Adventure Seeker: 3-Day Off-Season Adventure Itinerary Near Royal Gorge

3 Days of the top adventures in the Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge Region

3-Day Adventure Seeker Itinerary

Designed for go-getters and true adventurers, the Adventure Seeker activities will challenge even the most in-shape visitor! We’ve packed this itinerary with LOTS of activities to fill your days and make the most of your visit to this incredible part of Colorado. Give us a call before or after you book your cabin stay at Royal Gorge Cabins, and we’ll assist you with adding this package to your reservation.

*Insider Tip: Make your reservations sooner rather than later for many of these activities. You’d be surprised how sought after some of these activities can be even in the off-season!

Self--Guided Activities and Self-Booked Tickets

Adventure Seeker Itinerary

  • Desert Reef Hot Springs – closed Tuesday
  • Ito Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi – closed Sunday

Day 1

  • Hike Point Alta Vista Trail – Located a few minutes from our cabins in the Royal Gorge Trail System is the Point Alta Vista Trailhead. This is a 1-mile-out-and-back trail with very little elevation gain, making it an easy hike on day 1 of your visit. At the turnaround point, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train trestle.
  •  Via Ferrata climbing adventure at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – “Via Ferrata” means “iron way” in Italian. You don’t have to be an experienced climber to take on this activity, but we strongly encourage you to be comfortable with heights! Hike down into the Royal Gorge with your experienced guide, and your adventure begins as you ascend back up the cliff walls using the secure steel and iron anchor system.
  • Desert Reef Hot Springs – After an exhausting day, nothing beats a relaxing soak in warm artesian pools. Located in the secluded foothills near Florence, CO, Desert Reef is comprised of multiple soaking pools that range from 100–104°F during the winter months. Reservations required, and clothing optional. Closed on Tuesdays.
  • Dinner at Ito Steak House & Sushi – Locals know this is the place to go for delicious sushi and entrees. Located in historic downtown Florence, CO, Ito also serves tasty cocktails, beer, sake, and wines. Closed on Sundays.

DAY 2

  • Manitou Incline – Bring your energy—and your appetite for a serious leg workout—to one of the area’s most challenging hikes. The Incline, as it’s known to locals, includes 2,774 steps on a climb up 2,000 vertical feet in under one mile! There’s a reason Olympic athletes train here daily on the ascent. While 30 minutes is a solid uphill time for acclimated athletes, the average adventurer should allow 2–3 hours to climb the Incline and descend via the 3-mile Barr Trail which is an incredible hike in itself. We recommend arriving early if you hope to find paid parking near the base of the trail close to Iron Springs Chateau, although there are a couple of other parking lots in Manitou Springs with free shuttles to the trailhead. Reservations required.
  • Historic Downtown Manitou Springs – Grab a bite to eat and explore the vast array of local shops, galleries, sample the naturally carbonated mineral springs at various stops around town, or check out the nostalgic penny arcade.
  • Zipline Tour with Adventures Out West – Board an Adventures Out West jeep, climb into a harness and zip from one cliff edge to the next on a two hour zipline tour on the edge of Manitou Springs. The Adventures Out West team guides even first-timers along cables that let you build speed as the tour progresses.
  • Garden of the Gods – Drive less than 10 minutes to the famous Garden of the Gods. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, you can choose to drive through the red rock monoliths or stop in one of the many parking lots and hike the network of trails.
  • Downtown Colorado Springs – It’s been a big day! Time to peruse the Happy Hour offerings in downtown Colorado Springs and find a delicious meal along the way.

    Note: This is an ambitious day! Check activity durations and reservation times before heading out, and be prepared to skip a stop or two if needed.

DAY 3

  • Fly Fishing with Angler’s Covey – Spend a half day on one of Colorado’s gold medal fishing waters with highly skilled guides from Angler’s Covey. Fishing locations vary based on time of year and where the fishing is at its best. You’ll need your Colorado state fishing license for this one, but no experience is necessary and all gear is provided!
  • Fremont Peak Trail – Summit Fremont Peak in the Royal Gorge Trail System for the second half of this adventurous day. We recommend parking at the Royal Gorge Park East Ridge Campground, and hiking up Fremont Peak Road. The 4WD road takes you to a prominent radio tower, and from there you’ll pick up Summit Trail to the peak. This is an out and back hike, and plan on 2-3 hours total for your hike.
  • Dinner at your cabin. Fire up the BBQ grill and enjoy some a well-deserved meal and relaxation!

Frequently Asked Questions

What adventure activities are featured in the off-season itinerary?

Day 1 starts with a hike along Point Alta Vista Trail in the Royal Gorge Trail System, followed by a Via Ferrata climbing adventure at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Afterward, unwind with a relaxing soak at Desert Reef Hot Springs before heading to Ito Steak House & Sushi in Florence for dinner.

Day 2 brings a serious workout on the Manitou Incline, followed by lunch and sightseeing in historic Manitou Springs. Next, enjoy a zipline tour with Adventures Out West before exploring the red rock formations and trails at Garden of the Gods. Wrap up the day with dinner in downtown Colorado Springs.

Day 3 starts with a guided fly-fishing trip with Angler’s Covey. Then, head back toward the Royal Gorge area for a hike on Fremont Peak Trail. Finish your adventure with a well-deserved dinner on your cabin’s private patio.

Is rock climbing at Shelf Road available year-round?

Shelf Road Recreation Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is therefore open year-round. Visit Recreation.gov and search ‘Shelf Road’ to learn more. We mention this because Shelf Road routinely comes up while searching ‘climbing’ in the this region. Please realize Shelf Road is not where the Via Ferrata climbing tour takes place. 

The Via Ferrata climbing tour recommended in this itinerary takes place at the Royal Gorge Bridge. No experience is necessary for the tour and all gear is provided.

Is previous climbing experience required for Shelf Road?

Any individuals or groups climbing at Shelf Road should have at least one individual among them who is a knowledgeable climber properly equipped and skilled in use of climbing equipment. As this is a BLM access area, no experience is expressly required to climb, but responsible outdoor enthusiasts understand the proper equipment and training will make the experience much safer and more enjoyable.

How does this itinerary differ from the summer Adventure Itinerary?

This winter Adventure Seeker itinerary focuses on activities available year-round, while the summer Adventure itinerary includes white water rafting on the Arkansas River which is available only during the summer months.

What gear should I pack for this itinerary?

Start with comfortable hiking shoes or boots, plus sandals for the hot springs. Quick-drying pants and shirts, along with layers and a weather-resistant shell, are useful for hiking, climbing, ziplining, and fishing. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a towel for the hot springs. Sunglasses are especially important for guided fishing trips.

Specialized equipment is generally provided for the guided activities listed in this itinerary. If you’d prefer to bring your own fishing gear, check with Angler’s Covey ahead of time to confirm what’s appropriate for your trip.

Colorado weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains, so check the forecast and each activity provider’s recommendations before you go.

Adventure at its best in the Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge Region

You’ll find so many outdoor activities near Cañon City that appeal to adventure-seekers! You’ll most likely find additional exciting options by visiting our Royal Gorge adventure activities guide page. Whether you choose one of the activities listed in the Adventure Seeker itinerary, or if you find additional thrill-seeker activities on your own, this region is chock-full of big adventures with scenic views to boot. 

If you’re searching out similar itineraries, consider our Scenic Small Town Tour which offers the same 3-day duration but with a mix of different activity types. Or, view all off-season itineraries for additional ideas.

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