Royal Gorge near Co Springs
 

Going to Co Springs in June. How long a drive to Royal Gorge? I get the idea that it's a lot like our Niagra Falls...extremely touristy, but so spectacular it's worth the trip. I'm sure there are various ways to see it...What's the best?

The Royal Gorge is probably less than an hour's drive from the Springs..It's well worth going to; yes it is touristy, but it is beautiful. If you go don't pass up Buckskin Joe's. It's a western town recreated from original buildings from all over the area. We live here and try to go there at least once a summer. <BR>Jan

NOt sure of exact mileage but I believe it to be less than 60 miles. It is not that far from Canon City which is about 50 miles from the Spring. It is nothing like Niagra Falls - there are no Falls at Royal Gorge. It is a deep gorge with a river flowing through. There is a suspension brige you walk over and on both sides of the bridge are shops and amusements for children. It is a nice visit but I wouldn't call it "spectacular". The best part of the vsit is the incline railroad to the bottom of the gorge and the walk along the river that you can take. It is, indeed, extremely touristy,

Jan...so you try to make the Gorge trip once a year. You must have done all the possibilities for the view, etc. What's your favorite?

I like going down to the bottom of the gorge. I would like to take the train through the gorge one of these days. On a hot summer day it's cool and refreshing by the river. We don't go into the gorge as often unless we have out of state guests; the kids like to concentrate on Buckskin Joe's. Alot of commercialism in both places, but so much fun!

Be aware that the only way to see royal gorge is to pay the entrance fee. This is a private commercial area and not a national park. We visited during spring break and enjoyed the fact that there were no lines. The trip to the bottom is interesting. Also take the gondola across the gorge, the view is different than the foot bridge.