n Colorado Springs, there's "America's Mountain." About an hour's drive to the southwest, there's "America's Bridge."
The Royal Gorge Bridge officially established the trademark in 2019 -- 90 years after the stunning achievement that was its construction. In 1929, the bridge opened as the world's highest suspension bridge, spanning the rocky mouth of the gorge almost 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River.
The world turned its eyes to Cañon City then. It was thanks to a Texas businessman, Lon Piper, who contracted a brave team to build his vision for the Royal Gorge Bridge and Amusement Co. The team took only six months to build the bridge -- a remarkable footnote in what was a record-setting engineering feat. (China now boasts the world's highest suspension bridge; the Royal Gorge Bridge remains highest in the U.S.)
Piper's vision has become Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. And while the bridge remains the main attraction, there are many, many more now.
Amusements
The gorge is not just connected by the bridge. Another thrilling way of crossing is via a gondola paneled by windows, affording panoramic, hair-raising views. The trip floating 2,200 feet is included with general admission.
Also included with general admission ($30 for ages 12 and older, $25 for ages 3-11): access to the bridge; Tommy Knocker Playland, with a ropes course, carousel, slides and tunnels; Plaza Theater, with regular performances; and the scenic visitor center, where you might get a bite to eat.
Other amusements carry an extra cost. That includes Royal Rush Skycoaster, which lives up to its name. Passengers reach speeds upward of 50 mph in a free fall from the ride's high perch. If that doesn't get the adrenaline pumping, Cloudscraper Zipline will.
Skycoaster tickets start at $41, zipline tickets at $52 and bundles at $82.
On the wild side
The latest, greatest attraction at the park is Royal Gorge Via Ferrata.
That's Italian for "iron way," a nod to World War I soldiers who built such routes through the Dolomites. Several via ferratas have come to Colorado over the years, but this one is in a class of its own.
Via ferratas often are described as safe introductions to rock climbing. Visitors are protected by a harness and rope as they clip their way through iron footholds and handholds spanning the gorge's rugged faces and narrow ledges high above the river. A short training session is followed by various guided tours spanning one hour to five hours.
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Tours range from $100 to $160, with general admission to the park included.
Whitewater thrills
The Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge is not for every rafter. It's a bucket-list trip for a reason -- for the fast, choppy water that is not for the faint of heart, especially not when high water yields Class V rapids.
But guides tend to be accommodating; check conditions and see about a half-day or full-day outing with a local outfitter. Nearby Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the more family-friendly destination.
All aboard
We've covered the Royal Gorge by foot, bike, climb and raft. Royal Gorge Route Railroad is your option by train.
Open-air cars allow passengers to feel the wind on their face at the floor of the canyon, where the river tumbles beside the tracks. One takes in the views with a drink from the full-service bar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as well.
Fares vary depending on coach and deluxe classes, or a seat in the Vista Dome; $99-$144.
Hit the trails
In recent years, a trail revolution has taken place on the Royal Gorge's north rim.
The result: 20-plus miles of singletrack for mountain biking, hiking and running. The trails are a perfect (and free) way to admire the iconic views.
Oh, and there's camping.
Fremont Adventure Recreation, the nonprofit overseeing the trails, recommends starting from East Ridge Campground and Canyon Rim trailhead for easier routes. For longer treks, the nonprofit's website includes more recommendations and maps. You might study up and pick a course to the top of Fremont Peak or over to Point Alta Vista, a newer addition to the network. This is a historic, scenic point that has been restored, reached now via boardwalk along the old train trestles.