Extended Weekend Getaways A Family-Friendly Extended Weekend Getaway for the Holidays
Cañon City shines especially bright during the holiday season, offering families a mix of festive celebrations, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable scenery. At the heart of it all is the 
Royal Gorge — a dramatic canyon just west of town where the Arkansas River carves its way through towering granite walls. Many of the region’s most iconic attractions, including the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, and seasonal whitewater adventures, are centered around this breathtaking natural landmark. Paired with small-town charm and easy access from major Colorado cities, it’s an ideal destination for a December getaway.
Holiday Magic & Winter Traditions
The season comes alive here with twinkling lights and family favorites. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland with themed holiday trains featuring cocoa, cookies, storytelling, and appearances by Santa. This year also brings elevated light-themed experiences that turn the gorge walls into a glowing spectacle as the train winds along the Arkansas River.
At Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, evenings become even more enchanting during their annual holiday light festivities. A slow drive across the bridge, shimmering with thousands of lights, is a cozy tradition many families look forward to each year. Combined with warm drinks, holiday music, and the crisp winter air, it’s an unforgettable way to welcome the season.
Outdoor Fun for All Ages
Even in December, Cañon City is a playground for nature lovers. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park remains open for year-round adventure, offering aerial gondola rides with sweeping canyon views and the multi-level Tommy Knocker Playland — perfect for younger kids needing a burst of energy.
For those who love scenic winter walks, easy trails like Tunnel Drive follow the Arkansas River, offering peaceful views without the need for strenuous hiking. Your family can also enjoy Skyline Drive, a dramatic one-way route atop the ridge that provides panoramic views and a taste of Colorado’s wild beauty.
Adventure, Comfort & Cozy Nights
Families looking for excitement will still find plenty to get the adrenaline pumping, from ziplining to seasonal activities at the park. And when it’s time to unwind, Cañon City offers a variety of comfortable lodging options — from family-friendly hotels to luxurious cabins with fire pits perfect for evening cocoa under the stars.
A Holiday Getaway Made Easy
Winter in the Royal Gorge region blends scenic beauty, holiday warmth, and activities that appeal to all ages. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll downtown, boarding a festive train ride through the gorge, or simply savoring the glow of holiday lights on the country’s highest suspension bridge, this is a destination that brings families together.
For more information, please visit RoyalGorgeRegion.com.
Royal Gorge Offers Adventure Nearby
CANON CITY – When it’s time for travel again, central Colorado’s Royal Gorge is a superlative place for nature-deprived outdoor-lovers to regain their adventure mojo. Here’s why.
1. It’s close to home and nature. The region’s largest adventure provider, Echo Canyon River Expeditions, is located about an hour from Colorado Springs and Pueblo, two hours from Denver and three hours from Fort Collins. “As travelers restart their relationships with their cars, I don’t think they’re going to want to travel very far,” said Andy Neinas, owner of Echo Canyon. “The spirit-lifting beauty of the Sangre de Cristo mountains will do wonders for those of us who have been cooped up for months. I see those mountains every day, and I never grow tired of them.”
2. Adventure travel may be the first segment of the travel industry to reopen. Recent stories in the Los Angeles Times, Forbes and other respected media outlets have suggested that adventure travel might be among the first segments to make a comeback as travelers regain their confidence. In the Forbes interview with travel expert Everett Potter, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) CEO Shannon Stowell predicted that adventure travel will be the first to recover “due to the fact that the travelers are more intrepid in general and the type of travel is usually about immersion in nature, staying active and healthy and visiting remote communities.”
3. There are adventures for everyone. Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers several daily half- and full-day rafting adventures on different sections the Arkansas River including family float trips and more adventurous whitewater trips through the Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Royal Gorge Canyon. A short drive from the Echo Canyon headquarters is the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, with popular adventures like a Via Ferrata, the Cloudscraper Zipline and the Skycoaster ride. Even a walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge – the country’s highest suspension bridge – is an adventure. Land-lovers will find dozens of mountain biking, hiking, and running trails maintained by Fremont Adventure Recreation, a non-profit organization committed to promoting a “culture of community and healthy living through human-powered outdoor recreation.”
4. There are freestanding, private accommodations. Located across the street from Echo Canyon River Expeditions are the Royal Gorge Cabins, a complex of one- and two-bedroom luxury cabins with fully equipped kitchens, living areas and private outdoors spaces, and queen and double-queen Glamping Tents with private patios and fire rings. “We think the option of freestanding accommodations will appeal to our guests more than enclosed hotels with interior entrances,” said Neinas.
5. Open-air dining. On warm summer days and nights, the glass bay doors of 8 Mile Bar and Grill open to the large patio where diners are surrounded by mountain beauty and in the evening, starry night skies. The 16-tap bar includes a variety of Colorado brews and popular favorites and the menu offers salads, burgers, sandwiches, and meals to suit every palate.
In anticipation of the day that we can all adventure once again, Neinas and the staff at Echo Canyon River Expeditions and Royal Gorge Cabins have been spending their time deep cleaning the entire operation.
“These adventures aren’t going anywhere, and we’ll be ready when you are,” said Neinas.