Dog-Friendly Adventures in Southern Colorado for the Whole Family
Things To Do with the Whole Family this Fall
When we say the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is family friendly, we mean it! Like many places throughout our dog-friendly state of Colorado, our park welcomes friendly, leashed dogs throughout the park. Bring your fur baby along for a family adventure, from crossing America’s Highest Suspension Bridge to gliding across the gorge on our Aerial Gondola. If you are looking for the perfect family day outside to spend Fall Break, there are plenty of fun things for kids to do at our park, like the Tommy Knocker Playland, Cloudscraper Zip Line, and more. So pack the hiking boots and leashes to enjoy an adventure together at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park! Here are a few dog-friendly adventures at our park and across Southern Colorado to spend a day with the whole family – even your furry family members!
Dog-Friendly Things To Do at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
1. Come Across the Royal Gorge Bridge
Create new memories with your whole family as you brave the heights of the Royal Gorge Bridge! At 956 feet above the roaring Arkansas River, America’s Highest Suspension Bridge is found at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. This bridge has never been part of a highway or road system but was built for the sole purpose of enjoying the incredible views of nature. Walk the wooden planks across the Royal Gorge with your furry sidekick! All will enjoy the fresh Colorado breeze and wonderful views from the bridge. Access to cross the bridge is included in your general admission ticket.
2. Ride the Aerial Gondola
When entering the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park through the Visitor’s Center, load up in our Aerial Gondola! The gondola is a gentle glide 2,200 feet across the Royal Gorge. At 1,200 feet in the air, our Aerial Gondola is the longest single-span tram systems in America. From the sky above to the winding Arkansas River below, the floor-to-ceiling windows in our gondola cars give you the best views of the Royal Gorge, the bridge, and the mountains. This is one of the most popular rides in Southern Colorado and is included in your general admission to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park! Leashed, friendly pets are allowed to ride in the gondola cars at the operator’s discretion.
Colorado is known for its dog-friendliness! Don’t leave your fur baby at home as you explore the best parts of our state. There are plenty of adventures that your furry sidekick can tag along, including a day spent at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. From allowing dogs on the Royal Gorge Bridge and the Aerial Gondola to water and potty stations for dogs around our park, we strive to welcome your entire family! Read more in our blog about how you can enjoy your visit to the Royal Gorge Region in Southern Colorado with the whole family, including your furriest family members!
3. Hike the Royal Gorge Region
Happy paws, happy trails! Get your energetic dog out of the car and on the trail. There are a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails in the Royal Gorge Region. Explore the intertwining trails of the Royal Gorge Park Trails System! Our local community works hard to keep these trails in tip-top shape for your enjoyment. You’ll discover beautiful overlooks of the Royal Gorge and the suspension bridge in the distance that spans rim-to-rim! The trails opened in 2018 and gives hikers and bikers more than 17 miles of singletrack to roam. Explore the natural terrain and gorgeous views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Arkansas River, and the incredible Royal Gorge Region. As the high elevation mountains get packed with snow this upcoming winter season, you will enjoy our temperate climate of the Royal Gorge for hiking and biking all year long!
Out of all the trail options in Southern Colorado, the best choice is the Canyon Rim Trail, which was the first-ever trail built around the Royal Gorge. Park at the Canyon Rim Trailhead located on County Road 3A, near the entrance to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. This hiking trail delivers fantastic views of the Royal Gorge, including unique viewpoints of the Royal Gorge Bridge. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled to spot the Arkansas River winding through the rock walls of the gorge! Dogs must be kept on a leash along these trails as wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and snakes, are common in our area.
4. Grab a Treat on the Patio at Café 1230
All that adventuring at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park can make you hungry – and your pet thirsty! Come by the patio at Café 1230 near the entrance of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and grab a fresh drink for you and your pup. We serve locally brewed craft beer, including Bristol Brewing Company’s Laughing Lab for all dog lovers 21 years and older! Our staff works to provide fresh and clean water bowls for our four-legged guests. Café 1230 is one of several dining options at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. You can sit and relax on our outdoor patio to take in the stunning views of the Royal Gorge while your pup relaxes after his day at the park. Fuel up for more adventures with a burger or salad, coffee, and more on the menu at this dining location.