Royal Gorge Trails
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Start: Begin your ride/hike at one of several parking areas.
Elevation gain: +/- 600 feet, or additional 1,800 with Royal Cascade Fitness effort: Mild to moderate Difficulty: Novice to intermediate Terrain: Natural surface singletrack Seasons: Best during spring, summer, and fall. Winter users should expect icy conditions. Trail users: Hikers, bikers, walkers Dog friendly: Yes. Keep all dogs on a leash and watch for cacti along the trail. Please bring waste bags and clean up after your pet. Distance: 22 miles of trail. Reverse your loop for more distance and to enjoy views in both directions. Note that Royal Cascade (spur from Summit View) is a 3.6 mile trail that descends 1,800 feet. Ride and climb at your ability level. |
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TRAIL BETA
If you’re looking for a trail run, bike, or hike that will offer some of the most awe-inspiring views in Colorado, this is it. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities will find that the trails offer stunning views and plentiful options. The Royal Gorge Park Trails are funded in part by the 1% for Trails initiative.
NEW Royal Cascade Trail: This incredible 3.6-mile trail connects Tunnel Drive with the Royal Gorge Park Trails. Climbing over 1,800 feet from Tunnel Drive to Summit View trail, it is a double-black diamond trail with significant amounts of expoure and numerous switchbacks. Individuals should carefully gague their ability level before attempting this trail. To reach the trailhead via Tunnel Drive, travel 1.75 miles from the Tunnel Drive trailhead. To access the trail from the Royal Gorge Trails, park at the East Ridge Campground, travel .9 miles on Cañon Vista, take FAR Out for about .25 miles, then either take Summit View (singletrack) or the road to the radio towers to Summit View for an additional ~.75 miles, where you'll intersect with Royal Cascade near the base of Fremont Peak. NOTE: The total mileage from the campground to the Tunnel Drive trail head is about 7.4 miles total.
Point Alta Vista Trail: This one-mile (two miles out and back) trail is a wonderful option for those who would like a wide, relatively easy trail for hiking, walking, or mountain biking. Start at the parking lot just 1.25 miles off of Hwy 50 on CR3A (west of Cañon City). You'll find a map / kiosk / gate where you'll start your journey. Follow the trail to the refurbished trestles and come back the way you came. PLEASE remember to pick up all waste (including animal poo), and stay ON the trail as it is surrounded by private property. Additional mileage can be reached by tying into the singletrack (intermediate to advanced) east of the trestles. Consult an app or map for more instructions.
Canyon Rim Trail: With gorge-ous views all along the Canyon Rim Trail, be sure to pack your camera! The trail provides a fun, intermediate trail experience with occasional steep exposure.
Overlook Loop / Elk Horn Picnic Area: For those with a limited time, pick the trail up at the picnic area and enjoy panoramic views of the gorge and mountain ranges beyond. Please note that many points along this area have severe exposure and dropoffs. Hike with caution!
Dream Weaver: From the campground, catch this trail for a flowy, fun descent through the 2013 burn scar. Great views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Made in the Shade: This 3.1-mile loop trail offers fantastic scenic views of rocky outcroppings, the mountains, and rugged canyons.
NEW Royal Cascade Trail: This incredible 3.6-mile trail connects Tunnel Drive with the Royal Gorge Park Trails. Climbing over 1,800 feet from Tunnel Drive to Summit View trail, it is a double-black diamond trail with significant amounts of expoure and numerous switchbacks. Individuals should carefully gague their ability level before attempting this trail. To reach the trailhead via Tunnel Drive, travel 1.75 miles from the Tunnel Drive trailhead. To access the trail from the Royal Gorge Trails, park at the East Ridge Campground, travel .9 miles on Cañon Vista, take FAR Out for about .25 miles, then either take Summit View (singletrack) or the road to the radio towers to Summit View for an additional ~.75 miles, where you'll intersect with Royal Cascade near the base of Fremont Peak. NOTE: The total mileage from the campground to the Tunnel Drive trail head is about 7.4 miles total.
Point Alta Vista Trail: This one-mile (two miles out and back) trail is a wonderful option for those who would like a wide, relatively easy trail for hiking, walking, or mountain biking. Start at the parking lot just 1.25 miles off of Hwy 50 on CR3A (west of Cañon City). You'll find a map / kiosk / gate where you'll start your journey. Follow the trail to the refurbished trestles and come back the way you came. PLEASE remember to pick up all waste (including animal poo), and stay ON the trail as it is surrounded by private property. Additional mileage can be reached by tying into the singletrack (intermediate to advanced) east of the trestles. Consult an app or map for more instructions.
Canyon Rim Trail: With gorge-ous views all along the Canyon Rim Trail, be sure to pack your camera! The trail provides a fun, intermediate trail experience with occasional steep exposure.
Overlook Loop / Elk Horn Picnic Area: For those with a limited time, pick the trail up at the picnic area and enjoy panoramic views of the gorge and mountain ranges beyond. Please note that many points along this area have severe exposure and dropoffs. Hike with caution!
Dream Weaver: From the campground, catch this trail for a flowy, fun descent through the 2013 burn scar. Great views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Made in the Shade: This 3.1-mile loop trail offers fantastic scenic views of rocky outcroppings, the mountains, and rugged canyons.
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If you're interested in biking or hiking events that feature routes that include the trestles (a pretty rad addition to your run / ride), please consider signing up for the Royal 50 TB Race (September 19), or the Point Alta Vista Trails Runs (October 10).
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Location
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From downtown, head west on US Highway 50. At the turnoff for the Royal Gorge Bridge, turn left (south) and follow County Road 3A until you reach your desired trailhead. (Or turn off onto CR F30 to reach the campground and additonal trailheads.)
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