4.3
·917 reviews·Cañon City, United States

Step back in time at the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience! Explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, fascinating fossils, and thrilling adventure activ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
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Come experience our moving and roaring life-like animatronic dinosaurs on our Dinosaur Wild Walk, a 1/8 mile trial that trail where you can explore our prehistoric past.

Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience! Explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, fascinating fossils, and thrilling adventure activities.

4.3
(917 reviews)

"Every child loved it! Very interesting and entertaining! Colorado is so lucky to have such a fun and unique attraction for kids!"

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TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely

Purchase tickets for individual experiences or a combo. The Dinosaur Walk is great for little ones!

☀️ Pack for the Sun

Bring sunscreen, hats, and water for the outdoor Dinosaur Walk. Limited shade available.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Wild Walk

Dinosaur Wild Walk

Outdoor Trail

Stroll through a prehistoric forest and encounter 16 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. A hit with kids!

Indoor Museum & Skeleton Displays

Indoor Museum & Skeleton Displays

Museum Building

Explore fascinating fossil exhibits and learn about Colorado's paleontology history. Features impressive skeleton displays.

Ropes Course Adventure

Ropes Course Adventure

Outdoor Activity Area

Challenge yourself on the ropes course, a thrilling option for older kids and adults. Check seasonal availability.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

While not always packed, booking your Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience tickets online in advance is wise, especially for weekends or holidays. This ensures entry and can sometimes snag you better deals. Consider which experiences you want to prioritize, as they can be purchased individually.

Sun Protection is Key

The Dinosaur Walk is an outdoor trail with limited shade. Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, especially if visiting during warmer months. Some reviewers noted the dinosaurs could use an update, but the outdoor walk is still a hit with younger kids.

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays (Thurs-Fri)
Why
Less busy, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for families after school
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Highly recommend the train but maybe being an umbrella for falling ice 👍🏻 #colorado #royalgorge
@lani.baker
861.3K likes • 5.2M views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely

Purchase tickets for individual experiences or a combo. The Dinosaur Walk is great for little ones! Reddit

☀️ Pack for the Sun

Bring sunscreen, hats, and water for the outdoor Dinosaur Walk. Limited shade available. Reddit

📍 Royal Gorge Train Ride: Cañon City, CO #fypシ #canoncity #royalgorge #trainride #colorado
@megan.marriie
293.1K likes • 2.7M views
Looking for a dino-mite adventure? 🦖🌿 Step into the past on the Dinosaur Wild Walk at the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience in Cañon City! Along the stroller-friendly trail, you’ll meet 16 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs roaming through a desert forest backdrop. Fun fact: famous dinosaurs like the Stegosaurus and Allosaurus were first discovered near here in the Garden Park Paleontological Area. ...
coloradofamilytravel
51 likes • 1.7K views

👧 Kids Under 5 FREE

Little paleontologists under 5 get in free! A great deal for families. Instagram

🗺️ Check Seasonal Closures

The ropes course may be closed seasonally. Confirm availability before your visit. Reddit

I may not have been a dinosaur kid, but I’m slowly becoming a dinosaur adult thanks to awesome museums like @rgdinoxp! 🦕 This place takes locally-sourced to a whole new level as the majority of their specimens were discovered right here in Colorado—as nearby as just up the road from Cañon City! This region was a paleontology treasure trove in the 1800s when Cope and Marsh battled it out to discove...
groovygeologist
1.5K likes • 35.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely

Purchase tickets for individual experiences or a combo. The Dinosaur Walk is great for little ones! Reddit

☀️ Pack for the Sun

Bring sunscreen, hats, and water for the outdoor Dinosaur Walk. Limited shade available. Reddit

👧 Kids Under 5 FREE

Little paleontologists under 5 get in free! A great deal for families. Instagram

🗺️ Check Seasonal Closures

The ropes course may be closed seasonally. Confirm availability before your visit. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Ample parking is available on-site, making arrival a breeze. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(917 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience for its engaging outdoor dinosaur walk and knowledgeable staff, making it a hit with kids. While some note that certain animatronics could use an update, the overall experience is considered fun and educational, especially for families. The separate ticketing for various activities allows for flexibility, though it can add up for those wanting to do everything.

"We took a trip to Dinosaur Experience with a group of kids at my work and hosted our special event here. The staff members were so nice, excellent with kids and helpful! They were so accommodating to our group too. Even helped us with a cart move things to the conference room and even to the car! I was impressed! The experience, Every child loved it! Very interesting and entertaining! Colorado is so lucky to have such a fun and unique attraction for kids! Can’t wait to go back with my nephew and niece!"

Stephanie S

"We stopped for the ropes course and the teenagers had fun. It was around $15 each for that alone. Not busy at all. We visited on Sunday early afternoon"

Suzie Roth

"Fun little museum inside, while the walk is outside. You can pay for one of these experiences or both. I would recommend only the outside if your children are smaller and/or don't enjoy museums.....it was interesting, but when you have little that want to go you don't "get your money's worth" so to speak. The trail outside can be taken as many times as you wish, but keep in mind you will be in the sun without any shade to break in - though the trail is not long. Dino noises and movements are fun for littles as you walk the path and to my knowledge the dinosaurs are life sized......some of them could use a upgrade. Overall a fun family experience that you should consider checking out, if in the area enjoying over attractions."

JEC

What People Like

Engaging animatronic dinosaurs
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Great for kids of all ages

What People Dislike

Some dinosaurs need updates
Ropes course seasonal closure

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is located in Cañon City, Colorado. It's about a 2-hour drive from Denver, making it a popular day trip destination. TikTok Ample parking is available on-site. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the attraction. TikTok

The most straightforward route from Denver is via US-50 W, which takes approximately 2 hours. TikTok Consider carpooling if you're traveling with a group. TikTok

Yes, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is nearby, offering stunning views and more activities. Instagram It's a great combination for a full day of exploration. Instagram

Absolutely! Many visitors combine a trip to the Dinosaur Experience with the scenic Royal Gorge Train Ride, which departs from Cañon City. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on which experiences you choose. You can purchase tickets for the Dinosaur Walk, Museum, Children's Lab, and Treasure Excavation individually. Reddit Discounts are available for seniors, military, and locals. Instagram

Yes, discounts are offered for seniors, military personnel, and local residents. Instagram Keep an eye out for potential seasonal promotions or package deals. Reddit

Yes, children under 5 years old receive free admission to the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience. Instagram

Tickets can typically be purchased at the door, but booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry. TikTok

General admission usually covers access to the Dinosaur Walk and the indoor museum. Other activities like the ropes course or children's lab may require separate tickets. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the outdoor Dinosaur Wild Walk with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, an indoor museum featuring fossils and skeleton displays, a children's lab, and a treasure excavation area. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, the Dinosaur Wild Walk is stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families with young children. Instagram

The time needed can vary greatly depending on your interests and which activities you choose. A quick walk through the outdoor trail and museum might take 1-2 hours, while engaging in all activities could take half a day. Reddit

Yes, there is a ropes course, which is popular with teenagers and adults. Reddit However, it's important to check its seasonal availability as it may be closed during certain times of the year. Reddit

The experience is typically open Thursday through Sunday. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, including the indoor museum and the outdoor Dinosaur Walk. Instagram+1 Capture those prehistoric moments!

The life-sized animatronic dinosaurs on the Wild Walk offer fantastic photo opportunities. The skeleton displays inside the museum are also impressive subjects. Instagram+1

Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with the venue directly regarding any restrictions on drone photography or videography. TikTok

The venue does not typically offer specific photo packages. Visitors are encouraged to take their own photos to capture their experience. Instagram

The outdoor Dinosaur Walk has natural daylight, which is great for photos. The indoor museum has controlled lighting, which is generally good for showcasing exhibits. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is a dream destination for families with young children. The Dinosaur Wild Walk is a huge hit, with its life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that captivate little imaginations. Instagram The trail is stroller-friendly, making it easy to navigate with toddlers. Instagram Plus, kids under 5 get in free, which is a fantastic bonus for budget-conscious families. Instagram The indoor museum offers a quieter space with fascinating exhibits, and the treasure excavation pit provides hands-on fun. Reddit

🎒 Budget Travelers

To make the most of your budget, consider purchasing tickets for individual experiences rather than a full package if your group has specific interests. The Dinosaur Walk and Museum are often the most popular and offer great value. Reddit Look out for discounts for seniors, military, and locals. Instagram Packing your own snacks and drinks can also help save money, though there are on-site options available. Reddit

🧑‍🏫 School Groups & Field Trips

The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is an excellent choice for school field trips. The staff are known for being knowledgeable and excellent with children, answering all sorts of questions with enthusiasm. InstagramReddit The combination of interactive outdoor exhibits and educational indoor displays provides a comprehensive learning experience. Reddit The venue is accommodating to large groups, with facilities like picnic tables and restrooms available. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Dinosaur Wild Walk

The Dinosaur Wild Walk is the star attraction for many families visiting the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience. This outdoor trail immerses visitors in a prehistoric landscape, featuring 16 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, bringing the ancient world to life. Instagram It's a fantastic way for children to engage with these magnificent creatures in a dynamic setting. The path is designed to be stroller-friendly, ensuring accessibility for even the youngest paleontologists. Instagram While the dinosaurs are a major draw, some reviewers note that a few could benefit from an update, but the overall experience remains highly engaging for kids. Reddit

Visitors should be prepared for the elements when exploring the Wild Walk. The trail is largely exposed to the sun, so sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are essential, especially during warmer months. Reddit The walk itself isn't excessively long, but the interactive nature of the dinosaurs encourages lingering. It's a great opportunity for parents to capture memorable photos of their children interacting with these ancient giants. Instagram+1

This outdoor adventure is often purchased as a standalone ticket or as part of a package. It's particularly recommended for families with younger children who might not have the patience for extensive museum tours but are captivated by the sheer scale and movement of the dinosaurs. Reddit

Inside the Museum: Fossils and Colorado's Paleontology

Beyond the animatronic wonders, the indoor museum at the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience offers a more educational and historical perspective. Here, visitors can marvel at impressive skeleton displays and learn about the rich paleontology history of Colorado. Instagram+1 Many of the specimens showcased were discovered locally, highlighting the region's significance as a paleontological treasure trove. Instagram

The museum provides a deeper dive into the world of dinosaurs, explaining their habitats, behaviors, and the science behind fossil discovery. It's a great complement to the outdoor walk, offering context and a chance to appreciate the scientific aspect of paleontology. Instagram The staff are noted for being knowledgeable and engaging, happy to answer even the most curious questions from children. InstagramReddit

This section is ideal for those who appreciate the scientific and historical aspects of dinosaurs. It’s a quieter, more contemplative space compared to the lively outdoor exhibits, offering a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages. Instagram

Adventure Activities: Ropes Course and Excavation

For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience offers additional adventure activities. The ropes course is a popular choice, providing a challenging and fun experience for older children, teenagers, and adults. Reddit Participants can navigate various obstacles suspended in the air, testing their agility and courage. It's important to note that the ropes course is often a separate ticketed item and may have seasonal operating hours, so it's advisable to check availability in advance. Reddit

Another engaging activity is the treasure excavation, where younger visitors can try their hand at unearthing 'fossils' in a simulated dig pit. This hands-on experience allows children to mimic the work of paleontologists in a playful environment. Reddit These activities add an extra layer of excitement and cater to different interests within the group, ensuring there's something for everyone. Reddit

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