Trippin' Again: Royal Gorge good stop for sightseers

Editor's note: As we begin to see COVID-19 in our rear-view mirrors, travelers are cautiously returning to the roads. This series offers destination options for eastern New Mexico-area residents looking to get away for a few days.

With views of rising mountains and rolling hills of trees, Colorado is a sightseer paradise. One attraction towers just above the Arkansas River. Looking down on the Royal Gorge Canyon, The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park gives visitors a new point of view from dizzying heights.

The Royal Gorge is a 1,200 foot canyon along the Arkansas River, forming a 10-mile long gorge. The bridge itself is suspended 956 feet above the river below. Made with 4,100 steel cables and 1,257 wooden planks, the Royal Gorge Bridge is America's highest suspension bridge. While the Royal Gorge is known for its panoramic view of the Gorge, it is also an intricate part of Colorado's history.

The Royal Gorge has been a path for many explorers throughout its time. Millions of years ago, allosaurus, camptosaurus and stegosaurus dinosaurs roamed about. Paleontologists have made fossil discoveries just 3 miles from the Royal Gorge. Years after the dinosaurs became extinct, the Royal Gorge region was home to Native Americans. The Ute Indians often traveled there to shelter from the wind and cold. Various Plains tribes, including the Sioux, Cheyenne and Kiowa, traveled through in warmer months as they followed buffalo herds.

On Dec. 8, 1929, about 80 men completed the world's highest suspension bridge. These men worked at dangerous heights for seven months straight.

It all started with Lon Piper. When this Texas bridge builder visited the Royal Gorge, it prompted a vision of creating a scenic view for many to enjoy. Steel towers were erected on either side of the Royal Gorge, then two half-inch cables were lowered into the gorge, attached, and pulled back up. Piper, Chief Engineer and General Superintendent George E Cole and their men are now widely known for the creation of "America's Bridge."

Rising from the flames:

The Royal Gorge hasn't just been a place of success and adventure, it has also borne witness to tragedy. On June 11, 2013, a wildfire started on the west side of the bridge.

Eventually, the fire caught on to the walls of the gorge and damaged most of the buildings, attractions, and landscapes.

Besides the bridge, 90% of the park was destroyed. With the safe evacuation of guests and employees, and the weighing of damage, demolition and rebuilding took place immediately. On Labor day weekend of 2014, the new park opened for many eager guests. In just a few months, America's highest zipline, the playland, a new visitor center, and much more was added to the park.

Things to do:

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park has many attractions and activities for families. Access to the bridge is available with every purchased ticket. Guests can enjoy the view of the bridge on the Aerial Gondola Ride, or even walk over the bridge themselves. A zipline and skycoaster swing are also available for any brave enough to soar over the heights of the gorge.

The TommyKnocker Playland is also open to guests. Full with ropes, slides, nets, tunnels, towers, and splash pads, this three story playland is perfect for kids to roam.

The Royal Gorge Parks also has its visitor center, water clock, plaza theatre, and some of the original cables to view.

Where is it:

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is about a six- hour drive northwest of Clovis. The address is 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, Colo., 81212.

Admission and hours:

The park and bridge are open 365 days a year. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $28 for ages 13 and up, $23 for ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. General admission includes access to America's Bridge, Aerial Gondolas, the Plaza Theater, and the Children's Playland.

After paying general admission, you are able to access extra pay rides. It is $45 for the zipline, $30 for a single rider on the skycoaster, $55 for two riders, $75 for three riders, and a combo of the zipline and skycoaster is $65 per person.

Via Ferrata:

Take a look at the park's newest addition. The Via Ferrata is a guided climbing tour that allows guests to hike and climb the walls of the Royal Gorge. Guests will be joined by a trained mountain guide for an experience they can enjoy. The Via Ferrata is open year round, weather permitting. This is an additional pay activity, and guests must be at least 10 years old.

For more information:

The website is at royalgorgebridge.com