Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Canon City, CO - Attraction

If you enjoy breath-taking views, then you must go and see the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Canon City, CO. There really is not anything quite like it. The bridge is advertised as being the world's highest suspension bridge, and visitors are able to look down from it to the Arkansas River, which is more than 1,000 feet below.

One thing is for sure - after visiting this attraction, it will be hard to imagine many other sights quite like it. The view is tremendous. Visitors can come up to the edge (for a price) and look into the Gorge. Even at the edge, they can see straight down more than 1,000 feet.

The Bridge itself is more than 1,200 feet across and has two lanes for traffic. There is a toll to drive your car across the bridge. The towers that support the bridge are 150 feet high.

Visitors can also walk on a wooden walkway that is down a little from the actual bridge. This allows great pictures to be taken of the bridge and the gorge.

Another feature that is at the Royal Gorge, which also breaks a record, is the longest single-span Aerial Tram. The Tram rides a distance of 2,200 feet, and at a height of 1,178 feet above the river. The cabin is able to handle 35 passengers and provides an unforgettably beautiful view of the Gorge.

One more ride that is also there at the Gorge, which also breaks a record, is the world's steepest Incline Railway. The Railway rides at a sharp 45 degrees and goes up the side of the mountain for a distance of 1,550 feet. It takes about five minutes each way.

The newest attraction at the Gorge is also considered to be the world's scariest Skycoaster. It certainly is not for the timid or those with a weak stomach. This ride was added in 2003 and can take up to three riders at a time who are strapped in. Riders reach a speed of up to 50 mph as they dangle over the Gorge.

The Park also offers many things that will be of great interest for the children. There is an antique carousel with amazing animals on it, and a Petting Zoo that offers burro rides. The new Wapiti Western Wildlife Park offers an opportunity to see rare white American Bison, Rocky Mountain Elk, and Big Horn Sheep.

There is also a Gift Shop, a Plaza Theater, and restaurants in the Park. This will enable visitors to get something to eat, as well as buy souvenirs of this unforgettable place. Trails are also to be found in the Park, which is 360 acres in size. For those who have pets with them, there is a kennel right at the entrance. It cleans the kennels after each use.

The Main Gate and the Bridge of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Canon City, CO are only open at specified times - from 7 AM until dusk. It is open every day, including holidays.

For those who would like to look at the Gorge from another angle, there is a train that rides through the Gorge. It is called the Royal Gorge Route and it offers a 24-mile ride through the canyon. There are six different levels of service, and a dinner is available.