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When traveling to Colorado or if you happen to be a resident of this spectacular state, make sure to take the time to travel to the Canyon city area. Twelve miles west of Canyon City follow US Highway 50, and you will find one of the world’s most spectacular manmade structures from the twentieth century. Royal Gorge Bridge is the world’s highest suspension bridge, built in 1929. The bridge spans the Arkansas River and a granite gorge. On a recent visit, we were treated to passing rafters on the river, allowing us to realize just how high up we were, 1053 feet, when the rafters below appeared to be no more than ant sized as they passed underneath us. The bridge took seven months to construct, and is 1260 feet in length and 18 feet wide. Many people choose to walk across the bridge, but vehicle traffic is allowed. Don’t worry though, as the bridge’s capacity is over two million pounds. The bridge floor is constructed of 100 tons of steel, and the’re1292 planks in the floor. Hundreds of these planks are replaced annually in the upkeep of the bridge. More amazing are the cables used, allowing this bridge its unique status of largest suspension bridge. There are 2100 strands of No. 9 galvanized wire in each cable, with the total cable structure weighing in at over 300 tons!
Built around this magnificent structure is a family park with many attractions, including a beautifully restored carousel. At first glance, the carousel may appear to be for children, but once the lights and the music enchant you, you will realize this statement only holds true if children are described as ages one to 101! The hardest part of the carousel is deciding which delightfully restored animal to ride, as it has a zebra and a giant rabbit amongst the usual horses. A seat fit for a king or queen is also available for those who would like to ride but are not up to crawling up onto one of the animals.
A theater is on the grounds, with shows throughout the day, chronicling the history of the bridge and aerial tram, also the railroad’s history. It also delves into the ‘Royal Gorge War’ over the silver in the area and the railroads. A favorite of kids will be the large water clock. Water filled buckets, revolve, telling the time. In addition, be sure to not miss the colorful costumed characters strolling throughout the park.
Another must do attraction at the bridge is the ‘Silver Rock Railroad’. This is a small railroad, so named for the silver nearby. You will be treated to a short ride filled with many laughs! The trip the train takes is filled with sites the like of ‘Dead Wood Station’ so named for the pile of dead wood nearby, or ‘Iron Springs’ in honor of a old bed spring, or my favorite, ‘Paradise Valley’ with two playing dice set under the sign! While the trip is mostly in jest, it also gives an opportunity to view some of the parks wildlife, including deer. Chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits are abundant throughout the park, as are mule deer.
Not to be missed is the incline railway. Said to be the worlds steepest, the incline is 1550 feet in length, at a 100% grade, 45-degree angle. The same crew that built the Royal Gorge Bridge also built the railway. It was built over the years 1930 – 1931, opening officially on June 14, 1931.
The aerial tram, spanning the gorge alongside of the bridge, is not for the fainthearted, but is a delight for all ages. Spanning 2200 feet across and 1178 feet above the Arkansas River, it was constructed in 1968 – 1969, taking approximately seven months to complete. You can ride the tram across from either side, or both. We walked from the north side of the bridge to the south, then followed the path up to the tram loading area for the ride back. This, of all areas at the park, made me very happy that I had worn comfortable hiking shoes. The trail is paved, but very steep in areas. Along the walk, expect to see wildlife. We were treated to several does laying off in the shade of the brush keeping cool on what was a very warm afternoon. We also were privileged to see two lizards. Remember; do not approach any wildlife you do see though, as they are wild animals. It is standing room only on the tram, but this is perfect, as you would certainly not want to miss the spectacular view, the aerial tram provides. After all this, be sure to stop at one of the many snack shacks or the Cliff Terrace Café. You can purchase anything from a light snack, or a choice of several hot sandwiches. There is a gift shop available on the grounds also, which sells an assortment from t-shirts to mugs, to picture postcards of the bridge and surrounding area. Once back on the other side, if you want to experience the bridge in as many ways as you possibly can, you can then drive across the bridge and exit through the south gate.
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