Enjoy a Picnic With a View
Bring a picnic and enjoy views at the Royal Gorge
Colorado is known for its mountain scenery and fresh air, making any spot in our state perfect for an outdoor picnic with a stunning view. One of the best picnic spots in Colorado is in the Royal Gorge Region where you can enjoy views of the great depths of the Royal Gorge, mountains stretching along the horizon, and plenty of wildlife to watch. So pack your picnic basket and fill your water bottles for these perfect picnic places found in and around the Royal Gorge.
Overlook Spots to Picnic
Elkhorn Loop near the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Entrance
As you turn off the main highway to head towards the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, pull off at the Elkhorn Loop overlook near the entrance of the park. This picnic site is situated perfectly atop a vista for an incredible view of the Royal Gorge Bridge and surrounding Colorado landscape.
The picnic areas at Elkhorn Loop offers shaded seating areas for hot days or open spots to soak up the sun as you snack on your grab-n-go meal. Find picnic tables situated among evergreen shrubs and trees where you can spot various species of birds. Or if you are lucky enough, it is possible deer and big horn sheep can be seen from a distance in the Royal Gorge.
From this great picnic spot at Elkhorn Loop, you can look out to the impressive Royal Gorge Bridge suspended 956 feet over the gorge, stretching from rim to rim. For those who choose Elkhorn Loop, stunning views are the perfect match for your picnic in Colorado.
Cliff Side Patio
Heading into the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, you can find many places to enjoy a snack or meal. With the purchase of a general admission ticket, there are plenty of shaded areas or sunny spots to fuel up for your day of adventures.
Before crossing the Royal Gorge Bridge, stop by the Cliff Side Patio for snacks and beverages. Check out the overlook point that shows the entire park from the riders swinging over the Royal Gorge on our Skycoaster to the flyers on the zip line. Stopping to picnic at Cliff Side Patio will load you and your family up with excitement as you watch riders, the aerial gondola, and other guests crossing the bridge! And keep your eye out for the brave climbers conquering the Royal Gorge on our Via Ferrata course.
After your picnic, head across the 1,270 wooden planks of the Royal Gorge Bridge to the south side where more fun and adventures await!
Guests visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, but not into any of our restaurants. We are happy to accommodate guests with our picnic areas for their convenience. So pack you picnic and head to the Royal Gorge where you can find the best picnic spots with a view!
Best Family Picnic Spots
Tommy Knocker Play Land
One of the best spots to picnic, especially for the kiddos in the family, inside the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is the seating area near the Tommy Knocker Play Land. During the summer, cool off with some Dippin’ Dots ice cream before or after watching the kiddos climb, crawl and slide their way through our play land, which is included with admission to the park.
Juniper Junction 
If you’re looking for an open seating style to picnic, Juniper Junction is open to anyone as long as it is not reserved for an event. This covered pavilion within the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park will keep you cooled off and comfortable for your picnic. During summer months, you can catch the sounds of live entertainment and other events to keep you and your family buzzing with excitement as you stop for a lunch break.
Outside Gate Pavilion
Another place to picnic with the kids is the Outside Gate Pavilion near the entrance to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. This spot also offers shade from the Colorado sun as you snack on your picnic and let the kids run and play around the natural terrain. You can find this picnic pavilion just outside the park entrance.