Budget Getaway

The perfect getaway itinerary with 2 days of activities - many kid-friendly and free!

2-Day Budget Getaway

Vacations can be spendy-we get it. Here’s a budget-friendly two-day itinerary with some of the classic adventures in the area that will leave some cash for that well-deserved dinner out at the end of the day. Royal Gorge Cabins offers affordable cabin rentals near the Royal Gorge, and to make them even more affordable check out our cabin deals and discounts page to save a few more bucks!

Self--Guided Activities and Self-Booked Tickets

Budget Getaway Itinerary

Day 1

  • No known daily closures for these activities
  • No advance reservations required for the listed activities
  • 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 1 mile back trail with very little elevation gain making it an easy endeavor on day 1 of your visit. At the turnaround point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic wooden train trestle.
  • Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – A short drive will take you to the famous Royal Gorge Bridge where you can take in the awe-inspiring suspension bridge, ride the aerial tram, and enjoy other rides and attractions. Lunch, snacks and drinks are available on-site.
    *Insider Tip: Royal Gorge Bridge Tickets are valid for the following day as well – just ask an attendant at the Bridge before leaving the park!
  • Skyline Drive – Head into Cañon City, taking a left turn onto Skyline Drive.  The turn is located 4 miles east of Royal Gorge Cabins right after the highway changes from one lane to two lanes. This razor ridge road is so narrow it only allows for one-way traffic heading towards town, and along the drive you can stop to check out dinosaur prints in the cliffside.
  • Historic Downtown Cañon City – Stroll the shops, galleries and restaurants. From the end of Skyline Drive, we recommend making a right turn heading south on North 5th Street for a little over 1/2 a mile until you reach Main Street.
  • *Dinner at one of the local restaurants near Royal Gorge Cabins, just 8 miles away in Cañon City. Or return to your cabin to cook dinner on your own.
aerial view of Royal Gorge Bridge and gorge surroundings

DAY 2

  • Garden of the Gods – A scenic one-hour-and-15-minute drive to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. A free park area, 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.
  • Garden of the Gods Trading Post – You’ll find something for everyone here; souvenirs, t-shirts, art, local history, a cafe and coffee shop, and locally made fudge.
  • Cave of the Winds Mountain Park – Choose from a few unique and fascinating cave tours. You can also up the adrenaline with high adventure rides on the rim of the impressive canyon the caves sit upon.
  • Ghost Town Museum – At under $10 per person, it’s hard to pass up this museum that will take you on a trip to the past of the Old West. Authentic buildings, stage coaches, and other artifacts fill the space with hands-on activities as well. 
  • Dinner in Colorado Springs or back at your cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What free or low-cost activities are featured in the Budget Getaway?

Day 1 activities:
Point Alta Vista trail is free, as are all trails in the Royal Gorge Trail System. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park general entry fees are around $30 per person, give or take a few dollars. Skyline Drive is a free scenic drive.

Day 2 activities:
Garden of the Gods is a free scenic drive and hiking area. There is no entrance fee for Garden of the Gods Trading Post where you’ll find a HUGE supply of Colorado souvenirs for sale. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park features cave tours starting at $20 for kids, $30 for adults. The Ghost Town Museum rates are $5.50 for kids, $9.50 for adults.

You’ll find additional free and affordable things to do near Cañon City here.

Is the Budget Getaway itinerary kid-friendly?

The Budget Getaway is well-suited to keeping kids engaged and enjoying the experience right along with you. A few items to point out to supplement this itinerary that kids – and parents – will love include…
Dinosaur tracks! On the drive up Skyline Drive be sure to stop just after the signage on the left about 3/4 of a mile after starting the ascent. You’ll see real dinosaur tracks right in the rock!

The Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs could be added to this tour. You’ll find EVERY game and ride you remember from your childhood. They are all here! Share some nostalgia with your kids; you’ll all enjoy the pinball machines and classic games.

What is the best time of year for the Budget Getaway?

The Budget Getaway itinerary can be followed at any time of the year with the following exceptions…

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
The Ghost Town Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter.

Are advance reservations required?

No advance reservations are necessary for the Budget Getaway. Keep in mind that Cave Tours have a set capacity and depart every 20-30 minutes. While reservations are not required, guests are welcome to book a specific day/time if desired at their website.

Can I extend this to a 3-day trip?

You can pretty easily add activities to make this a 3-day trip. There are so many activities in the Cañon City area and Colorado Springs region that you may consider adding to extend the adventures!

Change it up and Make it Your Own

Of course you can always change up some of the activities in this itinerary to personalize it a bit more. This 2-day itinerary works just as well with a glamping stay as it does with a stay in our luxury cabins. Royal Gorge Cabins offers two sizes of glamping tents near the Royal Gorge that feature far more comforts than your average camping trip – think comfortable beds and linens, evaporative coolers on warm summer days, complimentary WiFi, 24/7 access to the shower house, and a private fire pit complete with a complimentary campfire kit.

During the summer months add a white water rafting trip just across the road at Echo Canyon River Expeditions. Choose from half-day, full-day, and a range of mild to wild rafting options. We’re also happy to share with you some free and affordable things to do in Cañon City.

For itineraries similar to this one, check out the Stay Local itinerary. Or, view all off-season itineraries we’ve put together to find your perfect level of adventure.

Scroll to Top