Cañon City, Royal Gorge – A Historic Rail Journey Ignites Colorado’s Economic Soul: All You Need to Know

Published on November 30, 2025

We all seek an escape from modern life. We long for dramatic, natural beauty. Colorado offers this perfect combination. The Royal Gorge draws visitors from around the world. It is a powerful place of awe and wonder. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad provides a truly thrilling experience. This train brings history and nature together. It runs deep through the towering granite canyon walls. This historic rail journey supports a vital economic engine. It creates prosperity for the Cañon City region. This important line is much more than a scenic ride. It is a crucial artery for state tourism success.

A Deep History Forged in Ancient Granite

The gorge itself boasts a long, ancient history. Scientists estimate the canyon is millions of years old. The powerful Arkansas River slowly carved this deep path. This process took vast spans of time. The gorge reaches maximum depths of 1,250 feet. Its spectacular walls are composed of Precambrian granite. The canyon floor is only 50 feet wide in places.

Early Native American tribes highly valued this area. The Ute people used the gorge for winter protection. The canyon walls offered shelter from harsh winds. The region’s modern history began in the late 1870s. Discovery of silver and lead sparked a massive mining boom. This valuable ore was located near Leadville.

Two major railroad companies fiercely competed. The Denver & Rio Grande and the Santa Fe raced for the best route. They fought the famous “Royal Gorge War.” This was a bitter, costly dispute over land. The United States federal government eventually intervened. Federal courts settled the long-running dispute in 1880. This action secured a path for the D&RG line. The final track included the notable 1879 Hanging Bridge. This engineering marvel still spans the narrowest section.

Government officials supported the area’s preservation early on. The federal government showed this commitment in 1907. It donated property around the gorge. This land became a municipal park for Cañon City. State leaders later ensured the line remained. Former Governor Roy Romer worked hard to save the track. He wanted the line preserved specifically for tourism use.

The Steel Artery Driving Regional Prosperity

The Royal Gorge is a major Colorado tourist magnet. It attracts approximately 500,000 visitors annually. The historic train ride remains a primary draw. The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) tracks this visitor spending. They confirm tourism is a vital state industry.

The tourism sector contributes billions to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2024, the industry supported 188,210 jobs across Colorado. State and local tax revenues grew significantly that year. These tax revenues reached a combined $1.9 billion.

The Fremont County region sees huge financial gains. Travelers spent over $101 million in the Royal Gorge Region in 2022. This crucial data comes from official Dean Runyan Associates research. This study was compiled directly for the CTO. This enormous spending directly supports local thousands of jobs.

The train experience helps anchor visitors in Cañon City. Lodging tax collections showed massive success in 2022. Fremont County collected almost $320,000 in lodging tax. This collection means millions were spent just on hotel stays. The train ride complements other regional activities. Visitors enjoy rafting, hiking, and exploring cultural sites. Every dollar spent on the train trip supports local economies. This vital money aids schools and essential public services.

Safeguarding Colorado’s Natural Legacy

The State of Colorado promotes responsible tourism. The CTO uses its Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan. This key plan balances the visitor experience. It also focuses on protecting Colorado’s natural resources. The Royal Gorge train supports this important stewardship. It offers stunning views from the canyon floor. This path minimizes impact on the gorge’s fragile ecosystem.

Local officials work closely with the state. The Fremont County Tourism Council received grants. They obtained a significant grant from the Colorado Tourism Office. This partnership ensures sustainable growth for the future. The funds support responsible tourism marketing. This work encourages respectful exploration of the entire Royal Gorge area. State leaders confirm the importance of these sites. Executive Director Eve Lieberman stated the impact is vital. She said a thriving tourism industry creates strong local economies. She confirmed the Royal Gorge area is an essential piece of this puzzle.

The rhythmic click of the train wheels continues today. It echoes the steps of brave pioneers and determined miners. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad perfectly preserves this legacy. It allows travelers to feel the canyon’s stunning majesty. It carries the hopes and prosperity of local businesses. Visitors leave with powerful, lifelong memories of Colorado. Their journey fuels the economic strength of Fremont County. This historic rail line is a treasure. It stands as a powerful symbol of Colorado’s enduring appeal. We must protect this historic route for future generations.