Royal Gorge

While living in Colorado Springs during the long summertime there we would often take off on our Harley Davidson for adventures somewhere in Colorado. One of the trips led us to the Royal Gorge on a Saturday morning. Its a little over a hours drive on the cycle taking a scenic route on CO 115 south towards Cannon City where the territorial prison is located along with the Royal Gorge.

Just west of Cannon city is located a city park where for a few dollars admission you can see the worlds highest suspension bridge over water. The bridge is 1053 feet over the Arkansas River and was constructed in 1929 by Cannon city. While you can drive over the bridge is mostly an attraction for the park, but it offers a spectacular view of the river below and the activities of the whitewater rafters navigating the class 4 rapids in the summertime.

There is plenty of parking in the lot by the park and time to refresh yourself before venturing inside.

From Royal Gorge

From Royal Gorge

Once inside there are places to eat and drink, and viewing platforms so the faint of heart don't have to go out on the bridge.

From Royal Gorge

Most people choose to walk out on the bridge, but it was possible to drive over very slowly in a small car or motorcycle when we were there.

From Royal Gorge

Once out on the bridge looking down rewards you with beautiful images of fast flowing water and people braving the Arkansas river in their rafts or kayaks.

From Royal Gorge

There is still a passenger train that you can take an elevator down to and ride thought the canyon. You can see the tracks on the side of the river.

From Royal Gorge

Well its not really and elevator its more like half elevator half cable car

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The Bridge from below

From Royal Gorge

For the fearless you can take a gondola ride across the canyon

From Royal Gorge

After we had our fill of the park and were ready to leave we took our tickets and motorcycle and drove across the bridge to the other side taking the West road out of the park back to Colorado Springs.