Spring Travels in the Royal Gorge Region

3
 days
Share:

Hit the trails and check out some dinosaur fossils and other great geological wonders in the Royal Gorge Region.

Sustainability Activity
Help Eliminate Hunger

Donate food to the Pantry of Fremont, a 100-percent volunteer and donation-based pantry providing food for those in need in Fremont County. Call ahead for donations.

Insider's Tip
Fossil Crazy

Some of the United States' biggest dinosaur bones were first discovered in Garden Park, a few miles north of Cañon City. This entire region is filled with geological wonders, including easily accessible fossils near some of the region's most popular attractions.

Day
1
Activity
Go on a Heritage Tour

Discover the rich geological history of the Royal Gorge Region on a rocks and fossils self-guided tour. The Fremont County Heritage Commission has published a booklet that guides you through Fremont County with stops at significant geological locations.

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 Gold Mine Rock Shop
Are you interested in purchasing rocks and gems of superior quality? Do you fancy becoming a collector or someone who makes jewelry using high…
Dinner
Old Mission Mexican Restaurant
Old Mission aims to provide an exceptional New Mexican home style food and dining experience for Cañon City and the surrounding areas by going above…
Activity
Museum of Colorado Prisons
Cañon City in southern Colorado is the home of the Museum of Colorado Prisons, a showcase of the atmosphere and exhibits of days, staff and inmates…
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…
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
Hike or Bike the Royal Gorge Bridge Trails

Completed in 2018, this network traverses the gorge’s rim and surrounding hills, giving hikers and mountain bikers more than 17 miles of singletrack to explore and incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Arkansas River as their backdrop.

Lunch
Pizza Madness
One of the best pizza places and restaurants in Canon City! Come enjoy award winning, handcrafted pizza, fresh salads, made to order calzones and…
Activity
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is open daily. Marvel at awe-inspiring panoramic views from one of the world's highest suspension bridges and enjoy more…
Dinner
Cafe 1230 at the Royal Gorge Bridge
Ever eaten pizza 1,230 feet above a roaring river and extraordinary gorge? Have a slice at Café 1230, one of the most scenic restaurants in Colorado.
Activity
Take a Dusk Drive

The Royal Gorge Region is full of historic buildings. Take a drive at dusk and explore them all. This list of Fremont County’s National Register of Historic Places offers addresses, dates added to the register, property names and images. Or, check out our heritage guides for several self-guided tours.

Lodging
Florence Rose Bed & Breakfast
Located 15 minutes from The Royal Gorge Bridge & Train in Florence, the antique capital of Southern Colorado. Come relax in our hot tub gazebo as the…
Day
3
Breakfast
Two Sisters Restaurant
Homestyle and Mexican food. Breakfast (served all day), lunch and dinner. Friendly and clean atmosphere.
Activity
Hike the Hogbacks

Within Hogsbacks Open Space Park's rocks lies layers of fossils and remnants of an inland sea that covered Colorado millions of years ago. Bikers can ride the Graneros Trail, which winds along the Dakota Ridge formation. It flows and is fun with a couple of technical sections.

Lunch
Aspen Leaf Bakery and Cafe
Our mission is to provide fast, friendly and consistent service to the town of Florence and any visitors along the way. We hope to provide delicious…
Activity
Hike the Redemption Trail at Temple Canyon Park

Temple Canyon Park, just south of Cañon City, is a treasure for anyone looking to avoid crowds and explore a gorgeous, natural landscape. Follow the Redemption Trail, and you’ll discover the “temple,” which the canyon is named after. This rock alcove was formed by the continual seepage of water into small fissures in the rock and may have been used by the Ute Indian Tribe as a ceremony site.

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
Cañon City Lanes
We offer bowling for all ages, arcade games, meals and snacks and a fully stocked bar. There is cosmic bowling Friday and Saturday nights. Our…
Lodging
Best Western Cañon City
Close to the Royal Gorge Bridge and the best river rafting in Colorado, our Canon City hotel provides a great location and spacious accommodations…