Insider Info
Royal Gorge Activities
Wondering how to find the best Royal Gorge attractions?
When you visit an area like the Royal Gorge that has so many activities and attractions to choose from, you may wonder how to filter out the best things to do. The answer is to ask a local, of course! Where do the locals go, and where they do take their friends and family when they come into town? Our phone staff is a group of locals: when they aren’t assisting you, they’re out there exploring the Royal Gorge attractions. And we’re happy to share all of that local knowledge with you. Now you’ve got a friend in the area – let the Royal Gorge Cabins staff be your source for all the best insider info to an awesome Colorado vacation with the best Royal Gorge activities!
WHERE THE LOCALS GO
Must-do Royal Gorge Attractions
Raft the Royal Gorge on a Morning Half Day Trip
One of the top 10 white water rafting runs in North America, the Royal Gorge brings adventure and awe-inspiring beauty into a 10-mile raft trip. And there’s no better time to see it than a morning raft trip – before the river gets too crowded, and when the morning sun offers the most striking lighting of the gorge you’re paddling through. An added bonus to the morning run is fair weather. Clouds and afternoon thunderstorms routinely build and make the afternoon trip cooler – make it as enjoyable as possible and get in on a morning trip instead! This Royal Gorge activity is sure to delight the whole family!
Hike or Bike the Canyon Rim Trail
Just 5 miles from your cabin door! The Canyon Rim Trail is one of a handful of amazing new trails in the Royal Gorge Trail system. The trail winds through a piñon pine and juniper forest with regular views of the Royal Gorge, Wet Mountains, and Sangre de Cristo range to the south. To the north you’ll catch views of Pikes Peak and yet more mountains. Follow the entire 5 mile trail, or make it a short scenic hike – you choose. And you won’t have to go far to be rewarded with incredible views. Of all of the Royal Gorge activities available, you’ve got to include this one in your itinerary!
Hike to the incredible Point Alta Vista
Located minutes from our cabins and glamping tents, Point Alta Vista is another trail in the Royal Gorge Trail system. The new trail is 2 miles total in length (1 mile out, 1 mile back) and hikers and bikers will be rewarded with an incredible view of the Royal Gorge and the distant bridge from the decking of recently restored historic train trestles.
To access the trail, head west on Highway 50 a quarter mile turning left (south) on County Road 3A. After crossing the first cattle guard park in the parking lot on the right just before the road bends to the left. You’ll find a large trail map and pedestrian gate marking the trailhead for Point Alta Vista. A portion of the trail crosses private property, so please remain on the trail and pick up after pets. Thank you!
Scenic Drive through Historic Mining Towns
Take in scenic mountain valleys and picturesque mining towns on a loop drive through Cripple Creek and Victor, Colorado accessed via Hwy 9 and High Park Road. Located an hour from Royal Gorge Cabins, the Cripple Creek and Victor area boasts multiple museums harken back to when the two towns were bustling mining and gambling towns in the days of the old west. Check out the Vindicator Valley Trail, a history buffs dream, where you can get up close and view 1890s era mine and mill equipment.
After exploring Cripple Creek and Victor, head down historic Phantom Canyon Road. The gravel road features unique bridges and tunnels following the route of the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad. Continue into Florence, Colorado, and explore their many antique stores and local restaurants to get the full historic tour. Plan on a solid day for this outing including stops, meals, and activities. This driving route follows the Gold Belt Scenic and Historic Byway – see the Byway’s map with suggested travel route here.
Drive Scenic Skyline Drive
We should add the disclaimer that this scenic drive has been described by some as a bit hair-raising and not for the faint of heart! But, you’re here for a little adventure, right? Skyline Drive is a one-way road which starts about 3 miles west of town off highway 50. The drive ascends a narrow razor ridge that drops off hundreds of feet on either side of the road. You’re rewarded with wonderful views of the mountains around and Canon City below, and you’ll even find dinosaur footprints embedded in the cliffs above the road in one section. Comfortably sized pull-offs and interpretive signs are found here and there along the way, and it only adds 10 minutes or so to a drive from your cabin into Canon City. Add this quick side-trip to your list of Royal Gorge activities and you won’t be disappointed.
A Unique Royal Gorge Attraction – Try Visiting Bishop Castle
Located about 1.5 hours south and east of our cabins, and in the heart of a lush high mountain pine forest, is an impressive and bizarre castle 160 feet tall (and growing!) made of stone, mortar and iron. It was all built by Jim Bishop over the last 40+ years and counting; and includes a spiral staircase winding one up one of the turrets, bridges, stained glass, and even a fire-breathing dragon. The donation-based attraction often finds Mr. Bishop himself working on the growing castle. While it’s tough to classify this as one of our Royal Gorge attractions, it’s so unique and with a gorgeous scenic drive – and it’s where we always take our families when they visit, so we think you’ll enjoy it, too!
Plan Your Royal Gorge Activities
Whether you’re planning on staying in the Royal Gorge and Pikes Peak area for several days or for a week, we’ve got some pre-planned itineraries to take the guess work out of your Royal Gorge activities plans.
Day 1 – Minimum driving / Maximum fun
- Morning Half Day Royal Gorge raft trip
- Lunch on your cabin patio
- Hike Canyon Rim Trail near Royal Gorge
- Visit Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
- Dinner and drinks on patio of 8 Mile Bar & Grill
Day 2 – Leisurely Scenic Drive with Activities
- Morning scenic drive to Cripple Creek
- Tour Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
- Visit Cripple Creek Heritage and Info Center
- Lunch at one of numerous restaurants in town
- Take in one more museum: there are lots to choose from!
- Head back to cabin via Phantom Canyon Road scenic byway
Day 3 – Colorado Springs day of activities
- Early morning bike tour down Pikes Peak
- Lunch in Old Colorado City
- Zipline Tour in Manitou Springs
- Visit Garden of the Gods
- Dinner in Colorado Springs or at 8 Mile Bar & Grill
Day 4 – Keep it local – Make it easy
- Coffee at Bean Peddler in Canon City
- Visit antique shops of Florence, CO
- Lunch at Aspen Leaf Bakery in Florence
- Visit Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience Museum
- Check out Gold Mine Rock Shop across the road
- Dinner at 8 Mile Bar & Grill
