The Arkansas River is a river that runs through the Rocky mountains of Colorado, and on into the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas for a total of 1450 miles before it empties into the Mississippi River, and eventually into the Gulf of Mexico. However, located in the state of Colorado is a twelve-mile stretch of canyon that is known to be the most scenic canyon in the world. This stretch of canyon is called the Royal Gorge. It is also known as the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas River.

The location of Royal Gorge is just outside of Canyon City, Colorado. The base of this gorge measures about fifty feet in width. The top of the Royal Gorge is about 100 feet in width. The measurement from top to bottom is about 1200 feet in depth. The twelve-mile stretch of this canyon goes through granite of the Fremont Peak. It is said that the Arkansas River cuts through the canyon at a rate of one inch every 210 years. Which is how the canyon came to be after 300 million years. The water from the Arkansas River just kept cutting away at a constant rate, and thus, a canyon was formed.

Zebulon Pike was the first white person to discover the Royal Gorge. Zebulon Pike was also the first person to discover Pike’s Peak. There is a marker at the mouth of Royal Gorge to designate the campsite where Zebulon Pike camped in Dec 1806 as he came upon this canyon.

There have also been bones from dinosaurs discovered here in this area from about 200 million years ago. The state of Colorado also has a state Dinosaur called Stegosaurus.

In 1890, passenger trains ran through the Royal Gorge on the average of four times a day. Gradually, there were other routes that were established through the mountains. Then in 1967, the service to the passenger trains was shut down. Now there is a sightseeing train that follows this same twenty-four mile round trip route for the purpose of allowing the tourists the pleasure of getting a close up view of this most beautiful canyon.

The Historic Royal Gorge Railroad will give you a train ride that will follow the same twelve-mile route of the passenger train of years gone by. You will have an opportunity to see this most magnificent view from aboard the top deck of a 1950s Budd Domed rail car that is equipped with a glass dome for better viewing. The ride is two hours in length. If you choose the dinner ride, it will be three hours in length. You can even enjoy the view while you are eating a meal from their menu.

Among some of the birds, you will see are the on this train ride are the:
* Eagles
* Blue Herons
* Red tailed hawks
A couple of the animals you may spot are the big horned sheep and the mule deer.

Bridge is vital part Royal Bridge Park

In 1929, the town of Canyon City gave permission for the building of suspended bridge over the canyon. This bridge is the highest suspended bridge in the world over water.Appropriately named the Royal Gorge Bridge, it is about 1053 feet above the Arkansas River. This suspended bridge is a vital part of the Royal Gorge Park. This park is owned and operated by Canyon City. In the summer, whitewater rafting is a popular activity. People come from the around the world to take part in this rafting just to be able to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of this remarkable canyon.

Enjoy your stay in Colorado, and your visit to the Royal Gorge. You are sure to walk away with some wonderful memories.