Insider Info

Royal Gorge Activities

Wondering how to find the best Royal Gorge attractions?

When you visit an area like the Royal Gorge that has so many activities and attractions to choose from, you may wonder how to filter out the best things to do. The answer is to ask a local, of course! Where do the locals go, and where they do take their friends and family when they come into town? Our phone staff is a group of locals:  when they aren’t assisting you, they’re out there exploring the Royal Gorge attractions. And we’re happy to share all of that local knowledge with you. Now you’ve got a friend in the area – let the Royal Gorge Cabins staff be your source for all the best insider info to an awesome Colorado vacation with the best Royal Gorge activities!

WHERE THE LOCALS GO

Must-do Royal Gorge Attractions

Raft the Royal Gorge on a Morning Half Day Trip

One of the top 10 white water rafting runs in North America, the Royal Gorge brings adventure and awe-inspiring beauty into a 10-mile raft trip. And there’s no better time to see it than a morning raft trip – before the river gets too crowded, and when the morning sun offers the most striking lighting of the gorge you’re paddling through. An added bonus to the morning run is fair weather. Clouds and afternoon thunderstorms routinely build and make the afternoon trip cooler – make it as enjoyable as possible and get in on a morning trip instead! This Royal Gorge activity is sure to delight the whole family!

Hike or Bike the Canyon Rim Trail

Just 5 miles from your cabin door! The Canyon Rim Trail is one of a handful of amazing new trails in the Royal Gorge Trail system. The trail winds through a piñon pine and juniper forest with regular views of the Royal Gorge, Wet Mountains, and Sangre de Cristo range to the south. To the north you’ll catch views of Pikes Peak and yet more mountains. Follow the entire 5 mile trail, or make it a short scenic hike – you choose. And you won’t have to go far to be rewarded with incredible views. Of all of the Royal Gorge activities available, you’ve got to include this one in your itinerary!

Hike to the incredible Point Alta Vista

Located minutes from our cabins and glamping tents, Point Alta Vista is another trail in the Royal Gorge Trail system. The new trail is 2 miles total in length (1 mile out, 1 mile back) and hikers and bikers will be rewarded with an incredible view of the Royal Gorge and the distant bridge from the decking of recently restored historic train trestles. 

To access the trail, head west on Highway 50 a quarter mile turning left (south) on County Road 3A. After crossing the first cattle guard park in the parking lot on the right just before the road bends to the left. You’ll find a large trail map and pedestrian gate marking the trailhead for Point Alta Vista. A portion of the trail crosses private property, so please remain on the trail and pick up after pets. Thank you!

Scenic Drive through Historic Mining Towns

Take in scenic mountain valleys and picturesque mining towns on a loop drive through Cripple Creek and Victor, Colorado accessed via Hwy 9 and High Park Road. Located an hour from Royal Gorge Cabins, the Cripple Creek and Victor area boasts multiple museums harken back to  when the two towns were bustling mining and gambling towns in the days of the old west. Check out the Vindicator Valley Trail, a history buffs dream, where you can get up close and view 1890s era mine and mill equipment.

After exploring Cripple Creek and Victor, head down historic Phantom Canyon Road. The gravel road features unique bridges and tunnels following the route of the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad. Continue into Florence, Colorado, and explore their many antique stores and local restaurants to get the full historic tour. Plan on a solid day for this outing including stops, meals, and activities. This driving route follows the Gold Belt Scenic and Historic Byway – see the Byway’s map with suggested travel route here.

Drive Scenic Skyline Drive

A Unique Royal Gorge Attraction – Try Visiting Bishop Castle

Plan Your Royal Gorge Activities

Whether you’re planning on staying in the Royal Gorge and Pikes Peak area for several days or for a week, we’ve got some pre-planned itineraries to take the guess work out of your Royal Gorge activities plans.

Day 1 – Minimum driving / Maximum fun
Day 2 – Leisurely Scenic Drive with Activities
Day 3 – Colorado Springs day of activities
Day 4 – Keep it local – Make it easy
Stay in our cabins

Enjoy the local Royal Gorge attractions

You’ll find an abundance of Royal Gorge activities near our cabins. Searching out and finding the hidden gems of where the locals go is part of the fun for some visitors, but many of us simply don’t have time for that level of planning. Allow us to be your local friend, to give you the inside scoop for visiting the best Royal Gorge attractions. We’ll save you time and help you plan an incredible vacation!