Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Established in 1879 - The Royal Gorge Route Railroad combines Colorado history, spectacular scenery, and unique dining options on a leisurely 2-hour journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Royal Gorge. The railroad is Colorado's oldest scenic railroad and has brought back a touch of class to the industry with a choice of six classes of service, including Colorado's only lunch & dinner trains. The Royal Gorge Route is located in Canon City, Colorado just 45-minutes southwest of Colorado Springs and 2-hours south of Denver.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad was reestablished in the fall of 1998 and has become a premier destination attraction carrying over 100,000 guests through the Royal Gorge each year. This scenic railroad provides a quality experience, combining the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge, the nostalgia of 1950’s train travel, with unique dining options and exceptional service. The Royal Gorge Route has been instrumental in preserving this breathtaking canyon and ensuring a vital part of Colorado history will be passed along to the next generation.
Why do so many people ride the rails through the Royal Gorge each year? The Royal Gorge Route does not offer a theme park or carnival experience or thrill rides, but instead has grown as a major destination attraction through ensuring the Royal Gorge remains a special place to be preserved much like any one of our National Parks. We believe riding the rails through the Royal Gorge and spotting Big Horn Sheep, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, and enjoying the tumbling Arkansas River with your family or special someone is a very unique experience. The train provides the means to unwind, enjoy family time and Mother Nature up close.
When we began operating trains through the Royal Gorge, we had 5-coach cars and one class of service. Our dream was to introduce levels of service not seen in the rail industry. We were met with much pessimism as many thought attracting travelers both from the international and national markets to the Royal Gorge region who would enjoy a high quality culinary experience impossible. Now, after 11-years we find other rail lines attempting to copy our “recipe for success.”
We pride ourselves on exceptional guest service and purchase only the highest quality food items available. We constantly work to ensure our guest’s expectations are met and exceeded. We have our challenges and have grown through valuable input from our staff and guests. We invite you to experience the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and look forward to having you on board.
Click on the video to watch the Royal Gorge Route
Choose your class of service
From quality family time together, to a romantic culinary experience, this is Colorado's most unique scenic train line.
The Royal Gorge Route offers six different classes of service in up to 17, meticulously restored vintage rail cars. All guests have access to an open air car. Below is a list of classes of service:
Coach offers comfortable seating and big views with a full service bar and concession car. Adult: $32.95 Child: $21.50 (ages 3-12) under age 3 - Free.
Coach seating is open seating, first come, first served.
Vista Dome offers reserved seating in a beautifully restored glass-topped dome car with unobstructed views of the gorge. Breakfast and lunch is available, prepared fresh to order (additional charge) along with a full service bar. Adult: $57.95 Child: $46.50 (through age 12)
Gourmet Lunch offers a 3 course lunch prepared fresh by our chef offering seasonal entrees, served in a luxurious dining car or vista dome with white linen table cloths, outstanding service, and the unforgettable scenery of the Royal Gorge. Adult: $69.95 Child: $49.95 (min. age 3)
Reserved seating and private open-air car.
Upgrade to Lunch in a Vista Dome for $30.00.
Dinner Train offers Colorado's only 3 course gourmet dinner aboard a luxurious dining or Vista Dome car on a 3-hour journey through the Royal Gorge. White linen table cloths, sparkling glasses, and the beauty of the Royal Gorge. Seasonal entrees are prepared fresh by our chef.
Adult: $79.00 Reserved seating, private open-air car.
Upgrade to Dinner in a Vista Dome for $30.00.
Murder Mystery Train offers top quality entertainment with a classic "who dunnit" murder mystery along with our exceptional 3 course gourmet dinner. Available on select evenings. Adult: $110.00
Reserved seating and private open-air car.
Ride in the Cab! Join our engineer for a ride in of our vintage locomotives. We're one of the few railroads in the country that offers an up close and personal experience into the lives of a working engineer.
$99.00 (min. age 13)
Train/Bridge Combo Save $5.00 per person when you book two of Colorado's most popular attractions - The Royal Gorge Route and the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.