1. The Park Is Home to One of the World’s Highest Suspension Bridges — and One of Colorado’s Most Iconic Natural Wonders
The Royal Gorge Bridge rises 956 feet above the roaring Arkansas River and extends 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge, a 10-mile-long canyon characterized by over 1,000-foot tall, red-granite walls. While the bridge was built in 1929, the Arkansas River began carving the gorge more than 3 million years ago. In fact, the waterway continues its work today — increasing the Royal Gorge’s depth by about 1 foot every 2,500 years. Flanked by Colorado’s famous blue skies and the majestic Rocky Mountains, the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” is a sight you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
2. You Can Walk Across the Bridge or Glide Across In an Aerial Gondola
There are multiple ways to experience the grandeur of the gargantuan Royal Gorge Bridge. Stroll across to stand 956 feet above the Arkansas, marvel at the structure’s complex engineering and peer over the edge to spot whitewater rafters cruising the rapids down below. Or glide across to soak up jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramas of the rugged canyon and neighboring mountains from the comfort of a slick aerial gondola.
3. A Once-In-a-Lifetime Thrill Awaits on the Cloudscraper Ziprider & Royal Rush Skycoaster
The Cloudscraper ZipRider is North America’s highest zipline and allows intrepid visitors to soar 1,200 feet above the Arkansas using the latest harness and breaking systems. The Royal Rush Skycoaster, which drops visitors in a 50-mile-per-hour free fall and dangles them above the river, is another stomach-flipping experience. Up to three people can embark on the ride together — so you don’t have to brave the coaster alone!