Canon City

Canon City (formally Cañon City) is a city in south central Colorado and the gateway to Royal Gorge, a spectacular canyon of the Arkansas River that drops over 1,000 feet below one of the world's highest suspension bridges. Located at about 5,332 feet elevation, Canon City enjoys a semi-arid climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it one of Colorado's more temperate mountain towns.

The city has a rich history tied to mining, railroads, and the Colorado state prison system. The Royal Gorge, carved by the Arkansas River through billion-year-old granite, is the area's primary attraction. The region also offers world-class whitewater rafting, golf, and dinosaur fossil sites. Summer temperatures reach the 90s°F, while winters are mild with highs in the 40s-50s°F.

By Plane

Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB) is the closest airport with limited commuter service. Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is the nearest full-service airport, less than 50 miles away. Denver International Airport (DEN) is approximately 125 miles away.

By Car / Road

Canon City is directly linked to Pueblo by US Route 50. From Colorado Springs, go south on Colorado State Highway 115, then west on US Route 50. From Denver, take Interstate 25 south, State Route 115, and US Route 50. The drive from Colorado Springs takes about 1 hour.

Canon City's main road is Royal Gorge Boulevard, which is part of US Route 50. The downtown area is walkable. A car is needed for visiting the Royal Gorge and surrounding attractions.

• Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (4218 County Rd 3A): The world's highest suspension bridge, aerial cable car, and attractions including the SkyCoaster. +1 719 275-7507.

• Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Train ride through the floor of Royal Gorge with specialty excursions including lunch, murder mystery, and wine-maker dinners. Closed in winter. +1 719-276-4000.

• Museum of Colorado Prisons (201 N 1st St): Located on the grounds of the "Old Max" prison, telling the story of Canon City's colorful prison history. +1 719 269-3015.

• Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center (612 Royal Gorge Blvd): Features dinosaur fossils and a complete Stegosaurus. +1 719 269-9036.

• Winery at Holy Cross Abbey (3011 East Highway 50): Tasting room and gift shop open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM. +1 719-276-5191.

• Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours (45045 Hwy 50 West): Zip lining over the Royal Gorge. +1 719 275-7238.

• Skyline Drive: A one-way road constructed by prison inmates in the early 20th century, taking you hundreds of feet up a ridge overlooking Canon City and the Arkansas River Valley.

• Tunnel Drive: A beautiful walking trail next to the Arkansas River.

• White Water Rafting: Multiple outfitters offer rafting on the Arkansas River through Royal Gorge Canyon and Bighorn Sheep Canyon. American Adventure Expeditions (+1 719 395-2409) and River Runners (+1-866-945-3420) are popular operators.

• Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Scenic train rides through the canyon.

• Bunk House Burgers (2147 Fremont Dr): Burgers and casual fare. 11AM-8PM. +1 719 315-2218.
• Dirito's Italian Restaurant (231 Main St): Italian cuisine. Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM. +1 719 276-7240.
• Pizza Madness (509 Main St): Pizza and Italian food. +1 719 276-3088.
• White Water Bar & Grill (4505 Hwy 50 W): Casual dining near the river. +1 719 275-7238.
• 8 Mile Bar & Grill (45000 W US Hwy 50): Bar and grill with river views. +1 719 275-1558.

• Big Burger World (1205 South 9th St): Bar and grill atmosphere. +1 719 275-8079.
• Winery at Holy Cross Abbey: Wine tasting in a historic abbey setting.
• Most restaurants serve alcohol. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Various motels along US Route 50 offer basic accommodation.
• Mid-range: Best Western Canon City (110 Latigo Ln) and Hampton Inn Canon City (102 McCormick Pkwy) offer standard hotel amenities.
• Upscale: The Royal Gorge Inn (217 N Raynolds) offers more refined lodging. +1-866-495-8403.

• The Gold Mine Rock Shop (44864 W US Hwy 50): Great for rock hounds with various rock types and qualities. +1 719 276-9353.
• Tailored West (502 Main St): Women's clothing, footwear, and accessories. +1 719 371-2244.

• Colorado Springs (50 miles east, 1 hour): Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the US Olympic Training Center.
• Pueblo (30 miles east, 30 min): The Steel City with museums and Lake Pueblo State Park.
• Buena Vista (60 miles west, 1.5 hours): Whitewater rafting and hot springs.
• Royal Gorge (in Canon City): World's highest suspension bridge and canyon railroad.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park (150 miles south, 2.5 hours): North America's tallest sand dunes.