Is the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Worth It? My Experience Riding Colorado’s Most Scenic Train

When I called to see if they still had tickets for this viral Colorado train, The Royal Gorge Route Railroad, the woman on the phone asked me, “you’re going alone???”

And I wanted to say something cool like “solo travel doesn’t stop no train”—but I just said yes like a normal person.

Because this ended up being one of those random experiences that’s way better than you expect and views that I still haven't forgot.

Getting There (From Denver)

The train is located in Cañon City, about two hours outside of Denver. I won't lie,

I’m not a huge fan of driving, but this one wasn’t bad and very minimal winding roads. I'd recommend even the most novice of drivers to make the journey.

How to Book Tickets (What I’d Do Differently)

I firmly suggest that you book your tickets online ahead of time.

I called to check for last-minute availability, but honestly, booking online gives you a better view of:

• What time slots are available

• The different seating options (coach vs. Vista Dome vs. dining)

• Pricing by day (weekends vs. weekdays can vary)

I booked a Vista Dome ticket for $129, which gives you those big panoramic windows.

A few things to know:

• Seating is arranged side-by-side, not across

• If you’re with someone, you’ll sit next to each other

• You may be seated across from other people

• 
  

So just be prepared—it’s a little different than your typical train setup.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Vista Dome sells out quickly, especially on weekends

• Weekday tickets (like mine) are usually easier to get and slightly less busy

• If you want a lunch or dinner experience, you’ll need to book a specific dining train

The Best Seat (Please Don’t Skip This Tip)

If you take one thing from this blog post, sit on the left side of the train.

That’s where you’ll get the best views of the gorge, and it really does make a difference.

What It’s Actually Like Onboard

This is a SCENIC train ride, I repeat, scenic. It picks you up and drops you off back to the same place, all in less than 3 hours.

And even though you don't go far, you’re riding through the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River, it's absoutely stunning. The staff also walks through and points out different landmarks and shares history along the way, which makes it feel a little more immersive than just a scenic ride.

Even if you can't get your ideal seat, there are open-air cars where you can step outside, stand, and take everything in without glass in the way. I spent most of my time out there.

Food + Service

This train has a full kitchen onboard (and we love that).

Even on a regular ride, you can order food, and on weekends they offer full lunch and dinner service experiences.

Make It a Full Day Trip

On my way back to Denver, I stopped at Garden of the Gods, which is about an hour away.

If you have the time, I highly recommend adding it, it turns the whole day into more of a full Colorado experience instead of just one activity.

Canon City is also a cool town to stop into, visit the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge & Park for incredible views and a little adrenaline. You can also explore the town’s local shops and cafés or take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive for panoramic views of the area.

Check out my video!