Royal Gorge Route Railroad - green trees on gray rocky mountain during daytime
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Royal Gorge Route Railroad

4.5
·9k reviews·Cañon City, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Royal Gorge Route Railroad - green trees on gray rocky mountain during daytime

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(9k reviews)

"This train ride was a bucket list item of mine. It was awesome. Really enjoyed the ride."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vista Dome Car

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tickets in Advance

Popular train rides like the Royal Gorge Route Railroad sell out, especially during peak seasons. Booking your tickets early ensures you get your preferred seating and date. Consider the Vista Dome for panoramic views, but check availability.

Dress for the Elements

Colorado weather can be unpredictable. While the train cars offer shelter, the open-air car is a highlight for many. Dress in layers and bring a light jacket or blanket, even in warmer months, as it can get chilly, especially when the train is stopped.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter (for festive rides)
Why
Unique snowy landscapes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This was kind of the perfect day trip from Denver! Location: Royal Gorge Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado 2 hours from Denver Class: Vista Dome Cost: $129 The train runs from March-December I would recommend booking tickets early! #solotravel #denvercolorado #coloradotravel
@lilmsawkward
129.1K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Book Vista Dome for Views

The Vista Dome offers amazing panoramic views, worth the extra cost for the full experience. InstagramReddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

It can get chilly, especially in the open-air car. Bring a jacket or blanket! InstagramReddit

WORTH EVERY PENNY! 🙌🏽 The Royal Gorge is one of the most popular train rides in the world, and I finally had a chance to check it out. 🚂 This train ride is located in Canon City, only about 2 hours from Denver. The ride lasted about an hour and a half, and it had epic views the entire time! Being able to stand outside during the ride was the main selling point for me, and it made the experience so...
@hasanguy
99.8K likes • 1.6M views
Adventure is calling. 🚂✨ Come ride America’s Most Scenic Mountain Railroad — seats are filling fast! 🎟️ Book now - - #royalgorgerouterailroad #trainsofinstagram #trains #Colorado #royalgorge @visitcolorado @visitcos @royalgorgeregion @travelandleisure @afarmedia @natgeotravel
royalgorgerouterr
168 likes • 4K views

💺 Sit on the Left Side

For the best views of the Arkansas River, choose seats on the left side of the train. TikTokReddit

📸 Open-Air Car is a Must

Don't miss the open-air car for incredible, unobstructed views of the gorge. TikTokInstagram

This NEEDS to be on your USA bucketlist!! 🚂✨ Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a cozy and unique way to enjoy the breathtaking winter scenery ❄️ 🚐 Only 2 hour drive from Denver 🚂 All guests get access to the open-air car 🎟️ Tickets start at $99 for adults 🍽️ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served onboard for an additional cost ❄️ We booked the Vista Dome lunch train, the glass-topped cars with u...
bashabroad
272.2K likes • 7.9M views

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. InstagramReddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

It can get chilly, especially in the open-air car. Bring a jacket or blanket! InstagramReddit

💺 Sit on the Left Side

For the best views of the Arkansas River, choose seats on the left side of the train. TikTokReddit

📸 Open-Air Car is a Must

Don't miss the open-air car for incredible, unobstructed views of the gorge. TikTokInstagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring your own bottled water, especially on warmer days. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(9k reviews)

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

Breathtaking gorge views
Open-air car experience
Vista Dome panoramic views

What People Dislike

Expensive food options
Can get chilly

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTok

Yes, there is ample free parking available at the train station, which is convenient for visitors driving from Denver or other nearby areas. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ 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. TikTokInstagramReddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

Generally, photography is encouraged. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash photography in enclosed spaces where it might be disruptive. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a fantastic family outing. Kids are often captivated by the train itself, the open-air car experience, and the dramatic scenery. Reddit The 2-hour duration is manageable for most children, and the onboard services can keep them entertained. Consider booking the Vista Dome for extra visual excitement, or ensure you spend plenty of time in the open-air car for a more adventurous feel. Instagram Pack snacks and drinks, though food is available for purchase. Reddit

💑 Couples and Romantic Getaways

For a romantic escape, consider booking a Vista Dome car for its unparalleled views and intimate setting. Instagram The train offers lunch and dinner rides, providing a unique dining experience amidst stunning scenery. Reddit Enjoying a drink together in the open-air car as the sun sets over the gorge can be a truly memorable moment. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a photographer's dream. The Vista Dome offers unobstructed panoramic shots, while the open-air car provides a more visceral, in-the-moment perspective. Instagram Aim for the left side of the train for prime Arkansas River views. Reddit Morning or late afternoon light will yield the most dramatic and beautiful images of the gorge. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Choosing Your Royal Gorge Train Experience

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers several seating options, each providing a unique perspective. The Coach Class offers comfortable seating with good visibility, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers. For a more immersive experience, the Vista Dome car is highly recommended. Its glass-domed ceiling provides 360-degree panoramic views, perfect for capturing stunning photos and truly appreciating the grandeur of the Royal Gorge. Instagram Many travelers find the price difference well worth the enhanced visual experience. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram For the best views of the Arkansas River, aim for seats on the left side of the train. TikTokReddit The train journey itself is about two hours round trip, offering ample time to enjoy the scenery and onboard amenities. TikTok

History and Significance of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad boasts a rich history dating back to 1882, making it one of Colorado's most historic railroads. TikTok It was originally built to serve mining interests and transport goods through the challenging terrain of the Royal Gorge. The construction of the railroad through this narrow, steep-sided canyon was a remarkable feat of engineering for its time, involving daring construction methods and perseverance against the elements.

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. TikTokInstagram

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