Stay Local: 2-Day Off-Season Itinerary Near Royal Gorge Cabins

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

2-Day Stay Local

Sometimes once you land at your vacation destination you don’t want to spend half of your time driving from one location to the next. With the Stay Local itinerary, you can keep driving to a minimum. And the best part is you’ll still get in on some of the best attractions in the Royal Gorge Region!

Self--Guided Activities and Self-Booked Tickets

Stay Local Itinerary

  • Happy Endings Caboose – closed Monday
  • Royal Gorge Route Railroad – reservations

Day 1

  • Hike Canyon Rim Trail or Overlook Trail – Located about 5 minutes from our cabins you’ll find these trails boasting impressive views within the Royal Gorge Trail System. Both trails offer sections along the rim overlooking the 1,000-foot-deep Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River.
  • Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – The famous Royal Gorge Bridge is within a mile of the Canyon Rim Trailhead. 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!
  • Antique Shopping in Florence, CO – Florence is known as the antique capital of Colorado, and you’ll find well over a dozen antique stores in this picture perfect mainstreet town. Each antique store is chockfull of treasures, furniture, and vintage items you’ll want to check out.
  • Dinner at a local Florence restaurant, or return to your cabin to make dinner and watch the sunset from your private patio.
view of Royal Gorge Bridge south upright tower

DAY 2

  • 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. At the turnaround point you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Royal Gorge from a historic train trestle.
  • Lunch on your own while hiking or back at your cabin.
  • Historic Train Ride at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Drive 10 minutes to the historic train depot in Cañon City arriving at 2:30 for your 3:30 train departure. Choose from a few featured classes of service for your two hour ride through the heart of the Royal Gorge. Incredible service, delicious meals and snacks, and a variety of beverages are available for purchase.
  • Happy Endings Caboose – After your train ride, walk to the on-site caboose for tasty crepes, coffee, or your favorite cocktail or Colorado craft beer. Closed on Monday.
  • Historic Downtown Cañon City – Stroll through the shops, galleries and restaurants. From the Happy Endings Caboose, walk north on South 3rd Street for two blocks. Main Street is one block north of Highway 50 / Royal Gorge Blvd.
  • Grab some dinner makings, head back to your cabin, and grill a meal on your patio, or enjoy one of the local restaurants in Cañon City.
View of Point Alta Vista

Frequently Asked Questions

How close are the Stay Local activities to Royal Gorge Cabins?

They’re all close! Most activities on this itinerary are within 5–10 minutes of the cabins. The longest drive is to Florence, Colorado, which takes approximately 20–25 minutes.

What local activities does this itinerary feature?

Day 1 activities include hiking either Canyon Rim Trail or Overlook Trail in the Royal Gorge Trail System. Next up is a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, followed by antique shopping in historic Florence, Colorado. Finally, enjoy a meal at a local Florence restaurant, or return to the comfort of your cabin where you can cook up a delicious meal and enjoy the mountain views from your private patio.

Day 2 suggests hiking Point Alta Vista Trail just minutes from your cabin, followed by a 2 hour scenic train ride with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Their on-site Happy Endings Caboose is the perfect spot for a post-train snack or drink, before strolling historic downtown Cañon City. You might just find other things to do near Cañon City as you explore town. Finally, choose one of the local restaurants for a sit-down dinner, or grab some take-out and enjoy on your cabin patio.

Is this itinerary good for a relaxing, low-key trip?

The Stay Local itinerary could certainly be described as a relaxing and low-key trip due to the limited number of reservations required, and close proximity to your cabin. Simple drives on not too busy roadways can keep anyone’s stress level down on a vacation, and this itinerary definitely falls into that realm. 

Are Cañon City restaurants open year-round?

The closest restaurants will be found about 8 miles east of the cabin property in Cañon City. Restaurants in Cañon City are open year-round, although be aware there are certain day-of-week closures. It’s always a good idea to check Google Maps or contact the business just to be sure they are open. It is important to note that there are no restaurants open during the fall, winter, or early spring months in walking distance from the cabins.

Can the Stay Local itinerary flex for bad weather?

Absolutely! If rain or snow rolls in, you may be able to rearrange some activities to work around the weather. However, we strongly recommend purchasing Royal Gorge Route Railroad tickets in advance. Be sure to review the railroad’s current change and cancellation policies before booking, as weather-related changes may be limited.

A look into Royal Gorge Cabin's interior accommodations.

Add the Stay Local itinerary to your cabin stay

Book your cabin stay at Royal Gorge Cabins and simplify your schedule by following the Stay Local itinerary. And if you’re up for a bit of a lodging adventure, consider our canvas-wall glamping tents. Glamping near the Royal Gorge with us isn’t exactly roughing it – think comfortable queen beds with luxury linens, electricity and wi-fi, evaporative coolers for hot days, and 24-hour access to our shower house. Our glamping tents are open from late April through early to mid-October.

Many of our guests mix and match itineraries to suit their interests and schedules. If you’d like to view a similar short-drive sort of itinerary, you may also consider the Budget Getaway, or view all off-season itineraries for your perfect match.

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