These Colorado Canyons and Gorges Have the Most Breathtaking Depths

There’s no feeling quite like carefully peering over the edge of a cliff as wind brushes up your face and your mind tries to comprehend the sheer depth below. An exhilarating rush of adrenaline might leave the palms of your hands sweaty, but a sense of accomplishment comes with conquering the heights of a canyon or gorge in Colorado.

Here are a few canyons and gorges around Colorado that may give you that butterfly feeling in your stomach along with breathtaking views. 

The Royal Gorge

Meticulously carved over millions of years by the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge is considered one of the most thrilling destinations in Colorado. Along with adventurous opportunities for rafting, hiking and mountain biking in the Royal Gorge Region, you can also conquer adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. 

The Royal Gorge is filled with several iconic features you can’t miss. The most impressive of these is The Royal Gorge Bridge. At an astonishing 956 feet above the Arkansas River, this suspension bridge spans the gorge nearly a quarter-mile long.

Wondering how to conquer this bridge? For the “take your time, look at the beautiful views” adventurer, you can walk the 1,257 wooden planks of the bridge or gently glide over the depths of the gorge on the Aerial Gondola.

For those looking for an adrenaline lift, you can soar over the gorge on the Cloudscraper Zip Line and fly over the cliff’s edge on the Royal Rush Skycoaster.

And if you’re feeling extra adventurous and need that rush in your gut, accompanied by a moment of “what was I thinking?!” you can find it on the guided Via Ferrata tour. With safety harnesses (of course), iron rungs along the route, a mini suspension bridge, and a trained mountain guide, you’ll be fully geared up to conquer the Royal Gorge.

The Royal Gorge is a natural wonder complete with all the thrills your heart desires. When you visit this gorge in Colorado, you can’t miss the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. You’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime from the breathtaking depths of the gorge to the mountainous views, exhilarating rides, and more.

To visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, purchase your daily admission here. Your ticket includes access to the Royal Gorge Bridge, a ride on the Aerial Gondola, and more.

 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Preserve

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of four national parks in Colorado and features an overwhelmingly deep, steep, and narrow canyon. Your eyes will have to adjust as you look from one of several viewpoints into the dark depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison along the dark, sheer cliff walls.

The air that rushes up the rock walls from the rapid Colorado River 2,722 feet below will leave you breathless and wanting more. The textures and colors of the rock walls of Black Canyon of the Gunnison show you a glimpse into prehistoric times. The Painted Wall is the canyon’s signature view as Precambrian gneiss and schist rock highlight bright-colored veins against dark, granite rock. The views above and below, the wind and other sounds of nature, and the colors of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison create a breathtaking experience.

Glenwood Canyon

One of the more rugged canyons in Colorado is found in the lush forest of Glenwood Canyon. Despite the Grizzly Creek fire burn scar, there are plenty of heart-stopping views through one of the most renowned canyons in the state. From the Gold Medal Waters designation of the Colorado River for fly fishing in this canyon, to the 16.3-mile paved recreation path for walking, running, and cycling, Glenwood Canyon offers an adventure to anyone wanting to explore.

It’s time to hop in your car, get a hot cup of coffee, find your best playlist and take a drive to one of Colorado’s most breathtaking gorges and canyons.