(Canon City, Colorado) 56 degrees, cloudy skies
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| Drive to Canon City |
Yesterday we decided to drive to a very popular sightseeing destination in the area-
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (one of the world's highest suspension bridges). From Cripple Creek it is a very beautiful drive (1 1/2 hours) through rolling hills and ranch land.
Admission to the park and bridge is $24.95. Luckily there was a military discount during May for 50% off admission. That was a nice surprise. It seemed like to steep price to see a bridge but there is a lot included in the price.
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| River Gorge Bridge |
The Royal Gorge Bridge was built in 1929 as a tourist attraction. It was never intended to be used for transportation purposes. It is 1270 feet long, 18 feet wide, and 150 feet high. It's most impressive feature is the height from the Arkansas River to the bridge - 1,178 feet. Looking over the bridge down to the river can be a very dizzy experience.
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Arkansas River (note rafts shooting the rapids)
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The views from the gift shop were spectacular. Included in the price is an incline railway trip down to the river. We rode down at a 45 degree angle to the bottom of the canyon with granite walls surrounding us. This is quite an engineering feat.
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| Incline Railway |
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| Arkansas River |
Afterwards we rode the aerial tram across the canyon. It was not as scary as anticipated and the views were breathtaking.
Once arriving on the other side we walked through a small wildlife park. The park was very excited about a white baby bison that had been born three days ago. He was really cute.
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| White baby bison |
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| Proud Papa |
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| Big Horned Sheep |
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| Mama with baby big horned sheep (one week old) |
So, to get back to the other side...well you had to walk over the bridge. Or, you could ride a trolley. John was all about walking. I'm really glad that I decided to be brave and walk but it was a little unnerving at times when it swayed back and forth. Oh, and I did look down...not recommended!
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| Bungee jumping anyone?? |
It was a very enjoyable day. Afterwards, we drove around the town of Canon City and had dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant called Diritos on Main Street. We will definitely return here again for dinner.
Well, our "weekend" is over. Time to get back to work Thanks for stopping by.
Oh what an exciting day you had. You're very brave walking over that bridge. I'm not sure I could have done it.
ReplyDeleteI remember driving over that bridge when I was about 9 years old (for me to remember you know it made an impression on me) We drove over it and my Mom and I were terrified. I ended up riding on the floor :) A lady was walking the bridge (or trying to) and got so scared she was on her knees crying! Yes...you are very brave!
It's definitely someplace I want to see again though.
Awesome!! We will definitely put this on our "to see" list. I don't think I would look down either! LOL I can't imagine having enough fishing line to even TRY fishing from that bridge. :-)
ReplyDeletewhat great adventure!!!..and fabulous views!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic pictures of the bridge and gorge. Definitely worth the price of admission as far as I'm concerned.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, but much too scary for me. You are a very brave soul. stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Colorado many times but have as yet to do this. I have issues with heights but like you I am trying not to let that stop me from doing and seeing these incredible sites.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! We have been there several times. Out kids still remember being n the middle of the bridge.
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