Even MORE Not-to-Miss Attractions in the Royal Gorge Region

Here, without further ado, are even MORE not-to-miss attractions in the Royal Gorge Region.

Be a Trailblazer

The Royal Gorge Region is home to trails for all sorts of outdoor activities, including Jeeping and OHVing.

Just a few miles west of Cañon City lies the off-road mecca, Texas Creek, where riders will discover an extensive trail system providing great views of the Arkansas River Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Catch a ride with one of our OHV tour operators.

Beyond Texas Creek are scenic adventures waiting to be enjoyed by all ages. Colorado Jeep Tours offers customized open-air jeeps that provide the perfect moving platform to view just some of the spectacular scenery and wildlife Colorado has to offer.

Find Your Biking Bliss

The Royal Gorge Region has earned the reputation of being a biking mecca because of its numerous trail systems. From the classic Oil Well Flats to the newer Royal Gorge Trails System, there is a ride for every ability. If road biking is your thing, Phantom Canyon Road and the Gold Belt Scenic Byway offer gorgeous views as you cover mile after mile. Best of all, with the Royal Gorge Region’s mild year-round climate, bikers can find their bliss any time of the year. Learn more.

Cast a Reel

Whether you fling a fly, cast a lure, or bait a hook, the Arkansas River is full of wild trout ready to challenge your skills. The experience of fishing in this beautiful, rugged river canyon for brown or rainbow trout is unlike any other—a true western sporting experience!

While fishing at Parkdale Recreation Area off Highway 50 is popular, hook up with a local outfitter and discover unique fishing locations throughout the region. Learn more.

Zip Through the Air

Rocky Mountain high now has new meaning for those enthusiasts who love zipping over canyon walls. With several zipline offerings in the area, there are many opportunities to soar through the Royal Gorge Region. From Colorado’s first zipline park to an exhilarating ride over the Royal Gorge, there are options galore for those who want to experience the euphoric sensation of flight. Learn more.

Climbing at Shelf Road

A short drive north of Cañon City on County Road 9 will lead you to some of the best, most challenging rock climbing in Colorado. Head to the popular Shelf Road Climbing Area where you’ll find hundreds of quality sport routes on vertical limestone.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to climb, but even in the heat of summer, there are routes that offer shade. A sport climber’s paradise, Shelf Road is a great location off the beaten path but close enough to town to enjoy a great meal and a cold drink at the end of the day. Learn more.

Experience Art, Theater, and Music

Arts and theater thrive in the Royal Gorge Region, where several organizations work hard to provide locals and visitors first-rate cultural experiences. From the Fremont Center for the Arts to the Bell Tower Cultural Center, you can stroll through an exhibition, take a class, enjoy an evening performance, and more. Learn more.

Feel the Energy at a Royal Gorge Region Event

The Royal Gorge Region’s calendar is filled with events sure to suit every interest. Many are celebrated annually and run the spectrum from heritage and recreation to antiques and agriculture. Check out our list of annual events or visit our calendar to discover which incredible event is happening on the day of your choice.

Have Fun with Agriculture

With its mild temperature and rich soil, the Royal Gorge Region has been an agricultural hub since the 1860s, when Jesse Frazer planted Colorado’s first apple tree, ultimately establishing the state’s first orchard. Today, the region boasts farms, orchards, seasonal pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and bountiful vineyards, making it ideal for hosting farmers markets and agricultural tours. Learn more.

Take to the Air for the Best Views

There’s no better way to take in the great expanse of Colorado’s Royal Gorge Region than from high above—high, high above. Local helicopter tours offer the opportunity to cruise from one end of the region to the other, with beyond amazing views of the Gorge, the Arkansas River, and the Rocky Mountains. If you need an extra burst of adrenaline, try skydiving. You get the same view but with a ridiculous rush of excitement.

Saddle Up for a Horseback Ride

With so many miles of open space and an endless number of unique views, the Royal Gorge Region is ideal for horseback riding. Just a short distance from Cañon City, riding enthusiasts can easily access several horse-friendly trails. Don’t have a horse? Don’t worry! Several local outfitters are ready to help you saddle up for an equine adventure. Learn more.

Sightsee on a Segway

There’s a lot to see in Cañon City—sweeping vistas, dinosaur tracks, historic buildings. Covering them all on foot is, well… it’s just impossible. Another option is to hop in and out of your car, and that’s not a whole lot of fun either.

The solution? Book a Segway tour for a unique and exciting experience that shows off Cañon City’s most popular destinations.