Cañon City, Florence | COME TO LIFE Royal Gorge Region Flying High in the Royal Gorge Bridge Adventurers are drawn to the region for epic rock climbing, mountain biking, ziplining, fishing and river rafting, as well as a scene rich in geology, archaeology and history. ROYAL GORGE BRIDGE AND PARK/EVE NAGODE. The 10-mile-long Royal Gorge sports the nation’s highest suspension bridge, dangling 1,000-plus feet above the crashing Arkansas River, but that’s not the only reason to visit Cañon City and nearby Florence. For unmatched views of the area and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, hike or bike along four restored train trestles on the new mile-long Point Alta Vista Trail. Or, find incredible fishing on the Arkansas’ Gold Medal trout waters. Since the region is more temperate than other parts of Colorado, the weather is comfortable for many activities year-round. Towering above the Arkansas is the famous Royal Gorge Bridge. Navigate the rapids beneath on a guided whitewater-raft trip, slide along sky-high cables with Royal Gorge Zipline Tours or find thrills at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park’s attractions, including the world’s longest single-span aerial gondola. Families looking to make memories can take a fun, scenic excursion on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, while the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience delights kids of all ages with interactive displays, hands-on exhibits and fossils. Walkable downtown Cañon City has shops, a public-art program and locally loved eateries like Nirvana Culinary Paradise and Fremont Provisions. Or savor the region’s apples and other bounties at farmers’ markets. Legends of gold rushers, agriculture pioneers and even dinosaurs proliferate in the region. The self-guided Fremont County Heritage Tours and the Skyline Drive dinosaur tour can help you dig in. Treasure hunters beeline to Florence, a lovely nearby town with extensive antique shopping, art galleries and specialty shops. COLORADO . COM 129
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2023: Page 129
