Royal Gorge Railway and Royal Gorge Bridge and Park are located in Canon City, CO. One may suppose this to be the touristy thing to do…and may be correct. However we found the experience rewarding. The focus of this article is the train excursion which departs from the Royal Gorge station several times a day on a two hour trip following the Arkansas River into the deep canyon of the Royal Gorge. The Royal Gorge itself is 1000’ deep and cuts a narrow six mile long canyon thru the Royal Gorge high plateau. However do not neglect to visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park as it offers uncommon views of the Gorge from a different and higher perspective.
Leaving promptly at noon for the Lunch Train run we boarded the train to be seated in the Vista Dome car offering large windows providing unhindered views of the surrounding landscape. The luncheon menu was varied and my wife’s chicken basil Panini and my Black Angus burger were fresh and delicious. The perfect ending was the freshly made carrot cake with whipped cream topping for two.There are several booking options and to make this a special event for us we opted for the Vista Dome, fresh roses for the table and a delightful bottle of cabernet sauvignon.
The scenery and gorge walls rising 1000’ up from the Arkansas River were dramatic. The train and wait service was as to be expected for first class service.
The Takeaway: The Royal Gorge Railway offers several daily venues (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) of service in well maintained 1950’s vintage rail cars. The food is fresh, well prepared with responsive wait service. Overall a solid tourist excursion along the Arkansas River thru the Royal Gorge. Impressive scenery, canyon walls, and river rafters navigating the Arkansas River add to the experience. While in the area take the time to drive to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park to view the Gorge from above and ride the arial gondolas, experience the Cloudscaper Zip Line, or climb the Gorge’s rock walls-Via Ferrata. Go to www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of this park as well as reviews of restaurants, etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment