Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado

Oct 19

Cañon City, Colorado · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesUp to four departures daily, year round

Since 1998 the Royal Gorge Route Railroad has carried riders from Cañon City's Santa Fe Depot into the Royal Gorge on a famous stretch of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western main line, aboard restored mid-century dome cars with kitchens cooking meals to order.

Running since 1998
About 2 hours through the gorge
Vista Dome and open-air cars
Meals cooked on board
Up to four departures daily
Santa Express each holiday season

Royal Gorge Route Railroad at a glance

Hours: Up to four departures daily, year round, at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm (times vary by date)
Admission: As of October 2026: Coach from $109, Deluxe from $129, Vista Dome from $139, First Class Lunch or Dinner $199
Train rides: About 2-hour trips through the Royal Gorge from the Santa Fe Depot, year round
Seasonal events: Santa Express Train, Holiday Train, Oktoberfest Train, Twilight Train, Wine Dinners
Plan for: About 2 hours on the train, plus time at the depot
Best for: Scenic rides, dining trains and special occasions
Best ages: School-age kids and up

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Contact and directions

Address401 Water St, Cañon City, CO 81212(opens in a new tab)
Phone(719) 276-4000
Emailinfo@royalgorgeroute.com
Websiteroyalgorgeroute.com(opens in a new tab)

Follow Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Facebook Instagram Tripadvisor

Museum website(opens in a new tab)Directions(opens in a new tab)Call Email

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Royal Gorge Route Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Cañon City.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Bringing passenger trains back to Colorado's grandest canyon

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad, operated by the Cañon City & Royal Gorge Railroad, LLC, runs on one of the best known pieces of track in the West: the section of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad's Tennessee Pass Subdivision main line that threads the Royal Gorge. When the owners set out to bring the line back to life for passengers, they say the scenery was already there; what they wanted to add was carefully renovated railcars, real food and attentive service.

The train launched in 1998, and the company says no other Colorado train offered first-class dining and service at the time. It remains an independent, family-owned Colorado business. Over the years it has grown into a big operation: more than 300 employees, a train of 17 cars with 6 classes of service, 4 full bars and 5 on-board kitchens, all pulled by a standard gauge locomotive. The railroad counts about 50,000 miles run and around 250,000 travelers every year.

Behind each departure, the railroad credits a crew of chefs, engineers, mechanics and track workers working together, and guests often single out staff by name. The menu leans on locally sourced goods, and the company has added Wine Dinners, an Oktoberfest Train and holiday trains to the regular schedule.

Granite walls, the Arkansas River and a glass-roofed car

Trips leave from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City and last about two hours, a figure both the railroad's guests and Wikipedia's summary of the line repeat. Once the train enters the gorge, the walls rise more than 1,000 feet on both sides and the Arkansas River runs right beside the tracks. Riders can visit the open-air car at any point during the trip, and some guests spend the whole ride out there; one reviewer mentioned spotting bighorn sheep from the dome.

Inside, you choose your class. Coach is the casual option with the 403 grill menu cooked to order. Deluxe adds more comfort, and the Vista Dome is a renovated mid-century car with cushioned booth seats under a partly glass roof. First Class Lunch and Dinner trains serve a gourmet meal prepared fresh on board, and the bars pour wine, craft beer, cocktails and mocktails.

Don’t miss

The Vista Dome carA restored mid-century dome car with booth seating under glass, and the railroad's signature way to see the gorge walls overhead.
The open-air carEvery passenger can step out here during the ride for unfiltered views of the river and canyon.
The Santa Fe DepotCañon City's historic depot is where every trip begins and ends your visit to the line.
Ride with the EngineerA premium experience, from $199, for riders who want to see the run from the head end.
Happy Endings Caboose CafeA cafe built into a historic caboose next to the depot, handy for coffee or a scoop of ice cream before or after the ride.

Big windows, an open car and Santa on the rails

For kids, the open-air car is the main event: the roar of the Arkansas River, the canyon walls and the chance to look for wildlife. At about two hours, the ride is a manageable length for school-age children, and the grill menu means nobody has to ride hungry.

Each holiday season the Santa Express Train (from $124 as of October 2026) adds a visit from Santa, and school and youth groups of 20 or more can book group rates. The railroad does not post stroller or car seat rules online, so call (719) 276-4000 before you go with little ones.

Plan your visit: tips for Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Book ahead: the railroad says Vista Dome seats sell fast.
Visit the open-air car during the ride for the clearest views.
Groups of 20 or more get a $10 per person group discount.
Departure times vary by date and season, so confirm them when you book.
Gift certificates are available if you want to give the ride as a present.

The Santa Express Train is the railroad's big holiday tradition, with Santa riding along through the gorge, and a separate Holiday Train runs in the same season. In fall, the Oktoberfest Train brings themed food and drink, and evening Twilight Trains offer a different light on the canyon walls. For more holiday rides, see our list of Christmas train rides in Colorado.

A family-owned railroad with a crew of 300

The Royal Gorge Route is run by an independent, family-owned Colorado company with more than 300 employees, from chefs and bartenders to engineers, mechanics and track crews. The railroad says it reads guest feedback closely and invites riders to tell it how a trip went. It also hires for the season and year round, and you can follow news on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Pair the gorge with another Colorado rail day

The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is about 22 miles away and offers a small steam train in gold mining country. The Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway is about 33 miles off, and the Pueblo Railway Museum is about 36 miles. For more ideas, see every train museum in Colorado.

Every train museum in Colorado

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi looking out an arched train window at the ocean and a white bird — From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

Riders here talk about sitting under the glass of the Vista Dome and feeling like they could reach out and touch the canyon walls. In our book, Rally presses his nose to an arched train window, looks out at the ocean and says hello to a white bird. Kids and corgis do the same thing at a good window: they just stare. My mom understood that, and you can read how her story became a book on our story page.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Train museums in Colorado: every museum by town, with a map
Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
Christmas train rides in Colorado
Halloween train rides in Colorado
Every Amtrak route with kids

Work or volunteer at Royal Gorge Route Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

How much are Royal Gorge Route Railroad tickets?

As of October 2026, Coach starts at $109, Deluxe at $129 and the Vista Dome at $139, while First Class Lunch and First Class Dinner trains are $199. Special trains are priced separately, with the Santa Express from $124 and Ride with the Engineer from $199. Prices change by date, so check royalgorgeroute.com when you book.

How do I buy Royal Gorge Route Railroad tickets?

Book online at royalgorgeroute.com, where you choose a date, departure and class of service, or call reservations at (719) 276-4000. The railroad says Vista Dome seats sell fast, so booking ahead is the safest plan, especially on weekends and holidays. Gift certificates are also sold online if you want to give a ride.

Does the Royal Gorge Route Railroad have discount or coupon codes?

The railroad does not post public coupon codes on its website. The clearest posted discount is for groups: parties of 20 or more get a $10 per person group rate as of October 2026. Third-party deals come and go, so compare any offer against the fares on royalgorgeroute.com or ask reservations at (719) 276-4000.

Can I get Royal Gorge Route Railroad tickets through Costco or Groupon?

The railroad does not mention Costco or Groupon tickets on its own site. If you find a third-party offer, read the terms carefully and confirm the date and class it covers. For the most reliable booking, buy directly at royalgorgeroute.com or call (719) 276-4000, and ask whether any current promotions apply.

What are the Royal Gorge Route Railroad departure times?

As of October 2026, the railroad lists up to four departures daily throughout the year, at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Not every time runs every day, and a city tourism listing shows slightly different times with evening trains on weekends, so confirm your departure on royalgorgeroute.com when you book.

How long is the Royal Gorge train ride?

The ride takes about two hours. Trains leave the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City and run into the Royal Gorge, with the Arkansas River beside the tracks and granite walls rising over 1,000 feet. Plan a little extra time before departure to park, check in at the depot and find your car.

Is the Royal Gorge Route Railroad a round trip?

Trips start at the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City, and the railroad describes them as about two-hour excursions through the gorge rather than one-way transportation. It does not offer a drop-off at the far end on its posted rides, so plan to be back in Cañon City when the trip ends. Ask reservations at (719) 276-4000 for details.

What is the route of the Royal Gorge train?

The train runs from Cañon City into the Royal Gorge along a famous section of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad's Tennessee Pass Subdivision main line. The track follows the Arkansas River through the canyon floor. The railroad does not post a downloadable route map, so ask at the depot if you want one.

Where is the Royal Gorge Route Railroad station?

Trains depart from the historic Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City, Colorado. The railroad's mailing address is 401 Water St., Cañon City, CO 81212, and the Happy Endings Caboose Cafe sits next to the depot. Use the railroad's website or call (719) 276-4000 for directions to the boarding area.

Where do you park for the Royal Gorge Route Railroad?

The railroad does not list parking details on its website. Since trips leave from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City, call (719) 276-4000 or check the booking confirmation for parking instructions, and arrive early enough to park and check in before your departure, especially on busy weekend and holiday trains.

What is the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Vista Dome?

The Vista Dome is a renovated mid-century railcar with cushioned, booth-style seats under a partially glass roof, so you can look up at the canyon walls. As of October 2026, Vista Dome seats start at $139. The railroad says they sell quickly, so book early if the dome is your priority.

What is on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad menu?

The casual 403 menu is cooked to order on every departure for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the bars serve wine, craft beer, cocktails and mocktails. First Class Lunch and Dinner trains offer gourmet entrees prepared fresh on board. Menus are posted on royalgorgeroute.com, and the railroad says it uses locally sourced goods.

What are Royal Gorge Route Railroad reviews like?

Guest reviews posted by the railroad praise the views, the dome seats, the open-air car and friendly staff, and some mention spotting bighorn sheep. You can read more on Tripadvisor and Google. The railroad itself asks riders to let it know whether it delivered on its promise, good or bad.

Does the Royal Gorge Route Railroad run a Christmas train?

Yes. The Santa Express Train runs during the holiday season, starting at $124 as of October 2026, and the railroad also lists a separate Holiday Train. These trips sell out, so book early on royalgorgeroute.com. Check the site for exact dates, because holiday departures follow their own schedule.

How fast does the Royal Gorge train go?

The railroad does not post a train speed online. The trip is designed as a leisurely two-hour scenic excursion through the canyon rather than a fast run, which gives riders time to take in the river and the gorge walls. If you are curious, the Ride with the Engineer experience is the best way to ask the crew.

Is the Royal Gorge Route Railroad good for kids?

It works well for school-age kids who can enjoy a two-hour ride, especially with the open-air car to explore and the grill menu for snacks and meals. The Santa Express is aimed at families in December. The railroad does not post stroller or car seat rules online, so call (719) 276-4000 with questions.

Does the Royal Gorge Route Railroad offer group rates?

Yes. Groups of 20 or more receive a $10 per person discount as of October 2026, and the railroad hosts corporate events, weddings, reunions, birthdays, school groups and full-train charters. Whole railcars can be bought out, and a private open-air car with an evening laser light show can be added. Fill out the group form on the website.

What is the Royal Gorge Route Railroad phone number?

The number for reservations and general information is (719) 276-4000. You can also email info@royalgorgeroute.com or write to the Royal Gorge Route Railroad at 401 Water St., Cañon City, CO 81212. The contact page on royalgorgeroute.com lists the same details along with links to its social media.

When did the Royal Gorge Route Railroad start?

The current passenger train launched in 1998. It runs on a famous section of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western main line through the Royal Gorge and is operated by the Cañon City & Royal Gorge Railroad, LLC, an independent, family-owned Colorado company that now employs more than 300 people.

What other train rides are near the Royal Gorge Route Railroad?

The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is about 22 miles away, the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway about 33 miles, and the Pueblo Railway Museum about 36 miles. In Cañon City itself, the Happy Endings Caboose Cafe next to the depot makes a good stop before or after your ride.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil