A 24-mile round-trip through towering granite walls and past the roaring Arkansas River, with up to four daily departures and full-service dining on board.
Since 1879, trains have been running through the Royal Gorge, and today, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers one of the most spectacular scenic train rides in North America. This 24-mile round-trip journey from Cañon City takes you deep into the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas," past towering granite walls rising over 1,000 feet above the tracks.
The Experience
Nothing else gets you this deep into Colorado's grandest canyon. The route follows the Arkansas River through a narrow gorge where, at one point, the canyon is just 30 feet wide: the famous Hanging Bridge. Wildlife frequently appears along the route, including bald eagles, blue heron, and bighorn sheep.
Classes of Service
Coach: Classic train travel with comfortable seating and access to the open-air observation car. Food available for purchase from the on-board menu.
Deluxe: Enhanced comfort with upgraded seating. Food available for purchase.
Vista Dome: Ride beneath a glass-domed ceiling for unbeatable panoramic views of the canyon walls. The most popular upgrade for good reason.
First Class Lunch/Dinner: A three-course dining experience included in your ticket. This is Colorado's first and only full-service railroad dining.
The First Class Dinner Menu
Your experience begins with sparkling wine, followed by a wedge salad and warm French rolls. Choose from Colorado Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, Atlantic Salmon, Chicken Marsala, or the Chef's Vegetarian Selection. Finish with chef's choice dessert. A full bar with specialty cocktails, Colorado microbrews, and curated wines is always available.
Schedule
Up to four daily departures: 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 6:30 PM (Dinner Train). Each journey lasts approximately 2 hours. The railroad runs year-round, even through winter, when the canyon takes on a completely different character with ice formations and snow-dusted walls.
Special Excursions
The railroad offers seasonal events throughout the year:
- Breakfast Train: Morning departures with a full breakfast service
- Laser Light Dinner Train: Evening departures featuring choreographed laser lights bouncing off canyon walls to immersive music
- Mother's Day Train: Special celebration departure
- Oktoberfest Train: Colorado craft beers and German-inspired food
- Santa Express: Holiday family magic
- New Year's Eve Train: Ring in the new year in the canyon
Getting There
The depot is located in Cañon City, just 45 minutes southwest of Colorado Springs and under 2 hours from Denver. Parking is available at the station.
Combining with Other Adventures
The train is a perfect complement to more active adventures. Many guests ride the morning train, then head to the bridge park or helicopter tours in the afternoon. Our Royal Gorge Grand Adventure 4-day itinerary includes the railroad on Day 3 as a relaxing change of pace after a day of rafting.
