Colorado: All Aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad!

Imagine gliding through Colorado’s most breathtaking canyon—the Royal Gorge—on a historic train, with the opportunity to sip a glass of wine or local brew as the scenery rolls by. For $134 per person, you’ll get a 110-minute to 2.5-hour journey, with options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, all set against some of the most striking river and mountain views in the Rockies. Guided by friendly staff and experienced guides, this trip offers more than just a scenic ride — it’s a chance to slow down, appreciate nature’s grandeur, and indulge a little.

Two things we love about this experience are the open-air car that provides unfiltered views and the delicious, freshly prepared onboard meals that turn a simple train ride into a full sensory experience. Pair that with excellent service and a chance to explore quirky local shops, and it’s easy to see why this tour has garnered rave reviews.

A consideration to keep in mind is the price, which some reviews suggest might feel steep for what’s included. It’s not a cheap outing, but the quality of views, service, and unique experience tends to justify the cost — especially if you’re a fan of scenic travel combined with good food.

This trip suits travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic experience with a touch of luxury — perfect if you appreciate good storytelling, beautiful vistas, and a leisurely pace. It also works well for those who enjoy accessible, guided tours that include a bit of history and local flavor.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The Royal Gorge and the Colorado River provide breathtaking scenery.
• Flexible Dining Options: Enjoy freshly made meals paired with wine, craft beer, or cocktails.
• Open-Air Car: Perfect for taking photos and feeling the breeze during your ride.
• Convenient Location: The Santa Fe Depot is centrally located, with free parking nearby.
• Authentic Experience: Friendly staff, knowledgeable guides, and well-maintained vintage train cars.
• Additional Attractions: Explore the Santa Fe Depot boutique, Happy Endings Caboose Cafe, and stay in the Railroad Inns.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Experience

The Journey and Location

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad whisks you into some of Colorado’s most striking landscapes, winding through the grandest canyon in the state. Starting at the Santa Fe Depot in Canon City, the departure point is easy to find, with free parking around the area. The station itself is charming and functional, and the check-in process is straightforward — just arrive about 45 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding.

The ride lasts approximately 110 minutes to 2.5 hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon or evening, offering flexibility depending on your plans. The route takes you through spectacular views of sheer rock walls, the Colorado River, and lush surroundings, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket covers the scenic train ride itself, with access to the Open-Air Car throughout, which is a real highlight. The open car allows unobstructed panoramic views and an experience akin to being outside, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

Before and after the ride, you can explore the Santa Fe Depot boutique, filled with local gifts and upscale goods — a nice touch for souvenir shopping or just browsing. The Happy Endings Caboose Cafe offers excellent coffee, crepes, ice cream, and happy hour drinks, giving you a cozy spot to relax and fuel up.

However, dining, drinks, and gratuities are extra, meaning that your ticket price doesn’t include the meals or alcohol. If you’re a foodie or enjoy pairing your scenic vistas with a good drink, this setup gives you the flexibility to choose your favorites.

The Dining Experience

One of the standout features of this trip is the onboard casual dining experience. Freshly prepared meals are served during the journey, with options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on your schedule. Reviewers frequently praise the quality of the food — from hearty meals to light snacks. As Debb mentions, “Great staff from check-in to the end,” and the food is part of that positive experience.

You can choose to sip on local microbrews, wines, or top-notch cocktails, adding a layer of comfort and indulgence. The reviews highlight the good selection of drinks, which many find enhances the trip’s relaxing vibe. The combination of good food and drink, paired with stunning scenery, makes for a memorable outing.

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The Scenic Highlights

The real star is the Royal Gorge itself — a narrow, rugged canyon carved by the Colorado River. As you travel through, you’ll see sheer rock walls soaring hundreds of feet above the river and the bridge that spans this natural marvel. Reviewers like Diane and Elizabeth emphasize that “beauty is everywhere,” and the views are truly spectacular, especially from the open-air car.

Some guests appreciate the different perspectives offered by the train — one side featuring the dramatic rock faces, the other offering views of the river and mountains. While seating is assigned by the operator, some reviews suggest that being able to choose your side would be an improvement.

Guides and Staff

The experience is further enhanced by friendly and knowledgeable staff, including guides who share interesting insights about the canyon, the railroad’s history, and local lore. Amy and Todd compliment the staff’s friendliness and knowledge, making the journey both informative and enjoyable.

The guide Huber, featured in some reviews, is noted for being fun and engaging, adding personality to the trip. This personal touch is often what makes the experience stand out, transforming it from a simple ride into a memorable story.

Additional Attractions

Beyond the train, there’s plenty to explore. The Santa Fe Depot boutique offers upscale gifts, wearables, and souvenirs, while the Happy Endings Caboose Cafe provides delicious treats with a view of the railway. Those staying in the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Inns can extend their Colorado experience with well-appointed accommodations that echo the vintage train’s charm.

The Price and Value

At $134 per person, this experience is not the cheapest activity in Colorado, but it’s certainly one that many find worth the price for the combination of scenery, service, and onboard dining. Reviewers like Regina and Virginia mention the friendly staff and beautiful scenery as highlights that justify the expense.

Some guests feel the experience is priced appropriately considering the quality, while others, like Leslie, suggest it might be more appealing at a lower cost. If you love scenic travel, good food, and a relaxed pace, many find the value aligns well with the experience.

Who Should Consider This Trip?

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate scenic travel combined with comfort and good service. It’s perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for a laid-back day with impressive views. The experience is also ideal for photo enthusiasts and history buffs who enjoy learning about Colorado’s natural and railway history.

However, it’s not accessible for wheelchair users, and those with mobility issues might find it challenging to fully enjoy the open-air sections or walk around at the stops.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a beautiful, relaxing way to experience Colorado’s most stunning canyon. If you love panoramic views, good food, and a touch of vintage charm, this trip delivers on all counts. It provides a well-rounded experience with friendly guides, comfortable amenities, and the chance to savor local wines and craft beers while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

While it’s not a bargain, many reviewers agree that the quality of the views and service make it a worthwhile splurge, especially for first-timers or those celebrating a special occasion. The blend of natural beauty, engaging storytelling, and excellent onboard options makes this a memorable outing for travelers seeking a taste of Colorado’s grandeur in style.

FAQs

Is the Royal Gorge Route Railroad suitable for children?
The information provided doesn’t specify age restrictions, but since it’s a relaxing scenic trip with food and drinks, it’s likely family-friendly. However, check with the operator for any specific age or height restrictions.

Are there options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Yes, depending on your scheduled departure, you can enjoy a meal tailored to that time — breakfast, lunch, or dinner — with fresh onboard preparation.

What should I bring on the trip?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended. The open-air car makes sunglasses and sun protection particularly helpful.

Can I choose my seat or side of the train?
Seats are assigned by the staff, and some reviews suggest that being able to select sides would be an improvement, as views differ from each side.

Is alcohol included in the ticket price?
No, drinks such as wine, microbrews, and cocktails are extra, allowing you to pick your favorites.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so consider this if mobility is a concern.

Is there parking nearby?
Yes, free parking is available around the Santa Fe Depot, making it convenient to arrive and depart at your leisure.

Whether you’re after stunning vistas, a relaxing onboard meal, or just want to experience one of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes comfortably, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a memorable way to see the canyon in style. It’s a journey that appeals to travelers who value quality, scenic beauty, and a touch of nostalgia.

You can check availability for your dates here: