Royal Gorge Bridge

00:00     Title
00:15     Royal Gorge Park    
02:55     Royal Gorge Gondola  
07:10     Point Sublime    
09:55     Royal Gorge Bridge   
14:45     Fin   

The old historic Royal Gorge Bridge is the most popular attraction in Cañon City, Colorado and there is a good reason why. This bridge is only open for pedestrian traffic and the long span provides breathtaking views of the majestic Royal Gorge. The bridge walk experience is like taking a leisurely stroll through a park, but there is one exciting thing about this bridge that makes the trek so special. The Royal Gorge Bridge is suspended over 950 feet above the Arkansas River way down below, so this truly indeed is an exciting walk to do!

The Royal Gorge Bridge entrance is located next to the visitors center, but there is another option for starting the bridge walk. A gondola line runs across to the other side of the canyon, so visitors have a choice of doing the bridge walk back to the starting point. Many of the thrill rides and the children's amusement park await on the other side of the abyss. The Sublime Point observation deck is also on the south side and this spot offers panoramic views of the entire canyon landscape..

The only limiting factor for doing the Royal Gorge Bridge walk has to do with acrophobia. To be quite honest, if you have a fear of heights, then just avoid Royal Gorge altogether. This ultra deep narrow gorge is very intimidating upon first glance and that ominous feeling does not fade away. It is the fear factor that keeps people safe, so let your conscience be your guide and the overall experience will be a good one.

Taking a stroll on the old Royal Gorge Bridge is a thrill ride in its own right. The views of Royal Gorge from the bridge vantage point are spectacular, so be sure to bring a good camera. This bridge walk is handicap accessible, so those who have mobility challenges will have something to talk about when they get back home. There are placards every few feet along the bridge walk that provide information about the history and engineering of the bridge. The Royal Gorge Bridge walk definitely is a learning experience. At about halfway across there is a marker for where a bungie cord jumping world record was set long ago. All it takes is one look over the rail to realize how much nerve that rubber band tethered daredevil must have had!

The Royal Gorge Entertainment Complex certainly is a thrill seeker’s dream come true and it is managed as a Cañon City Park. There are zip lines, extreme bungie jumps and tethered sky diving is offered at Royal Gorge too. There are also restaurants, gift shops, a theater and there is even a kiddie park, so the entire family can spend the whole day having fun in the sun. Best of all, Royal Gorge is one of the most picturesque places on earth, so every view is a good one. For those who seek summertime fun in the sun, Royal Gorge is at the top of the list!