We left Grand Junction and headed east toward Denver, stopping overnight at the Central City KOA, which was very nice. Our site was on their highest hill, and our views were gorgeous. The next day, we drove toward Colorado Springs, then turned south to Canon City, the motivation being a train trip on the Royal Gorge Route along the Arkansas River (more on that below).
Our campsite at the KOA Canon City has become my new favorite. Surrounded by mountains, the mornings and evenings were beautiful, with a star show every night thanks to the lack of light pollution.
Yes, we are glamping! 🙂
Thursday’s day trip was to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971, the property was purchased in 1879 by Charles Perkins. Upon his death, his family donated the land to the City of Colorado Springs in 1909, with the stipulation that it would be a free public park.
The park was very crowded, and we drove around the main loop twice before finding a parking place at the Rock Ledge Ranch. We took a trail that led us to beautiful viewing areas as well as some rugged spots, which required some fancy footwork over rocks that were part of the trail.
Completing the trail, we returned to our truck and, after two more loops around the park, found a parking place in one of the main lots. A man who arrived just before us pointed out a Bighorn Sheep on top of the nearby rocks.
Another amazing close-up by DougThe paved path enables everyone to enjoy the park.Pikes Peak is in the distance.We took this trail off the paved path.Our goal was to reach the top …We made it and spent some time enjoying the view.Coming back down the trailAs we walked back down the trail, Doug got these close-ups of a rock climber.Yes, pets (on a leash) are allowed in the park.This is our parting shot taken from a viewing area off of the main park loop (it took three trips around the loop before a parking spot opened up).
For Friday’s adventure, Doug made reservations for us in a Vista Dome car of the Royal Gorge rail line. We boarded at 3:30 for our two-hour round trip.
Food, wine, beer, and cocktails were available for purchase on our afternoon excursion. The river is a favorite for rafting and kayaking. There are also zip lines through the gorge as well as gondola rides.Approaching the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is 1,053 ft. above the train. There is a pedestrian walkway across the bridge, but no vehicles are allowed to cross it.From the open-air car, you *could* touch the side of the cliff – I suspect such an action would get you banned from future trips, not to mention the chance of bodily injury. In certain spots, the gorge is only 30′ wide.If and when we’re back in Colorado, we’d love to take the dinner trip on the train. The excursions have been featured on The Food Network, PBS, NPR, and USA Today. The Royal Gorge line was purchased in 1998 by Mark Greksa and his wife, Leah, with the goal of transforming the rail cars and offering everything from open rail viewing to a wine and fine dining experience. They now serve over 100,000 guests each year.
2 thoughts on “Canon City/Royal Gorge, CO – 8/14-8/17/24”
Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing. I am happy to see that you continue to have some awesome travels. There is so much out there to experience.
Keep enjoying life.
Pam Gray
Hi Pam, it’s so nice to hear from you! I hope you are feeling well and are enjoying your retirement. Thanks for following our travels once again. Hugs, Marty
Marty & Doug's Travels 
Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing. I am happy to see that you continue to have some awesome travels. There is so much out there to experience.
Keep enjoying life.
Pam Gray
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Hi Pam, it’s so nice to hear from you! I hope you are feeling well and are enjoying your retirement. Thanks for following our travels once again. Hugs, Marty
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