Built in just 7 months in 1929 for $350,000, the Royal Gorge Bridge remains the highest suspension bridge in the United States. Here's its incredible story.
Suspended 956 feet above the roaring Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge has been drawing visitors to Cañon City, Colorado since 1929. It remains the highest suspension bridge in the United States and has welcomed over 30 million visitors since opening day.
The Numbers
The bridge spans 1,260 feet from rim to rim of the Royal Gorge. The towering steel support structures stand 150 feet high, and the bridge deck is 18 feet wide, formed by 1,292 wooden planks. When it opened, it held the record for the highest bridge in the world: a title it kept for over 70 years until 2001.
A Remarkable Construction Story
A Texan named Lon P. Piper envisioned the bridge as a crossing built solely to give visitors a breathtaking view of the gorge. Chief Engineer George Cole led a team of approximately 80 men who constructed the bridge in just seven months, starting June 5, 1929. The initial budget was $350,000, though the final cost ran $100,000 over. Workers earned an average of just $0.50 per hour for their dangerous work high above the canyon.
The 2013 Fire and Rebirth
On June 11, 2013, a wildfire erupted west of the bridge. Strong winds created extreme fire conditions, and while all visitors and staff were safely evacuated, the majority of park buildings were destroyed. Of the park's 360 acres, 90% was scorched. But the bridge itself survived, losing only about 100 of its planks. Over 14 months of demolition and rebuilding followed, and by Labor Day weekend 2014, guests were welcomed back to a completely reimagined park.
What to Do at the Park Today
The Bridge Walk: Obviously the main attraction: walking across 1,292 planks with 956 feet of air beneath you is an unforgettable experience.
Aerial Gondola: Glide 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River for a unique perspective of both the gorge and the bridge. Unlimited rides included with admission.
Cloudscraper Zip Line: The park's own zip line, run by the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. It is not one of our zip line tours; ours are separate courses nearby.
Royal Rush Skycoaster: From a 100-foot tower, swing up to 50 mph over the edge of the gorge, soaring 1,200 feet above the river below.
Via Ferrata: A one-of-a-kind guided adventure that lets visitors safely scale the sheer canyon walls of the Royal Gorge using iron rungs and cables.
Family Fun: An enclosed three-story children's playland with ropes, slides, tunnels, and a splash pad, plus gem sluicing, a musket mine, and a vintage carousel.
Planning Your Visit
The park is open 365 days a year, weather permitting. It's located just west of Cañon City: a scenic one-hour drive from Colorado Springs. We recommend spending 2-3 hours at the park to experience the major attractions.
Best Combined with Other Adventures
The bridge pairs perfectly with our other Royal Gorge experiences. Many visitors combine a morning rafting trip with an afternoon at the bridge park. See our Romantic Mountain Escape or Weekend Getaway itineraries for full plans that include the bridge.
