Cañon City sits at one of the most dramatic intersections of nature and history in Colorado. Perched at the eastern entrance to the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River, it’s a place where 1,000-foot canyon walls, world-class whitewater, dinosaur fossil country, and Colorado wine country all meet within a few miles of each other. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or making it a dedicated destination, here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Canon City, Colorado.
The Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge is one of the most dramatic stretches of whitewater in the United States, and rafting it is the defining Canon City experience. Canyon walls rise over 1,000 feet above you on both sides as you navigate Class IV–V rapids through one of the most spectacular gorges in North America. It genuinely has to be seen to be believed.
Wilderness Aware Rafting runs Royal Gorge rafting trips guided exclusively by our most senior team. This is a bucket-list Colorado rafting trip for guests ready for the challenge. Not quite ready for Class V? We have options for every ability level on the Arkansas River:
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is Cañon City’s most iconic landmark and one of the most visited attractions in Colorado. The suspension bridge stretches a quarter mile across the gorge and hangs more than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, making it one of the highest suspension bridges in the United States. Walking across it on a clear day with the river visible far below is a genuinely memorable experience.
Beyond the bridge, the park packs in a full day of activities: an aerial gondola crossing the gorge, a Via Ferrata climbing route along the canyon walls, zip lines, a sky coaster, a children’s playground, and multiple scenic overlooks. It’s open 365 days a year and works for groups of all ages and interest levels.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad runs along the bottom of the gorge through some of the most spectacular canyon scenery in the American West. The vintage train departs from downtown Cañon City and travels through the narrowest section of the Royal Gorge, where the canyon walls close in on both sides and the Arkansas River rushes alongside the tracks. Options range from coach seating to dinner service in vintage dome cars with panoramic windows. It’s a completely different perspective on the gorge than the bridge above and well worth doing as a separate experience.
Cañon City sits in the middle of one of the most significant dinosaur fossil regions in the world. The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is a hands-on museum and dig site experience that goes well beyond the typical museum display. Visitors can participate in actual fossil preparation, watch paleontologists work on real specimens, and explore exhibits featuring some of the largest dinosaur bones ever discovered in Colorado. It’s a standout attraction for families and genuinely interesting for adults too, particularly anyone with an interest in natural history or geology.
One of the most underrated outdoor gems in the Canon City area, Red Canyon Park sits just north of town and offers 600 acres of red-rock formations, vertical sandstone spires, and panoramic views over the Arkansas River Valley. The hiking trails range from easy walks to more technical scrambles, and the geology is striking enough to draw comparisons to Garden of the Gods without the crowds. Entry is free, parking is easy, and it’s a 15-minute drive from downtown Cañon City.
The Shelf Road climbing area is one of the premier sport climbing destinations in Colorado, with over 900 bolted limestone routes spread across multiple canyon walls. Located about 12 miles north of Canon City, Shelf Road draws climbers from across the country for its high-quality rock, south-facing aspects climbable even in winter, and varied difficulty from beginner to elite. Non-climbers can drive the scenic unpaved road for views over the Arkansas River Valley.
One of the more unexpected pleasures in the Canon City area, Holy Cross Abbey Winery is run by Benedictine monks on the grounds of a historic abbey built in 1926. The winery produces a range of award-winning Colorado wines and offers daily tastings in a beautiful, peaceful setting along the Arkansas River. It’s the kind of place that surprises visitors who weren’t expecting to find world-class wine just outside a Colorado canyon town. The tasting room is open daily and makes for a relaxed afternoon stop before or after a day on the river.
Quirky, fascinating, and genuinely well-done, the Museum of Colorado Prisons is housed in a former women’s correctional facility next to the still-operating Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, the oldest prison in Colorado. The museum covers the history of Colorado’s prison system from the 1800s to the present, with real cells, artifacts, and exhibits that are far more compelling than you’d expect. It consistently ranks among the top-rated Canon City attractions on travel sites and is a memorable stop for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
Cañon City punches well above its weight for outdoor recreation. Beyond the Royal Gorge itself, the surrounding area offers serious adventure across multiple disciplines.
The Royal Gorge region has more hiking variety than most visitors expect. Red Canyon Park (free, 15 minutes north) is the local favorite. Skyline Drive is a narrow ridgeline road that doubles as a hiking corridor with dramatic views over the city and valley. Temple Canyon Park, a few miles south of town, offers a quiet canyon hike along a stream with minimal crowds.
The Hogbacks Open Space trail system offers a mix of beginner to advanced singletrack through juniper and pinyon pine, with views over the valley. The Red Canyon Park area also has rideable terrain for more adventurous cyclists.
Shelf Road is the main draw for climbers and one of the best sport climbing destinations in the entire state. The area’s warm, south-facing limestone walls make it a popular destination even in shoulder seasons when other Colorado climbing areas are snowed in.
The Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River puts in and takes out near Canon City itself, making it the most conveniently located of all our Arkansas River trips for visitors staying in town. Here’s what to know:
Getting there: Our Royal Gorge rafting departure point is on the river just west of Canon City. We’ll send you specific meeting point details when you book. If you’re doing Browns Canyon or our other Buena Vista-based trips, Canon City is about an hour up US-50 West then north on US-285.
Best trips for Canon City visitors: The Royal Gorge full-day trip is the obvious choice if you’re staying in Canon City. It’s one of the most dramatic rafting experiences in Colorado and departs close to town. If you have families with younger kids or want a mellower introduction, our family-friendly trips are a great fit and also accessible from Canon City.
Prepare: Review our rafting packing list and check current river conditions before your trip.
Cañon City is known for the Royal Gorge, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, significant dinosaur fossil discoveries, and Shelf Road, one of Colorado’s top sport climbing destinations.
Yes. Wilderness Aware Rafting runs Royal Gorge rafting trips through Class IV–V rapids at the bottom of the gorge, with 1,000-foot canyon walls on both sides. The put-in is just west of Canon City.
Cañon City is about 45 miles west of Colorado Springs, roughly a 45-minute to 1-hour drive via US-50 West. It makes an easy and very worthwhile day trip from Colorado Springs.
Cañon City is approximately 115 miles from Denver, about a 2-hour drive via I-25 South to US-50 West. It’s a manageable day trip and a natural stop on a road trip heading toward Salida or Buena Vista.
Canon City enjoys one of the mildest climates in Colorado at around 5,300 feet. Spring and summer are peak season for rafting. Fall brings canyon colors and great climbing weather. Winter is mild enough for Shelf Road climbing and Royal Gorge Bridge visits year-round.
Choose from a variety of Colorado rivers, day trips, and multi-day trips to find just the right option for you and your crew. Better hustle, because they’re booking up quick!
