The Royal Gorge Bridge in Cañon City, Colorado, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the western United States. Built in 1929 and stretching 1,260 feet across the Arkansas River, this bridge remains the highest suspension bridge in America. With a height of 956 feet above the canyon floor, it offers scenic views of rugged landscapes, deep gorges, and mountain peaks.
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Visitors come for the bridge’s history, thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and nearby natural beauty. This guide provides complete details about Royal Gorge Bridge tickets, parking fees, hours, how to get there, and things to do nearby, giving you everything you need for a well-planned visit.
How to Get to Royal Gorge Bridge
Reaching the Royal Gorge Bridge is simple when you travel by car. The bridge lies about 6 miles west of Cañon City, which sits along U.S. Highway 50 in southern Colorado. Drivers from major Colorado cities can follow well-marked highways with clear signs to the park entrance.
From Denver, head south on Interstate 25 to Exit 135, which connects to South Academy Boulevard. Continue on CO-115 South toward Cañon City, then turn west on U.S. Route 50. As you approach Cañon City, signs direct you to turn south onto County Road 3A, which leads straight to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The total driving time from Denver is about 2 hours.
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From Colorado Springs, the route follows CO-115 South directly to U.S. Route 50 West. The drive takes about 1 hour. The roads remain in excellent condition throughout the year. Drivers pass scenic open plains, rolling foothills, and mountain valleys along the way.
Route offers straightforward navigation with minimal traffic outside of peak holiday weekends. All main highways remain open year-round, though winter travelers should watch for snow in higher elevations.
Closest Airport to Royal Gorge Bridge
Travelers arriving by air can choose between two main airports, depending on their location and flight options. The closest airport to Royal Gorge Bridge is Colorado Springs Airport (COS), located roughly 50 miles from the bridge. This regional airport serves direct flights from cities like Dallas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Chicago. Car rental counters at the terminal provide quick access to vehicles for the one-hour drive.
A second option is Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the busiest airports in the country. Although it lies about 120 miles from the bridge, many travelers fly into Denver because of its large number of daily flights and wider selection of car rental companies. The drive from Denver to the Royal Gorge takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, following the same route mentioned above.
Both airports offer convenient access to southern Colorado, and road conditions between either airport and the bridge remain good throughout the year.
Best Way to Travel to Royal Gorge Bridge
Most visitors choose to drive their own vehicles or rent a car, since no public buses or trains reach the Royal Gorge Bridge directly. The best way to travel to Royal Gorge Bridge is by car because it provides flexibility with time, stops, and access to nearby attractions.
A personal vehicle allows you to travel at your own pace. You can stop for meals in Cañon City, visit viewpoints along Highway 50, and return on your own schedule. The drive from Colorado Springs or Denver also includes several scenic spots ideal for quick breaks or photography.
For visitors already staying in Cañon City, some local companies run guided day tours to the bridge. These services may include hotel pickup, park admission, and commentary from local guides. These tours operate mostly during the summer and require reservations in advance.
Driving remains the most reliable method because it puts you in control and saves time compared to coordinating scheduled transportation.
Royal Gorge Bridge Hours of Operation
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park remains open all year, though the opening and closing hours change with the seasons to match daylight hours and weather conditions.
Current Operating Hours:
- Summer (June – August): 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Spring and Fall (March – May and September – November): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Winter (December – February): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Visitors can stay in the park until closing time, but ride operations such as the gondola, Skycoaster, and zip line may close earlier due to wind or weather concerns. These hours reflect general patterns, but exact times can change based on weather, maintenance schedules, or holidays.
Check the park’s official website or social media pages before arrival to confirm daily hours and any temporary closures.
Royal Gorge Bridge Tickets & Admission
Park offers several admission options for individuals, families, and groups. All tickets include access to the main bridge and basic attractions. Visitors can buy tickets at the gate or online.
General Admission Includes:
- Walking access to the suspension bridge all day
- Ride access to the Aerial Gondola, weather permitting
- Entry to the Plaza Theater to watch historical documentaries
- Access to Tommy Knocker Playland, a children’s play area
- Use of park walkways and overlooks with scenic views
Ticket Prices (2025 Rates):
- Adults (ages 13 and older): $30 per person
- Children (ages 6 to 12): $25 per child
- Children under 5: Free admission
- Seniors (60+) and Active Military: Discounts available with valid ID
Visitors can also purchase ride upgrades to include the Skycoaster or Royal Gorge Zip Line, which require an additional fee. Group rates apply to parties of 15 or more and must be arranged in advance.
Buying tickets online allows you to avoid long lines and sometimes grants access to special discounts or package deals.
Royal Gorge Bridge Parking Fee
Park offers free parking for all guests with valid admission tickets. No parking fee applies at the entrance or throughout the parking areas. The main parking lot is located just outside the Visitor Center, allowing guests to park within a short walking distance of the bridge and other attractions.
Visitors will find separate areas for cars, motorcycles, RVs, and tour buses. Parking attendants help guide vehicles during busy weekends or special events to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Designated parking spaces for disabled visitors are located near the main entrance and restrooms. These spaces meet ADA accessibility standards, and most major areas in the park are wheelchair-friendly.
Although the parking lot holds hundreds of vehicles, it often fills quickly on summer weekends or during public holidays. Arriving early helps ensure access to shaded spots or spaces closer to entrances.
Royal Gorge Bridge Photos & Best Viewpoints
Visitors often bring cameras or smartphones to capture photos of the canyon, bridge, and surrounding cliffs. The Royal Gorge Bridge provides several clear and dramatic viewpoints for photography throughout the park.
Center of the bridge offers the most dramatic photos, especially when taken facing either end. From here, guests can photograph the deep canyon floor, the Arkansas River below, and the long stretch of bridge cables overhead.
The Aerial Gondola provides another excellent photo opportunity. This slow-moving cable ride stretches across the gorge and allows views from a higher angle, ideal for wide shots or vertical frame captures of the canyon.
Near the Skycoaster platform, visitors can also shoot action photos of thrill riders swinging out over the canyon edge. This location works well for those who want both motion and scenery in their images.
For panoramic shots, the South Rim Observation Area provides a complete view of the bridge across the canyon, making it ideal for group photos or wide-angle shots.
Many visitors share their Royal Gorge Bridge photos on travel blogs or social media due to the remarkable scenery and colorful skies at sunrise or sunset.
Royal Gorge Bridge Visitor Info & Services
The Visitor Center serves as the main hub for information, services, and comfort needs. Staff at the front desk answer questions, assist with ticketing, and provide maps or guides for guests.
A large gift shop inside the building sells a wide variety of local souvenirs, apparel, snacks, and Colorado-themed items. Visitors often purchase magnets, shirts, hats, or small keepsakes that feature the bridge and park logo.
Several clean restroom facilities are located across the park. Some include baby-changing stations, and all meet modern sanitation standards. Drinking fountains and vending machines also help guests stay hydrated.
Food options include Bridge View BBQ, an outdoor dining patio offering grilled meals, and Café 1230, which serves sandwiches, salads, and beverages with seating overlooking the gorge.
Wheelchair access, stroller use, and pet restrictions are clearly marked. Pets are welcome in outdoor areas if kept on a leash. Pet waste bags are provided throughout the park.
The staff maintains the park grounds daily and remains available for assistance, first aid, and directions.
Royal Gorge Bridge: What to Do Nearby
Visitors can spend several hours at the bridge itself, but those with extra time will find many interesting activities near the park. The list below highlights some of the most popular things to do both inside and outside the park.
Inside the Park:
- Walk across the suspension bridge and take in the view from both directions.
- Ride the Aerial Gondola, which stretches from rim to rim and provides views not visible from the bridge.
- Try the Royal Rush Skycoaster, which swings riders in a giant arc out over the canyon’s edge.
- Bring kids to the Tommy Knocker Playland, a dedicated children’s play zone with a climbing wall, carousel, and rope play structures.
- Visit the Plaza Theater to watch educational films about the construction of the bridge and the history of the region.
Nearby the Park:
- Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which follows the river at the bottom of the canyon and offers meals, open-air cars, and luxury seating options.
- Book a whitewater rafting tour along the Arkansas River, known for its Class III–V rapids depending on the season.
- Visit the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, a museum and outdoor park with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, fossil exhibits, and rope courses for kids.
- Walk or cycle scenic trails like Point Alta Vista, which gives visitors a peaceful view of the gorge away from crowds.
- Visit local restaurants and shops in downtown Cañon City, located just 15 minutes away from the park.
With clear knowledge of Royal Gorge Bridge tickets, parking fees, how to get there, and things to do nearby, you can plan your visit with full confidence. Whether come for a few hours or a full day, the Royal Gorge Bridge leaves a strong and lasting impression.
FAQs
1. What is the Royal Gorge Bridge and where is it located?
The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the United States, standing 956 feet above the Arkansas River and stretching 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge in Cañon City, Colorado. Built in 1929, it is a popular tourist attraction known for its dramatic canyon views and thrilling attractions. The bridge is part of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, a 360-acre privately owned theme park that offers gondola rides, skycoasters, zip lines, and walking trails along the gorge rim.
2. How much does it cost to visit the Royal Gorge Bridge?
Admission prices for the Royal Gorge Bridge vary depending on age and optional add-ons. General admission includes access to the bridge, aerial gondola, visitor center, Plaza Theater, and Tommy Knocker Playland. As of 2025:
- Adults (13+): $30
- Children (6–12): $25
- Children under 5: Free
- Seniors and Military (with ID): Discounted
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online, and additional attractions like the Skycoaster and Zip Line require separate ride tickets.
3. What are the park hours for the Royal Gorge Bridge?
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is open every day of the year, but the hours change seasonally:
- Summer (June–August): 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Spring/Fall (March–May, Sept–Nov): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Winter (Dec–Feb): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early during summer months to avoid heat and crowds. Hours for individual rides may vary based on weather or maintenance.
4. Is parking available at the Royal Gorge Bridge, and is there a fee?
Yes, the Royal Gorge Bridge offers free parking for all guests. The parking lot is large and located directly outside the visitor entrance. It can accommodate standard cars, RVs, and tour buses. Handicap-accessible parking spots are available near the entrance, and parking staff help manage flow during peak hours. No reservation is required for parking.
5. How do I get to the Royal Gorge Bridge from Denver or Colorado Springs?
From Denver, take I-25 South to CO-115 South, then head west on U.S. Highway 50 to Cañon City. From there, turn left onto County Road 3A, which leads directly to the park entrance. The drive from Denver takes about 2 hours.
From Colorado Springs, take CO-115 South to U.S. Highway 50 West, then follow signs to County Road 3A. This drive takes about 1 hour. Roads are paved and maintained year-round, though winter travelers should watch for snow or icy patches.
6. What attractions and activities are inside the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park?
The park includes several attractions in addition to the bridge itself:
- Aerial Gondola ride across the gorge
- Royal Rush Skycoaster swing over the canyon
- Zip Line ride across the Royal Gorge
- Plaza Theater showing bridge history documentaries
- Tommy Knocker Playland for kids
- Observation decks, trails, and scenic overlooks
Visitors can also dine at Bridge View BBQ or Café 1230 and browse the gift shop inside the Visitor Center.
7. Are pets allowed at the Royal Gorge Bridge?
Yes, pets are allowed in most outdoor areas of the park as long as they are on a leash at all times. The park provides pet waste disposal stations throughout. Pets are not allowed inside buildings or on certain rides like the gondola or Skycoaster. There are also shaded areas and kennels available near the entrance for guests who wish to secure their pets during indoor activities.
8. Is the Royal Gorge Bridge wheelchair accessible?
Yes, most parts of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park are ADA-compliant and accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The bridge itself has wooden planks that can be navigated by wheelchairs and strollers, and shuttles or golf carts are sometimes available to assist guests with mobility concerns. Accessible restrooms and parking are located near the entrance and key areas within the park.
9. Can I take photos at the Royal Gorge Bridge?
Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras or smartphones to take photos throughout the park. Popular photo spots include:
- The center of the bridge, with a dramatic drop to the canyon floor
- Observation points along both rims
- The Aerial Gondola, which offers overhead shots of the canyon
- Near the Skycoaster, where action photos are common
Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting. Drones are not allowed inside the park without special permission.
10. What are the best things to do nearby the Royal Gorge Bridge?
The Royal Gorge region offers several nearby attractions worth visiting:
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad, offering scenic train rides along the canyon floor
- Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River
- Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, a museum and outdoor park for families
- Hiking trails like Point Alta Vista and Fremont Peak
- Local dining and historic shops in downtown Cañon City
These options allow visitors to spend a full day or weekend enjoying the area around the bridge.
