The Royal Gorge Region: The Warmer Side of Winter

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If you're seeking warmer climates in the colder months, visit the Royal Gorge region, where temperatures tend to stay warmer, thanks to the region's banana belt location. Your whole family can enjoy the area with trips to see dinosaurs, outdoor experiences and more.

Sustainability Activity
Travel Like a Local

There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Day
1
Activity
Stroll along the Arkansas River

Stroll along Cañon City’s Arkansas Riverwalk Trail, which follows the Arkansas River for more than seven miles, winding through wetlands, groves of cottonwoods and the John Griffin Regional Park — a nature area located in central Cañon City. This is an ideal trail for those looking for a leisurely walk with beautiful scenery.

bunk house burgers in cañon city photo
Lunch
Bunk House Burgers
Bunk House Burgers is a locally owned, family partnership that is proud of its ranching history.
Activity
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey has been making its own wines since 2002 and has won over 100 awards and medals in prestigious international wine…
Dinner
Momo Sushi Bar, Wok & Grill
Treat yourself today from our pan-Asian Kitchen or Sushi Bar Menu offering over 100 specialty items.
Activity
Whitewater Bar & Grill
The Whitewater Bar & Grill, Royal Gorge Rafting & Zipline tours make the perfect combination to any Colorado vacation! The Whitewater Bar & Grill is…
Insider's Tip
Grab a Cold One

Have an ice-cold beer in a Mason jar at Whitewater Bar and Grill before heading off to bed. 

Lodging
Royal Gorge Cabins
Royal Gorge Cabins offers 9 luxury cabin rentals in 1- and 2-bedroom sizes, as well as glamping tent rentals. Located 1 hour from Colorado Springs…
Day
2
Breakfast
The Bean Pedaler
Craft coffee, manual brews, espresso bar, signature drinks, real fruit and green tea smoothies, Italian Sodas, house made pastries, bicycles, good…
Activity
The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience
Experience the ultimate dinosaur adventure and home of the world-famous 'Bone Wars'! Come learn why our area is famous for dinos in a fun, guided…
Activity
Go Antiquing

Head to Florence, Colorado’s antique capital to peruse more than a dozen antique stores.

Dinner
Papa's Pizza
Papa's Restaurant has the best pizza in Florence and Fremont County, Colorado. Calzones, pasta, salads and sandwiches--all Excellent! Call…
Activity
Green Parrot Lounge
The Parrot — booze and food, wifi, pool tables, dart boards, shuffle boards and video games.
Lodging
Lark Landing B&B
Lark Landing B&B is a luxury guest retreat offering an exclusive private suite overlooking the Arkansas River.
Day
3
Breakfast
Two Sisters Restaurant
Homestyle and Mexican food. Breakfast (served all day), lunch and dinner. Friendly and clean atmosphere.
Activity
Climb Your Way to New Heights

Believe it or not, it’s entirely possible to go rock climbing in Cañon City during the winter and just north of town is Shelf Road, one of Colorado’s finest climbing areas. Grab your gear at Red Canyon Cycles or book a climbing trip with Rock-N-Row.

Lunch
Diritos Italian Restaurant
DiRito's Italian Restaurant proudly offers their daily homemade bread, signature roasted garlic, homemade meatballs and sausage, as well as numerous…
Activity
Fremont Center for the Arts
Rotating, multi-media fine art shows by regional artists along with classes, interactive cultural activities and historical displays for children…
Dinner
World's End Brewing Company
This locally loved Cañon City brew pub boasts a wide array of craft brews — from fruit beers and coffee stouts to ales and pilsners — as well as a…
Activity
Get Spooked

Take a nighttime self-guided tour of cemeteries in Fremont County for some spooky fun. Fremont County cemeteries date back to 1865, 11 years before statehood in 1876 but four years after Colorado became a territory in 1861 so there is plenty of history to explore.

Lodging
Bighorn Mountaintop Lodge
With a rustic fireplace, three bedrooms, two baths, a spacious modern kitchen, and laundry facilities, an overnight or extended honeymoon at the…