Top Adventures in the Arkansas Valley
Things To Do Outdoors in Southern Colorado
Looking for an exhilarating adventure and a heart-pounding good time? Well, you’re in for a treat when you adventure in the Royal Gorge Region of Southern Colorado! Get ready to experience an adrenaline rush like never before with an array of thrilling activities and incredible heights that will leave you breathless along the Arkansas River.
Thrilling Rides at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is the Arkansas Valley’s iconic destination. At our park, natural beauty meets a man-made marvel as America’s Highest Suspension Bridge spans from rim to rim 956 over the gorge. Crossing the bridge and riding our attractions give you an incredible bird’s eye view of the Royal Gorge. Check out the most adrenaline-pumping zip line in Colorado, our Cloudscraper Zipline, which is the highest in America!. Also, because no day of adventure is complete without an extra dose of excitement, don’t miss out on the Royal Rush Skycoaster. Soar at speeds of up to 50 mph, swinging stomach-first at a whopping 1,200 feet above the roaring Arkansas River.
Make the most of living in Colorado or visi often with the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park’s Season Pass options, which include park admission for the Royal Gorge Bridge, discounts on the Skycoaster and the Cloudscraper Zip Line all year long, and more! Your thrilling journey awaits in the Royal Gorge region – get ready for a day filled with excitement, breathtaking views, and unforgettable memories!
Exercise and Climb at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Looking for a fun way to get your cardio workout while enjoying the outdoors of Colorado? The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is not just a walk in the park. With mountainous terrain, not only do you witness beautiful views of the gorge and surrounding landscapes but you’ll get a workout by walking around the park. From the Visitor Center entrance, across the gorge via our Aerial Gondola, and around to cross the Royal Gorge Bridge, the walk is almost a mile long with a 300-foot elevation gain. Not only will the views of the Arkansas River 956 feet below get your heart beating, this loop in our park will give you a great day of exercise in Colorado’s fresh air.
Our most hands-on adventure in the Royal Gorge is the Via Ferrata course. This guided climbing experience along the Royal Gorge takes you on a journey through colossal granite walls using a cutting-edge cable system that puts safety first. Feel the thrill as you clip on and off with ease using sturdy cables and steel rungs while conquering both horizontal and vertical rock climbing.
As you navigate the course, you’ll encounter a mini suspension bridge, a brief hike into the gorge, the thunderous Arkansas River below, and the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge soaring above. These unique scenic vistas are exclusive to Southern Colorado, offering a visual feast like no other. Perfect for both novice climbers and seasoned rock enthusiasts, the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata blends hiking and vertical climbing for an adventure that’s as thrilling as it is awe-inspiring.
The Arkansas Valley boasts plenty of outdoor adventures for those in Southern Colorado looking for the best activities. The Royal Gorge is often called “The Grand Canyon of the Arkansas,” loved for its stunning vertical views, diverse wildlife, and iconic attractions. Read along in this month’s blog about all there is to do on the waters of the Arkansas River and around the Royal Gorge Region.
Royal Gorge Rafting, Drives, and More
Embark on a wild journey down the Arkansas River, which boasts some of the best rafting not just in the state, but in the entire country! This river offers the most commercial rafting tours and experiences in the country with plenty of guided tours available. With rapids ranging from class II to V, there’s no shortage of white-knuckle moments on this incredible river through the Royal Gorge. Whether you opt for a full-day or half-day excursion, the excitement is guaranteed. Don’t miss the view above of America’s Highest Suspension Bridge as you raft the waters of the Arkansas River.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the Royal Gorge Region is also renowned for its rich fossil finds and fascinating prehistoric history. Take a scenic drive up Skyline Drive to witness the famous dinosaur tracks or visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park’s neighbors at the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience. Witness the views along Skyline Drive by car, motorcycle, or even a Segway, and brace yourself for an exhilarating journey. However you decide to travel, the breathtaking views of the Arkansas Valley make it all worthwhile.
As you descend Skyline Drive, be sure to spot the parking area for one of Cañon City’s newest hiking and mountain biking trail systems. Offering a variety of trails, from wide dirt paths to technical steep trails, these trails cater to all adventure enthusiasts. Take the Graneros trail up to meet Old Skyline Drive, then choose between cruising down the paved road or navigating the dirt trails back to the parking area. For those new to cycling, the “Greenhorn” double-track is a beginner-friendly path that runs from north to south. Be sure to check out more hiking and biking trails near the entrance to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.
One-Stop Adventure Destination in Southern Colorado
The Arkansas Valley stands as a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering a myriad of exhilarating activities that promise unforgettable moments. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, with its iconic suspension bridge and heart-stopping attractions, serves as the epicenter of adrenaline-pumping experiences. From the Cloudscraper Zip Line and Royal Rush Skycoaster to the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata, visitors are treated to unparalleled views and a rush of excitement that lingers long after the adventure concludes.
The park isn’t merely a thrilling playground; it doubles as a scenic fitness arena. The mile-long loop, featuring a 300-foot elevation gain, ensures that visitors not only savor breathtaking views but also engage in a fulfilling cardio workout amidst Colorado’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re soaring above the Royal Gorge, navigating the Arkansas River’s rapids, or exploring prehistoric landscapes, the Arkansas Valley proves itself as a treasure trove of outdoor excitement. From the heights of the Royal Gorge Bridge to the depths of the river, every adventure in this Southern Colorado haven leaves an indelible mark, inviting you to return for more thrills, stunning vistas, and cherished memories.