Royal Gorge/ Cañon City, CO

We head to Cañon City because our friend, Kirsten, had recommended seeing the Royal Gorge. Researching the web, it looks like Royal Gorge has an amusement park with a several interesting "rides," like a suspension bridge and a scary zip line over the gorge.

As we drive over, we cross paths with the smoke from the Decker wildfire that's burning off to the southwest. This does not bode well for the amusement park views.

About to board the Vista Dome car

To avoid the smoke, we plan on taking a ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad and having a first class lunch in the Vista Dome car. Happily, the day turns out to be a clear day down in the Gorge.

The happy travelers

Lunch was served at the beginning of the trip. I have to say, mine at least, was delish!

Souvenir glasses

French petite rolls and a spring salad mix with feta, seasonal berries, pecans, and an apple champagne vinaigrette

Slow Roasted Colorado Pork Shank (topped with Grand Marnier sauce) and Colorado Wellington (topped a Marsala mushroom sauce) 

Since it was Oktoberfest, we had a German gentleman playing accordion and singing as he made his way around the train. He was happy and friendly and added to the enjoyment of the ride.

After lunch, we head to the open-air car to enjoy the ride and get better views.

For a short portion, the tracks are suspended from the sides of the Gorge

Before we leave Cañon City, our friend Josh, Kirsten's husband, tells us we must do Skyline Drive, a very narrow road along the crest of a hill that runs parallel to the town. We originally saw it on the way into town, and I thought, "Hey, what a cool hiking trail..." The reviews on Google Maps are hilarious! The scariest part was looking up at the road from the base.

Approaching Skyline Drive

The entrance

Skyline drive from up top. Relatively narrow one lane road without fencing or guard rails, but a commanding view of the surrounding area.