Royal Gorge Bridge
Colorado
The Royal Gorge Bridge, located near Cañon City, Colorado, is an iconic suspension bridge spanning 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge at a height of 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Constructed in 1929 as a tourist attraction rather than a transport route, it held the title of the world's highest bridge for much of the 20th century and remains the highest bridge in the United States. The bridge's steel structure is covered by 1,292 wooden planks, offering visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding canyon and river below. The bridge is part of a 360-acre amusement park featuring attractions such as the Via Ferrata climbing course, the thrilling Royal Rush Skycoaster, and the Cloudscraper Zip Line, providing a variety of adventurous experiences. The park also includes historic features like the Incline Railway funicular and a miniature railroad along the gorge's edge. Despite suffering damage from a wildfire in 2013, the park was rebuilt and reopened with new gondolas and zip lines, continuing its legacy as a premier destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can cross the bridge on foot, enjoying the unique combination of engineering marvel and natural beauty that defines the Royal Gorge Bridge.
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Astuce: For the best experience, visit on clear days between 9 AM and 5 PM when the park and rides are fully operational. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to avoid lines, and seasonal passes offer savings for repeat visitors. The park is open year-round with no reservation required for general admission. Early arrival is recommended to enjoy the Via Ferrata course, Skycoaster, and zip line rides. Check daily updates on weather and ride availability before your visit.
Faits intéressants
- •The Royal Gorge Bridge was the highest bridge in the world from 1929 until 2001.
- •It remains the highest bridge in the United States.
- •The bridge is suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River, offering stunning views.
- •The bridge's deck consists of 1,292 wooden planks.
- •The Royal Rush Skycoaster swings riders 1,200 feet over the gorge, making it one of the world's most thrilling rides.
- •The park includes America’s only clear-floor gondolas, providing unique views of the gorge below.
Histoire
Construction of the Royal Gorge Bridge began on June 5, 1929, and was completed in just six months by November 1929, costing $350,000.
It was built as a tourist attraction by Lon P.
Piper, who secured a 20-year lease for the gorge and surrounding land.
The bridge officially opened on December 8, 1929.
In 1931, the Incline Railway was added to provide access to the bottom of the gorge.
Ownership changed in 1947 when Piper sold the bridge to local businessmen and Clint Murchison.
The 1950s saw the addition of a lodge and a miniature railroad.
The park underwent renovations in the 1980s and expanded with new attractions like the Skycoaster in 2003.
Despite a devastating wildfire in 2013, the park was rebuilt and reopened in 2015 with new features including gondolas and a zip line.
Guide du lieu
Royal Gorge Bridge Deck1929
Walk the 1,257 wooden planks suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River, experiencing breathtaking views of the Royal Gorge canyon.
Incline Railway1931
A narrow gauge funicular railway built in 1931 that descends to the bottom of the Royal Gorge, offering scenic views of the gorge walls and the Arkansas River.
Royal Rush Skycoaster2003
A thrilling ride where participants swing over the edge of the gorge from a 100-foot tower, reaching speeds up to 50 mph and heights of 1,200 feet above the river.
Cloudscraper Zip Line
A zip line crossing the Royal Gorge from rim to rim, rated as Colorado’s #1 bucket list zip line by the Travel Channel, offering an exhilarating flight over the canyon.
Via Ferrata Course
A family-friendly guided climbing experience on the granite walls of the Royal Gorge, providing unique perspectives of the bridge and canyon depths.
Contact
Téléphone: (719) 275-7507
