Should You Book Colorado’s Royal Gorge Railroad Train Ride? My Honest Review

There’s something about the sound of a train whistle echoing through a canyon that makes me so freaking excited! I feel like a little kid inside, haha!

Riding the Royal Gorge Route Railroad made me feel so happy, and even more so that I got to experience it with my mom, dad, and aunt who visited from Chicago. 

Before going, I’d read plenty of Royal Gorge Route Railroad reviews and wasn’t sure what to expect, was it really worth the hype to bring my family too, or just another pricey tourist attraction?

After taking them, I can say it’s one of those Colorado adventures that’s worth adding to the itinerary! It was such a great experience, I would do it again. 

So let’s get into it: here’s everything you need to know before booking your ride to the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, from the route and schedule to pricing, events, and my honest take on whether it’s truly worth your money and time.

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Should You Book Colorado’s Royal Gorge Railroad Train Ride? My Honest Review

My Main Takeaway… (Is It Worth It?)

If you go in knowing this is a scenic experience first (not a luxury dining one), it’s totally worth it. The canyon views alone are reason enough, and it’s a peaceful way to slow down and appreciate Colorado’s beauty from a different perspective.

In my honest opinion, I believe it is 100% worth it to experience this train ride at least once in your lifetime. Also a great way to experience a canyon in Colorado for yourself! 

My Honest & Personal Review Of The Royal Gorge Scenic Train Ride (Pros & Cons)

✅ PROS:

• The views are absolutely stunning! Cruising through the narrow canyon with the Arkansas River rushing below and cliffs towering overhead feels unreal. My favorite is the open-air car, where you can stand outside and view the canyon and water.
  
• It’s easy and relaxing. You just sit back, sip your drink, and watch the landscape unfold.
  
• There’s a fun mix of history and scenery. The staff shares stories about the railroad and the original Denver & Rio Grande Western line, which makes the ride feel more meaningful.
  
• The staff is genuinely kind. Everyone I met from the conductor to the servers were friendly and seemed happy to be there.
  
• The train cars are actually comfortable. Clean, climate-controlled, and well maintained. You can wander between cars, which helps break up the ride.
  
• It’s family and couple friendly. Great for a mellow half-day adventure and to show you a unique side of Southern Colorado.
  
• The Santa Express (if you go in winter) is adorable! They have cozy lights, Santa, and cocoa. 

❌ CONS:

• The food is pricey for what you get. It’s not bad, but it’s not gourmet either. You’re paying more for the novelty of dining on a moving train.
  
• Seats on the river side get the best views. If you’re on the opposite side, you’ll see more canyon wall than water. You can stand in the open-air car to fix this. 
• The ride is roundtrip on the same track. The return journey is the same scenery, just in reverse, which can feel repetitive if you’re expecting new views.
  
• Peak time pricing adds up fast. Between tickets, meals, drinks, gratuity, and souvenirs, it can easily become a $120+ experience per person.
  
• Trains can get crowded in summer. Especially during midday departures or events. Booking early helps, but it’s not a “quiet” ride per say.
  
• Limited refund flexibility. If your plans change within 24 hours, your tickets are typically nonrefundable.
  
• Weather can make or break it. It’s best on a clear day. Rain or heavy wind can make the open-air car less enjoyable.

Things To Know About The Train Ride

Royal Gorge Train Route

You start your trip in Cañon City. You head into the train station depot and get checked in. There they have a gift shop you can purchase souvenirs at.

You’ll get in line for the departure and get seated by the conductor.

Once you leave the depot, the train glides west along the Arkansas River. The full route is about 24 miles round trip, traveling from Cañon City to a small area near Parkdale before looping back the same way. It’s short enough to feel easy, but long enough to completely pull you into the landscape which is nice.

You can wander between the enclosed cars and the open-air one, which I highly recommend if you want those classic canyon photo shots. 

Duration & Schedule

The full ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad takes about an hour and 45 minutes to two hours round trip, depending on which class you book and whether it’s a standard or special event train. 

The time goes by fast though, between the open-air car, a meal (if you order one), and constant photo stops.

🚊 The train runs year-round, with most departures at 9:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM, plus an occasional 6:30 PM evening ride during warmer months. 

Time You Should Arrive vs. Time Train Departs (Need To Know!)

✔️ Here’s what I wish I’d known before I went for my first time: you don’t want to roll up right on time. 

✔️ Parking can get a little chaotic, especially during busy summer weekends or holiday rides. I’d recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes early.

✔️ That gives you time to find parking, check in at the depot, and browse the gift shop. This also gives you enough time to line up for boarding (which starts about 20 minutes before departure).

Train Pricing, Discounts & Coupons

Unfortunately there’s not many coupons that I saw. Prices vary based on class, departure time, and season, but here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan.

What’s Included In Your Ticket

✅ Your ticket will include your seat for the 24-mile round trip through the Royal Gorge and access to the open-air observation car, which, honestly, is the best part of the ride. 

✅ Food and drinks are not included unless you book a class that includes dining, like the Vista Dome or First Class dinner experience. You can order meals and drinks separately on board, though prices lean toward the higher side.

Each car type has its own vibe and pricing:

• Coach Class $ – Comfortable and affordable, with large windows and food available to order.
• Deluxe Class $$ – Slightly upgraded seating, a bit quieter, and closer to the dining cars.
• Vista Dome Class $$$ – Glass-domed ceilings with panoramic views; ideal for photographers or anyone who can’t get up to the open air car.
• First Class Dinner Train $$$– The full experience, with a multi-course meal and drinks served.

Ticket Discounts 💲

So like I mentioned earlier, there aren’t many coupons or discounts that this company offers, but I’ve listed some ways you can save some money:

• Off-peak rides (like early morning or later evening times) sometimes tend to be slightly cheaper.
  
• Seasonal deals do sometimes pop up around holidays, so it’s worth checking the railroad’s social media or email updates before you book.

Events & Themed Train Rides (My Favorite Is The Santa Express!)

One of the things I love about the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is that it’s not just a “summer activity.” They run themed rides throughout the year, and honestly, some of them are even more fun than the standard daytime trip. 

They have themed rides like wine dinners, Oktoberfest, and Santa Express.

The train ride is also a perfect stop to add if you’re already exploring southern Colorado or planning a few day trips from Colorado Springs, especially during winter when everything feels a little more festive. 

Here are my 2 favorite themed rides I absolutely recommend: 

🎄 Santa Express Christmas Train Ride

If you’re visiting in winter, I absolutely recommend the Santa Express Train! It’s such a cute ride that the crew did a great job to make it feel super festive. 

Santa boards the ride to greet passengers, and even if you don’t have kids, recommend it. It’s a fun and charming way to spend a December evening.

🌈 Light Shows On The Canyon Wall

On some evenings, the train hosts light shows projected onto the canyon walls.  

They will transform the gorge into a canvas of color and music. It’s such a fun way to experience the canyon!

The train ride is honestly a really great experience to add to your Colorado Springs Winter itinerary!

6 Things To Do Nearby & Attractions

If you’re already in Cañon City and in this part of town,  you might as well explore what else there is to do.

This side of town is packed with beautiful spots and fun little adventures that make it worth exploring for the day.

Here are a few of my favorite nearby stops that could pair perfectly with your train ride:

1️⃣ Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

This is the obvious one. It’s close by and you might as well drive up it to see what you just rode from above. The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in the U.S., stretching nearly a thousand feet above the Arkansas River. 

You can walk across, ride the gondola, zipline, or a do a “sky coaster”. Which honestly, might be a little much for me, but a lot of people like it.

It’s actually an easy add-on before or after your train ride, and it gives you a totally different perspective of the gorge.

2️⃣ Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting Trips

The same river you ride beside on the train is also one of Colorado’s most famous whitewater rafting spots. 

In summer, you can do a whitewater rafting trip that’s a Class V. Again, this one would be a lot of fun if you’re wanting something a lot more adventurous.

These are all great options to add to your Colorado Springs itinerary or a Colorado road trip, if that’s what you’re planning to do.

3️⃣ Hiking & Trails

So my favorite: hiking. There are actually a handful of easy trails nearby that offer beautiful views. 

4️⃣ Museums

Cañon City has a few museums I think are actually pretty fun.

The Museum of Colorado Prisons is surprisingly fascinating, it’s housed in a former women’s prison and full of stories about early Colorado inmates and life behind bars. 

5️⃣ Scenic Drives 

One drive I really recommend doing is the Skyline Drive right in Cañon City. 

It’s a narrow ridge road with amazing views of the valley and canyon below, especially at sunset! 

Or if you are wanting to go into the mountains, the next bigger mountain town I love is Salida! It’s about another hour-ish to get there and it’s one of my favorite small colorado mountain towns!

6️⃣ Downtown Cañon City Shops & Cafès

If you have time, downtown Cañon City is actually kind of cute and has some gems in there. I’ve had some really good burgers there. 

It’s small but cute, definitely worth a stop!

Cute Places To Stay Near The Royal Gorge Train

There’s tons of places to stay nearby if you want to stay in this area and are not coming down from Colorado Springs.

If you’re coming just for the train, you could easily make it a day trip from Colorado Springs. Honestly though, staying overnight near the gorge makes the whole experience feel more relaxed and less exhaustive. 

Here are a TWO GREAT options for you that I love recommending:

🏡 Mountain Farm Stay (Views and Alpacas!!)

If you’re looking for a stay that feels peaceful, personal, and just a little bit magical, this Mountain Farm Stay near the Royal Gorge is one of my absolute favorite and unique stay!

It’s tucked away in the hills about 15 minutes from the train depot, surrounded by mountain views and also friendly alpacas! The rooms are cozy and well-maintained. It’s the kind of Colorado stay that reminds you to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

🏡 Royal Gorge Cabins (Luxury Cabins & Glamping Options)

Royal Gorge Cabins are these high-end cabins with full kitchens, fireplaces, and renovated design, which I personally always appreciate.

If you want something a little different, you can also try their glamping tents, which come with real beds, electricity, and fire pits. It’s a fun middle ground for anyone who wants the fresh-air experience without traveling with camping gear. Trust me, I know how much of a hassle that can be. 

Practical Tips & FAQs

Even though the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is easy to plan, there are a few things I learned that can make your trip a lot smoother and more enjoyable.

✔️ When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Go?

It really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. 

Spring through early Fall (April to October) is the most popular time to visit. 

If you prefer fewer crowds, go in late fall or winter. 

✔️ How Should I Dress?

Think layers. 

Colorado weather has a mind of its own. The mornings can get a little chilly, especially down in a canyon and if you plan to ride the open air car. 

A light jacket or fleece goes a long way. 

In winter, definitely bundle up! The train cars are heated, but once you step outside for photos, you’ll feel the canyon wind right away. It’s brisk!

Comfortable walking shoes are a must since you’ll be walking between cars and maybe exploring nearby trails or downtown afterward.

If you’re visiting during the holidays, it’s also fun to lean into the theme — plenty of people wear cozy flannels, Santa hats, or sometimes matching pajamas for the Santa Express.

More Stunning Photographs From My Scenic Train Ride …

All captured and edited by me, Jessy.

Final Thoughts – Where Are You Going Next?

After reading so many Royal Gorge Route Railroad reviews before my trip, I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype, but it absolutely did and I walked away not only incredibly impressed but so inspired by the beauty of the experience and landscape!

It’s not a thrill ride or a luxury dining experience; so as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll have a really great time. 

I’d say this ride is one of those rare Colorado experiences that’s absolutely worth adding to Colorado itinerary!

If you’re already planning a trip around this area, don’t miss my Colorado Springs 3-day itinerary next, it’s the perfect guide from my hometown, Colorado Springs, to pair with your Royal Gorge train adventure and includes plenty of easy stops, scenic drives, and hidden gems nearby!

Also this guide to 27 Scenic Day Trips from Colorado Springs. This place is just one of the places included in that incredible list I love!

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