The Royal Gorge Train – A Journey Through Time
The Majestic Royal Gorge Train
If you are looking for a unique and memorable adventure in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, look no further than the Royal Gorge Train Railroad. This isn’t just a commute; it’s a living history lesson draped in some of the most dramatic geology in the American West. While many modern travelers view transit as a hurdle to overcome, this train reminds us that the journey is the destination.
The train travels to the western terminus in Parkdale, Colorado, where it turns around. During its travel, the train goes under the Royal Gorge suspension bridge, by the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, and across the hanging bridge, all while in the Royal Gorge. In addition to these amazing attractions, you can expect to see some spectacular sights, such as an assortment of wildlife, river rafters, and the amazing canyon. Sign up with Alpenglow Adventure Tours for group discounts, package deals, and door-to-door service.
What Makes the Experience Special?
The magic of the Royal Gorge Route lies in its proximity to the elements. The most famous landmark along the route is the “Hanging Bridge.” Built in 1879, this engineering marvel suspended the track over the rushing Arkansas River where the canyon walls were too narrow to support a traditional roadbed. It remains a symbol of the “can-do” spirit of the Old West.
As the train meanders through the 10-mile-long canyon,
passengers are treated to stunning views of towering 1,000-foot granite cliffs that seem to close in around the vintage cars. The Open-Air Observation Cars provide an immersive experience, allowing you to breathe in the crisp mountain air and hear the roar of the river just feet away. It’s a sensory experience that modern travel—sanitized by highway speeds and pressurized airplane cabins—simply cannot replicate. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, which are frequently spotted perched on the rocky ledges.
Classes of Service: Tailoring Your Journey
The railroad offers a variety of fares to suit different styles, whether you’re looking for a casual family outing or a high-end culinary experience:
Vista Dome Car
Ride in the modern Vista Dome car. This car has wrap-around dome windows that open up an overhead view of the canyon not seen from a traditional window. All Vista Dome guests have access to the open-air car.
Deluxe Class
Ride in style via the Deluxe Class seating. Experience one of the traditionally restored Victorian-style railcars. . Guests have access to the open-air car.
Coach
Ride in comfort via Coach class. Relax in a modern cushion seat and take in the vistas via a large window. All Coach class guests have access to the open-air car.
First Class Dining
For foodies, the train offers multi-course lunch and dinner journeys. Featuring “Colorado-sourced” ingredients, you can enjoy locally raised beef or fresh trout while white-linen service elevates the entire atmosphere.
The 403 Grill:
A more casual dining option where you can grab a burger or a local craft beer to enjoy while the scenery rolls by.
Seasonal Magic and Adventure Combos
The train isn’t just a summer activity. In the winter, it transforms into the Santa Express Train, a locally famous holiday tradition. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas, sip hot cocoa, and sing carols as the train journeys to the “North Pole” deep in the gorge to pick up Santa himself.
For those who want a faster pace, the “Bridge & Rail” package is the ultimate Colorado day trip. You can spend your morning crashing through Class III and IV rapids on the Arkansas River with a professional guide and your afternoon drying off with a cold drink in a luxury rail car. It provides a fascinating “before and after” perspective, seeing the canyon from the water level and then from the stability of the rails.
Beyond the Tracks: Exploring the Region
Cañon City is the gateway to some of the most unique geography in the state. Just minutes from the train station, you can stand on the Royal Gorge Bridge, America’s highest suspension bridge, or drive the narrow, white-knuckle ridge known as Skyline Drive for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
If you are staying in Colorado’s famous resort areas, the Royal Gorge is an excellent southern excursion. While the glitz of Aspen or the high-alpine charm of Crested Butte offers world-class skiing and luxury shopping, a trip down to the Royal Gorge provides a completely different ecological and historical perspective.
From the Summit County hubs of Breckenridge and Silverthorne, a scenic two-hour drive south through the sweeping vistas of South Park (the actual geographic basin!) brings you right to the station. It is the perfect “off-mountain” day trip for visitors who want to trade the snow-capped peaks for the spectacular, ancient depths of the Royal Gorge.
History of the Royal Gorge Route
In the late 1870s, there was a race to build rail to access the Leadville district in the pursuit of ore rich in lead and silver. This attracted the Rio Grande and the Santa Fe railroads; both had tracks in the lower Arkansas valley. This conflicting interest turned into the historical Royal Gorge War. After some gunfire and a Supreme Court rulings, an out-of-court agreement was reached called the “Treaty of Boston” (Boston was the corporate home of the Santa Fe Train). This ended all litigation and gave the Denver and Rio Grande (D&RG) back its railroad. D&RG paid Sante Fe $1.8M for the railroad it had built in the Gorge. The railway finally reached Leadville on July 20th, 1880.
The Era of The Passenger Train
In 1882 the Royal Gorge Route became the transcontinental rail link between Denver and Salt Lake. The rails were ultimately standardized to facilitate the foreign line cars and remain so today. The era of the passenger train began in 1880 and continued through 1967. The advent of passenger cars, planes, and buses contributed to the downfall of the Royal Gorge passenger train. The final blow to this era came when the U.S. Post Office canceled the mail contract with the train.
In 1996 the Union Pacific Railroad decided that portions of the track, at the time 221 miles, were no longer needed. Of this excess, the portion between Canon City and Sage, approximately 160 miles east of Gypsum, would be abandoned and converted to Rails to Trails.
Colorado Governor Roy Romer told the Union Pacific Railroad that the state would not oppose the abandonment provided the 12 miles from Canon City to Parkdale was intact. Romer wanted the line through the Royal Gorge to be available as a means for tourists to see the magnificent natural gorge from the river level.
The Royal Gorge Express (RGX) purchased the 12 miles of line, including the track, bridges, and other improvements, from Union Pacific in 1998. The success of RGX has much to do with its association with Georgetown Loop company. The guidance of the “Loop” which had been in the business of running a scenic train for 25 years at that time, contributed greatly to the development and success of the Royal Gorge Scenic Train.
