Give us 11 hours and we’ll open your eyes to the stunning majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains! Never before have so many varied and thrilling activities been packaged into one complete adventure. Sounds like your idea of a great family fun day? Well, buckle up, ‘cause here we go!
Your day begins with a gorgeous drive over the Continental Divide as we ascend to the top of Hoosier Pass at 11,541 feet above sea level. Three fourteeners, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Democrat and Mt. Bross make a splendid backdrop for a unique family photo opportunity before we descend into Canyon Country.
Wildlife is abundant on your ride to historic Cañon City. This is one of the few stretches of Colorado roadways where you are certain to see herds of Rocky Mountain buffalo, along with pronghorn antelope and mule deer. Fly fishermen also populate the scenery as we pass by several gold-medal rainbow trout streams in the South Park region.
A highlight of your luxury van ride to the train station occurs jast as we enter the Cañon City area, with a one-of-a-kind drive up Skyline Drive. Built with convict labor (the Colorado Territorial Prison is nearby) in the 1930’s, this ribbon of asphalt ascends to a high ridge above the city that offers stellar views of the canyon landscape. You’ll be glad you brought along that extra roll of film or memory chip for this panorama!
Upon arrival at the Cañon City depot, we have just the right amount of time to spread a delicious picnic lunch on the riverbank of the mighty Arkansas. This is the river that carved the Royal Gorge Canyon and provides a delightful backdrop to a noontime interlude. Then it’s time to grab a complimentary bottle of water and board the train!
This 1950’s-era diesel locomotive train takes you over 12 miles up the old Denver, Rio Grande and Western rail line and back again. This journey glides through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” with an unforgettable vista at the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls. The top of the canyon is over 1,000 feet above and gives you a breath-taking view of the Royal Gorge Bridge. Soaring high in the brilliant blue sky, this suspension bridge, built in 1929 (on a bet!) will be a focal point of our tour later in the afternoon.
During your rail expedition, you can relax in the air-conditioned coaches as well as embrace the wilderness in the “open” cars where you can photograph the towering granite walls and hear the thunderous roar of the Arkansas River. Your conductor will tell you about the history of this famous line including the original exploration by Lt. Zebulon Pike, and tales from the frontier battles during the Royal Gorge Railroad War.
Along the way, you’ll marvel at the numerous kayaks and commercial rafts playing in the Class IV rapids of the Arkansas. This waterway is one of the most popular whitewater stretches in the entire state and the smiles on the faces you’ll see are obvious!
Upon your return to the Cañon City station, your Alpenglow Adventures tour guide will have your van transportation ready for the next round of excitement with a visit to the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. We go to a beautiful ancient monastery and invite you to experience some delightful Colorado vintages. And while the adults are enjoying some complimentary “home grown liquid magic,” our guides perform some up-close magic tricks for the kids… complete with prizes, prizes, prizes for all!
Then it’s time to leave the valley floor and point our motorcoach skyward, for the sensations and awesome views from the top of the Royal Gorge Canyon are even more jaw-dropping!
After a scenic 15-minute drive out of Cañon City, the pine trees suddenly part to reveal the Royal Gorge Bridge/Theme Park, perched high on the rim of the deepest canyon in all of Colorado. Since its completion almost 80 years ago, the Royal Gorge Bridge has thrilled millions of visitors and continues to be one of the West’s most-desired day-trip destinations. Whether you walk across, or ride the free park trolley, you’ll marvel at the vistas of snow-capped peaks… and at the dazzling spectacle of the blue-green waters over a thousand feet below.
Then, soar like an eagle and thrill to an unbelievable view of the Royal Gorge chasm aboard a 35-passenger aerial tram as it glides from one side of the abyss to the other, more than 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. Or perhaps you’d rather ride the world’s steepest incline railway to the bottom of the gorge, for one more sumptuous riverside view of this wonderful geological quirk of nature. From the river’s edge, you’ll see the Royal Gorge Bridge as a delicate ribbon in the sky. And just about an hour after entering the park, the railroad train runs right by the riverside viewing platform. Get those video cameras ready!
Visitors of all ages will enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout the park; from a musical revue or multi-media historical presentation at the Plaza Theatre to the professional talent taking requests and performing at the Gazebo. The kids can enjoy a children’s petting zoo, with cute barnyard animals that are just the right size for close-up fun. Larger animals, such as elk, buffalo and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are also housed at the park in a natural setting.
When was the last time you rode on an old-fashioned carousel? With over 3,400 lights, the Grand Carousel is one of the most ornate in existence. Or how’ bout one more train ride… on the Silver Rock Railroad. A delightful scenic excursion awaits you and the “young uns” on this vintage miniature train!
Since your Alpenglow Adventures fare covers all of these attractions at the Royal Gorge Bridge/Theme Park (food and beverages excluded,) you can choose to do as much as you’d like at no additional charge… or just relax and simply enjoy the vibrant Colorado sunshine and fresh air. It all adds up to great fun… and a fantastic afternoon that your family will never forget.
When the day is done, your Alpenglow Adventures shuttle van awaits, to give you a safe, comfortable ride back to your front door. During the return trip, the Colorado skies put on a show of their own, with brilliant sunsets and the marvelous pastels of alpenglow. And to make the trip back home even more fun, we’ll play our world-famous “TV Theme Song Trivia” contest for fun and prizes!
With so much entertainment to be had, make the call and get your reservations confirmed today. Because, after all, don’t you and your family deserve the very best in outdoor entertainment that Colorado has to offer?
Current Prices for the Royal Gorge Railroad Tour
(approximately 10 1/2 to 11 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return):
| Adults | $229.50 |
| Children (14 yrs. and younger) | $159.50 |
| Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) | FREE |
Group Rates are valid for private groups with five or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Tours at (970) 468-7777. Valid ONLY with reservations made at least 24 hours in advance of tour:
| Adults | $199.50 |
| Children (14 yrs. and younger) | $149.50 |
| Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) | FREE |
All prices quoted refer to pick-up locations in Summit County (Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone and Silverthorne). For door-to-door service in Eagle County (Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards) add $30 per person. Groups of six or more will have a 15% driver gratuity added to each total tour charge.
When is a scenic Colorado train ride more than just another mountain adventure? It’s when we take your family through steep canyons, by raging rivers, over Rocky Mountains and inside silver mines. Take our locomotive journeys through the ancient railroad tracks of Colorado’s gold and silver mining era and step into the frontier history of the Wild West!
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