Colorado, located in North America, has some best train rides to choose from and it can be hard knowing what one the whole family will like the most. We decided to check out the one in Canon City and felt it was super family friendly. Here’s the full review of our Royal Gorge Train Ride experience. We’re also including the other train rides in Colorado as well as neighboring states throughout the America’s Mountains. Hope this helps plan your trip!

Here’s our video review on our Colorado train ride experience with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.

Our Royal Gorge Train Experience

If you’re considering planning at trip to see the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, do it! It’s pretty epic with beautiful scenery nestled in canon city. The whole family really enjoyed the Royal Gorge Railroad especially the kids.

Booking and Arrival

We booked the 3:30 pm time slot online, which was super convenient. Upon arrival, we picked up our actual tickets inside at the counter. This was an easy process, the tickets were printed and you just had to verify your confirmation number.

We arrived early so we walked around town and went to grab a quick snack. There’s a playground next to the main building and a souvenier shop that is filled with tons of stuff to look at! If you forget anything or want to pick up a fun activity for your kid to do on the train, you’re sure to find something here for them.

Pre-Boarding & Photo Package

After it was time to board, we were directed to a line where they took photos of our party. They offered an optional photo package purchase before we boarded the train. We didn’t purchase the package during this time but it’s a nice distraction while you wait to board the train.

Boarding and Seating

We found our assigned gate and waited to board. I chose the Vista Dome cabin for our ride, and it was a fantastic choice! The panoramic views from the dome car were breathtaking. You’ll have a couple of options to select from on seating, mostly all offering spectacular views. All seating also gives you access to the open cart once the train gets moving.

Onboard Dining

Once seated, we ordered our food and drinks. The service was quick, and it added a nice touch to the overall experience. Dining was included with our tickets. This is one of the options you’ll be able to select from on if you want it included or not. During the holidays they will offer seasonal dining packages. We wanted to do the polar express but they were sold out for the dates we were there. So plan on snagging tickets early if you’re wanting to do any dining plans.

Exploring the Train

Shortly after the train ride started, we were told we could get up and go outside. Despite the cold, the outdoor views were stunning and it was a relaxing train ride. The conductor shared fascinating details about the history of the railroad and the canyon. You could also see the royal gorge bridge as we went under it.

The Unexpected Turn

What surprised me most about the ride was that we only traveled so far into the canyon before the train reversed direction and headed back the way we came. During this reverse, we actually paused for 20-30 minutes over a significant historical part of the trail while we waited on the rail lines.

They passed out a photo of the miners who used to ride the railroad in and explained what the train was being used for. The employee in the open-air car gave Audrey a rock he collects for younger kids. She loved being gifted this.

Returning in the Dark

We arrived back at the station after dark, which gave the entire experience a magical feel. Though, during the summer months this time slot might not be dark for you. Despite my earlier decision not to purchase the photo package, I ended up getting it because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to get good family photos! 😜

Train Ride Colorado Mountains that are like the Royal Gorge

You may want to do more train rides on your visit to Colorado or you may just want to find a closer experience near you. Here’s a quick look at what other options you have in the area to choose from.

Georgetown Loop Railroad & Mining Park – Silver Plume Depot

Hop on the Georgetown Loop Railroad & Mining Park from the Silver Plume Depot for a journey through the rugged Rocky Mountains and a glimpse into Colorado’s mining history.

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes you to the summit of Pikes Peak, offering unparalleled views.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

For a trip back in time, ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which winds through the dramatic canyons, silver plume and wilderness of the historic mining town of silverton.

Glenwood Springs Trainstation – Amtrack

If modern travel is more your style, the Glenwood Springs Train Station with Amtrak offers comfortable and picturesque trips through the stunning Glenwood Canyon.

Train Ride Colorado Mountains in New Mexico

Discover the enchanting landscapes of New Mexico by scenic railways! Each of these train rides promises a unique adventure, perfect for soaking in the breathtaking views and cultural heritage of New Mexico. If you’re doing a road trip to Colorado or you’re located nearby, consider checking these out too.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers a journey through the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains and historic narrow-gauge tracks. It crosses the state line between Chama, NM, and Antonito, CO making this railroad the perfect way to see two states at once in the United States.

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

For a charming and historic experience, the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad takes you through the old mining district with stunning views of the New Mexican countryside.

Santa Fe Sky Railway

The Santa Fe Sky Southern Railroad provides a delightful ride from Santa Fe to Lamy, showcasing the beautiful desert scenery and the rich history of the region. One of the best things is that you can select different experiences that include entertainers, music, food, and drinks.

Colorado offers some of the best scenic train rides in the country. Many of the railways offer special stops and themed rides making taking a train ride on your visit to the United States a must do activity. We highly recommend checking out the Royal Gorge Railway as it offers some of the most epic views of the Colorado Mountains. It’s one of the best places to to get a quick introduction to train rides. No matter what you pick though we know you’re sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Answering the most asked questions we received in the video comments section of our video review of the Royal Gorge Train Ride.

How long is the Royal Gorge train ride?

The Royal Gorge train ride typically lasts around 2 hours for a round trip. They offer daily trips with multiple time slots to choose from. During this time, you’ll have options to purchase Adult beverages, food, and you’ll see incredible scenery while getting a quick lesson on Colorado history along this historic route.

How much does it cost to ride the Royal Gorge train?

Ticket prices for the Royal Gorge train vary depending on the class of service. Prices generally range from about $59 to $139 per adult, with different pricing for children and additional costs for dining and special events.

Where does the Royal Gorge train start and end?

The Royal Gorge train departs from and returns to the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Station in Cañon City, Colorado.

How far is Royal Gorge from Colorado Springs?

The Royal Gorge is approximately 60 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, which is about a 1-hour drive.

Where did you fly into? Denver or Colorado Springs?

You can fly into either Denver International Airport (DEN) or Colorado Springs Airport (COS). Colorado Springs Airport is closer to the Royal Gorge, making it a more convenient option.

What side of the train should I pick for seating?

For the best views of the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River, it’s recommended to choose seats on the left side of the train.

If you get a seat on the right side of the train, can you see the river?

If you sit on the right side of one of the train cars, you will have limited views of the river as the best views are on the left side. However, if you get stuck sitting on the right right side it’s still a great place to sit. The open air car is available and you can go stand out there to have access to both sides of the railway and still capture amazing photos during this experience.

Was the food expensive?

The food on the Royal Gorge train is priced comparably to mid-range restaurants, with a variety of options available. While it may be slightly more expensive than typical train snacks, the quality and unique dining experience make it worthwhile.