There isn't a lack of opportunity for incredible views in Fremont County, and the newest trail in the area serves up even more stunning eye candy, along with a dose of history and a slice of heart-pumping elevation gain. Fremont Adventure Recreation, the City of Cañon City, and Terra Firma Trails are proud to present 'Wrath of Grapes' - a 2.7 mile trail in Cañon City's historic and geologically resplendent Temple Canyon Park. 

Wrath of Grapes can be enjoyed from one of two trailheads. For those who wish to try it as an out-and-back (6 miles total) or part of a longer ride, park at the trailhead near the bridge and bathrooms on Temple Canyon Road, about 6.4 miles from the start of Temple Canyon Road (off 1st St.). Head south along the creek to find the existing trail, then veer off to the left where you see fresh new singletrack trail. Grapes of Wrath will wind upwards for 3 miles and offer grand viewscapes of Grape Creek, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Temple Canyon. 

From the high point, you can connect to Watchtower for a longer loop, and descend on Great Escape (though you will have to climb up and over Temple Canyon Road to get back to the trailhead if you haven't run a shuttle). More information and route information can be found on Trailforks. Over 2.7 miles, you'll start at an elevation of 5,851 feet and reach a high point of 6,159 feet. 

Wrath of Grapes was paid for with 1% for Trails funds, collected by local businesses to support trail construction and maintenance. Funds were administered by Fremont Adventure Recreation. The trail was built by Steve Thomas and Andrew Mesesan of Terra Firma Trails, in collaboration with the City of Cañon City. 

Wrath of Grapes is for foot and bike traffic only. There are no seasonal restrictions in place, though all users are reminded to please refrain from using trails when they are muddy. Wrath of Grapes is in a remote location, so please be sure to plan ahead and prepare, bringing 'the 10 essentials' with you for any excursion and knowing your route. 

In many ways, non-profits are like small businesses: we have many of the same overhead costs, our board is composed of local individuals, and we also value being a part of our community. Fremont Adventure Recreation is unique in that our mission - providing fun recreation events - is also a mechanism for generating revenue. Creating events is part of our mission, our ethos, and our purpose. As costs rise, however, we are doing our best to commit to low-cost events that benefit our community. Donations of all kinds help us to keep "the lights on" at FAR while also doing our best to keep kids, adults, families, and students involved in outdoor recreation activities. 

We also assist with trail development and maintenance. FAR partners with local City and federal land managers to help where we can: with planning, construction, maintenance, and signage. At about $3-5 per linear foot, trails can be costly. 

There are many ways to give to FAR - whether you're an individual who would like to give a buck or two, or a business that has the ability to set up a more substantial contribution. All contributions are gratefully accepted. 
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As a registered non-profit organization, we are ready and happy to accept monetary donations of all sizes! These donation help fuel our operating costs, which include insurance, advertising, event rental fees, our timing system, equipment, tools, contractor fees, promotional materials, giveaways, signs and sponsor swag, administrative fees, event costs, web hosting, and all of the other costs that many small businesses incur. 

We know that "non-profit" doesn't mean "no profit", so we use the funds generated from our events, from runBlossom to Royal 50, to help fuel our organizations everyday costs. Private donations, however, greatly help increase this revenue stream. 

Individual donations can be given at any time in any amount and are greatly appreciated! You can give through these platforms and know that your payment is secure. Donations can even be set up to repeat monthly or annually. 

Colorado Gives
www.coloradogives.org/organization/FremontAdventureRecreation

Our Donation Platform

Check to:
Fremont Adventure Recreation
c/o Ashlee Sack
1727 Sherman Avenue
Canon City, CO 81212
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In 2022, we were excited to welcome members to FAR! Members who donate $60 or more are welcome to attend exclusive social events throughout the year, receive a "thank you" t-shirt, and can also provide additional input at our annual social / meeting. Our next membership drive will be in the spring. 

At the beginning of each year, we ask local businesses if they'd like to contribute to FAR's mission: to promote health and wellness in our community through human-powered outdoor recreation. Small businesses owners who value recreational events, trail construction, and community can donate to FAR to help offset our annual program costs. These donations are invaluable! Some of our sponsors have been with us since 2010, and we are incredibly grateful for their support and generosity. If you're a business owner and would like to receive our 2023 sponsorship packet in January, please contact [email protected]. 
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Purchasing trail tools, paying trailbuilder / contractor fees, and buying signage specific to trails can be expensive. In 2015, we devised a mechanism for local businesses to help us offset these costs. Through a program called '1% for Trails', local businesses add a 1% donation to their customer's purchases. Over time, a few cents per purchase adds up, and businesses then remit a check to FAR. Those funds are used specifically for trail-related costs. This program emphasizes the fact that if everyone gives just a little, it can add up to a LOT. 

Ballot Issue 2C: Ballot Question
"Shall Article XIV, Section 1 of the City of Cañon City Charter be amended to permit the City to accept land to be used as parks or playgrounds with approval by ordinance of Council after a duly noticed public hearing?" (Official language here.) 

Ballot Issue 2C will continue to allow the City of Cañon City to accept properties with the intention of creating new parks. Currently, it is very time consuming and difficult for new parks to be created. in the City because it requires a formal vote on an election ballot. Measure 2C will change the process, allowing an acquisition to happen via public hearing and Council vote rather than an election ballot initiative and majority vote for each individual acquisition. 

Why is this ballot initiative a good idea? 
Waiting for an election to acquire a property slows down forward progress. Public input on the acquisition of new properties for parks and playgrounds is important, and that can effectively be achieved by a public hearing rather than the lengthy process required to put the acquisition to a public vote. The timelines for development projects rarely coincide with the November election cycle, which translates to missed opportunities for new city parks and playgrounds to be included in these projects. 

Why is FAR in support of this initiative?
One of the specific reasons we are in support of this idea is the potential to develop and utilize the Black Hills Property near the Territorial Prison on Hwy 50. Our community is in need of a public put-in and take-out for boaters (plus additional amenities), and we'd like to see our City have the ability to move forward on plans that are included in the Western Gateway Conceptual Plan. (You can find that here.) If you haven't seen it yet, please check it out - it is a wonderful vision for the improvement of our river and recreation corridor. 

What do we like about this plan for the Black Hills Property? 
The plan includes bicycle and pedestrian access to the Riverwalk; a day use area for RV's, parking, and events; a trailhead; a boat ramp (which will be available for both commercial and private boaters; restrooms; island picnic facilities; and whitewater features. 

What does FAR stand to gain? 
It's our mission to support outdoor recreation in this community. We are not beneficiaries of this plan in any direct way. As recreation amenities in the community grow and expand, we're excited to see how they can be used to support individuals who live, work, and play in Fremont County. That's it!

Of Important Note
As stated in the language change, extensive and expensive properties like golf courses, pools, etc. would be exempt from this change; they'd still require a vote and ordinance.  

Find the official ballot language here: www.canoncity.org/170/Election-Official

What's up with the seasonal closure? 
Royal Cascade runs through bighorn sheep habitat. In June and July, the trail will be completely CLOSED to all recreational uses. This is to allow sheep to have lambs. When sheep are threatened or scared, they run. When they run, they burn calories (as runners and bikers, we know this!). If sheep expend calories running from trail users, they have fewer calories to pass on to their lambs, and that's not healthy. 

In September and October, the trail is open only from 9:00 am -5:00 pm. This is to allow hunting of bighorn sheep for those who "pull a tag" (aka, are allowed through a lottery system to hunt for a sheep) to hunt safely. Hunters and anglers pay a fee for this use and contribute to funds used for conservation of public lands. Please respect ALL CLOSURES. 

Who built this trail? 
Royal Cascade was funded by the City of Cañon City. First identified as a potential route over 25 years ago, it is part of the Eastern Fremont County Trails Master Plan. The City funded the trail and contracted Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails to build it. FAR provided some assistance though funding and equipment needs. ​

Is this trail difficult?
YES. This trail is open to hikers, walkers, bikers, and runners. How you access this trail and what your fitness level is will determine how hard it is. Be aware that 1,800 fee of elevation gain is a LOT. For those who are training for intense races, love a challenge, or can handle that kind of elevation gain on their feet / bike, it's a great climb. For other (mere mortals), Royal Cascade may be best used in a downhill direction (as long as you are a competent rider - this is NOT for beginners either direction.) For most mountain bikers, using the trail as a connection from the Royal Gorge Trails to Tunnel Drive (with a shuttle so you don't have to climb back up) is a great idea. 

Does the trail reach the Royal Gorge Bridge? 
No. This trail ONLY reaches the Royal Gorge Park, which is the 5,000-acre City Park that also contains 22 miles of singletrack trail. You cannot reach the bridge from any of the Royal Gorge Park Trails. 

Do we have to pay to use it? 
No. The City's Royal Gorge Park is a large parcel of land that has been owned by the City since 1906. The park spans both sides of the Arkansas River and the Royal Gorge, but trails only exist on the north side. They are accessible via four trialheads / parking areas. There are over 22 miles of singletrack trail located within the park, along with a campground (East Ridge), a scenic overlook (Overlook Loop), and a day use area (Canyon Rim Trailhead). All of these amenities are FREE to the public. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a smaller parcel (about 360 acres) leased to a company who runs the admission to the Bridge, the gondola, playland, etc. Admission fees apply only to the amusement area and bridge, NOT trails. (The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a 1% for Trails contributor, and your purchase in the gift shop helps fund trails in the area, however!)

Where are the trailheads to Royal Cascade? 
Royal Cascade doesn't have it's own parking areas / trailheads. To access the trail, you'll have to travel on other trails. You can park at the Tunnel Drive trailhead, located at the end of Tunnel Drive, and travel 1.75 miles to the start of the trail, then climb up. Or, you can park at the East Ridge Campground, travel on FAR Out and Summit Trail, then travel down Royal Cascade. 

What's the total distance? 
The trail itself is only 3.6 miles and-to-end, but you have to travel on other trails to get to it. So, even an out-and-back on Tunnel Drive + Royal Cascade will equal about 10 miles. PLEASE remember that this is a very difficult trail with no access to help, no water, and very little shade. If you attempt this trail, you should carry the 10 essentials, tell someone where you'll be, and assess your ability and fitness level. 

Can I get a map? 
You bet! We highly recommend that you use CoTREX (free to use and download) to help you navigate trails. You can download them, track your progress, and make sure that you're in the right area. You can also pick up a FREE FAR Adventure Guide starting on April 15th. 

All good things come to those who wait, and Rex Brady has been waiting about 26 years for the completion of the Royal Cascade Trail. Saturday afternoon, about 75 community members came together to celebrate the official opening of the much-anticipated trail, which connects Tunnel Drive with Fremont Peak and the Royal Gorge Park Trails. Under sunny skies, the crowd celebrated with a ribbon cutting and recognition of those who helped the ambitious plan come to fruition.

“In about 1996, a few of us started at the top near Fremont Peak and walked down trying to find where a trail could go,” said Brady, Parks and Open Space Director for the City’s Parks, Forestry, and Cemetery division. “We couldn’t find one. It wasn’t an enjoyable walk. We knew we needed to find the right trailbuilders, and we weren’t it.” When the City hired Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails in 2016, however, Brady knew that they had found a trailbuilder who could complete the vision. Thomas has contracted with the City for the last few years and has helped the area build more than 22 miles of trail in the Royal Gorge Park alone. Royal Cascade has been one of the more difficult to complete.

Thomas notes that the hardest part of building Royal Cascade was “getting through the significant amounts of bedrock.” Pikes Peak granite is predominant in the rugged Arkansas River canyon, and poses a challenge to Thomas with any project in the area. He also noted that there was also a constant risk of exposure or steep drop-offs on one side of the trail. Thomas uses a mini-excavator to cut most of the trail, then returns to finish with hand tools. Despite the degree of difficulty in building Royal Cascade, Thomas notes that the vistas are worth it. “It’s beautiful around every turn,” he says, “…it just gets better.” With assistance from trailbuilders Andrew Mesesan and Cat Gruener, along with City employees including Parks Foreman Jesse Young, the trail was built over the course of two years, halting for poor weather and seasonal closures. Some financial assistance, through the 1% for Trails initiative (see joinFAr.org for more information) and support for the project was provided by local group Fremont Adventure Recreation.

1892
Ditch system to provide water from Arkansas River to Cañon is proposed.

1892
Construction halts as blasting damages neighborhoods and St. Scholastica.

1903
Governor James Peabody issues order to halt all progress on ditch system.

1906
Congressman Guy U. Hardy petitions the federal government to cede 5,000 acres of the Royal Gorge park to the City of Cañon City.

1908
City of Cañon City proposes the unused ditch system as a scenic drive and 
water line. Money is collected from the community to enlarge the tunnels.

1910
Inmate labor completes the ditch system and treated water flows into city lines. Scenic drive is completed and called “Royal Gorge Boulevard”.

1929
The Royal Gorge Bridge is built for $35,000 and opened to the public.
1990 Deemed unsafe, Tunnel Drive is closed.

1997
After renovations, City and CCRD open Tunnel Drive to foot and bike traffic. 

2000
City obtains a State Trails Grant to open the entirety of Tunnel Drive.

2013
The Royal Gorge Fire burns over 3,218 acres in and near the Gorge. 

2014
Canyon Rim Trail construction begins - 1.7 miles along the rim of the Gorge.

2015
Eastern Fremont County Trails and Open Space Master Plan completed, identifying the Royal Cascade connection.

2016
Canyon Rim is completed. Design efforts begin for Royal Cascade. 

2017
Design work for Royal Cascade completed and submitted to BLM.

2018
Roughly 15 miles at the Gorge completed: Maze, Darkside, Dreamweaver. 

2019
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and Cañon City agree on management strategies to support coexistence between wildlife and trail users. 

2020
One Track Mind is completed, bringing the total mileage at the Gorge to 22 miles. BLM approves Royal Cascade Trail construction. Funded by the City of Cañon City (assistance from 1% for Trails funds), construction begins.

2022
​Completion and ribbon cutting of grand opening of Royal Cascade. 

​Many thanks to the following people for contributing their time, efforts, and passion for outdoor recreation and our community: 

Zach Holder, Linda Skinner, Sean Reynolds, Rex Brady, Jesse Young, Steve Thomas, Andrew Mesesan, Leah Quesenberry, Mike Smith, Dave Walker, Ryan Stevens, Bob Carochi, Kalem Lenard, Keith Berger, Mayor Ashley Smith, Cañon City’s City Council Board Members, Shawn Weatherill, Adam Hartman, Megan Numsen, Joan Sindler, Brian VanIwarden, Brian LeDoux, Thom LeDoux, Leticia Buswell, Vicki Meier, Jon Banker, Ashlee Sack, 1% for Trails Contributors

A great number of others have contributed to these efforts, and we thank them (and you!) for helping to encourage outdoor recreation opportunities.

​As the young and young-at-heart took turns riding loops at the newly opened bike skills park – dubbed The Yard – onlookers cheered. It wasn’t just the gravity-defying feats they celebrated, but also the addition of a new outdoor recreation amenity that will offer year-round enjoyment for all.

On May 5th at 5:30 pm, The Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District (CCRD), Fremont Adventure Recreation (FAR), and the City of Cañon City held the ribbon cutting for the skills park, located at the Eagle Wing Trailhead at South Canon Trails. About 80 people, including children as young as 3 years old, attended the event and took turns riding the 13 new manmade features and two independent trails that make up the park. Local riders are excited about park, which offers opportunity for skills progression and a great counterpart to the adjacent flow trail – Smooth Criminal – and moderate trails at South Cañon.
“The Yard Bike Park is fantastic,” says Cañon City resident Tenille Lenard. Lenard’s son, Mason, was part of the planning process for the project. Her two children, ages 12 and 9, enjoy the park and its proximity to both the Riverwalk and Centennial Park. “You can enjoy both trail riding, as a family, and then sit and watch your kids jump and play at the park. You can also head straight downtown to enjoy some food, too.”
With trails designed and cut by local trail builders at Terra Firma Trails and features built by Progressive Bike Ramps, the park is now ready to open to mountain bike and BMX riders.
“For me, the overall community involvement is the best part,” says trail designer Steve Thomas of Terra Firma Trails. “The community helped in every way possible.” Community members assisted with post hole digging, trail finishing, sign design, safety videos, and more. “I’m also proud of our team that pulled off the project in a short amount of time. I was excited to see everyone out there and hope everyone stays safe and has fun!”
The most important safety points for using a skills park are:

1. Always wear a helmet.
2. Ride within your abilities.
3. Check that your bike is in good working order.
4. Go SLOW your first few times. Pre-ride, re-ride, then free-ride.

Located at the Eagle Wing Trailhead off of Colburn Lane, The Yard is the culmination of planning, fundraising, and collaborative efforts by the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District, The City of Cañon City, and FAR. Over 100 donors contributed funds to the project, and local businesses that participate in the 1% for Trails program made the project financially possible.

The park is open to bicycle traffic only and is not open to motorized riders. Land managers ask that the community please respect this rule as well as closures when trails are muddy.  All  users of the bike park should exercise caution when participating in any recreation activities.  
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The Yard and the Eagle Wing parking area are closed from dusk to dawn every night.  This has greatly reduced vandalism in the area and the facility is adjacent to a neighborhood.  Users are asked to be respectful of the surrounding neighbors.  

1. Wear ALL appropriate safety gear and check your bike!
The skills park is designed for fun, but that often involves an element of caution. ALWAYS wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Check your bikes' brakes, shocks, through-axles (wheels), and spokes before you attempt any features. 

2. Ride at your skill level
​It's important to know that the park is designed for those who have existing mountain bike skills. Those who are interested in beginner lines (for learning the skills of handling a mountain bike, making turns, etc. are encouraged to try the nearby trails - Mutton Bustin', Recycle, and Schepp's Ridge. 

3. Use the go-arounds if you need to
Features range from rollers to ladder drops to 3', 4' and 5' kickers. (Kickers do exactly what their name suggests - aid bikers in jumping their bike into the air.) Most features have a "go-around", which is designed to aid those who are ready to tackle some elements on a line, but not all. 

4. Heed directional signs
Directional signs have been placed to aid in the safety and enjoyment for all. Downhill lines are for going down hill ONLY. The "climbing" line is located at the eastern edge of the park and will allow riders to climb to the top of the lines without interfering with the directional flow of the featured lines. 

5. Be patient and kind 
All riders will be at different skill levels. Be encouraging and kind, and NEVER rush another user. Everyone is learning. ​

Back in 2014-5, when multiple user groups  and agencies got together to create a master plan for recreation and use in Eastern Fremont County, a trail from the Riverwalk (via Tunnel Drive) to the Royal Gorge Trails (via Fremont Peak area) was identified as a potential project and asset to our community. Now in 2021, the EA is complete, the planning is done, and the project is getting closer to completion. High above the Arkansas River, trailbuilders are working diligently to create one of the most intense, bold, ambitious trails ever built in Fremont County. It is a trail that is not only beautiful and challenging, but it povides a key connection between town, Tunnel Drive, and the Royal Gorge Mountain Park and Trails.  

From an article in the Daily Record: “This trail would increase access to two local trail systems and improve the outdoor recreation opportunities in the area,” said Keith Berger, Royal Gorge Field Office Manager. 

It's happening. But it's not open yet. 

Please note that the seasonal closures for this trail are a compromise between the needs of several user groups, including native wildlife. The closure for June and July are for lambing (to be sure that ewes are not expending calories running from trail users and therefore in need of extra calories to feed their young). Reduced hours in August-October are to accommodate hunters who have pulled a coveted Bighorn Sheep tag (about 8 are issued, and hunters utilize dawn and dust time frames to hunt). ​

The City of Cañon City is engaging the public in a vote for the name of the trail. To particpate, please visit the poll here. 

Please only vote once.