Denver is having a record-setting year unlike any other.
Over the years, Denver has seen a surge in tourists and throngs of people flocking to this trendy city to call it home.
Any way you slice it, the urban hustle can downplay the pretty landscapes and towering peaks as you deal with crowds or gridlock traffic.
But there’s far more to see in Colorado than the vibrant streets of Denver, as cool as it may be.
Sure, you can pop open a Coors Light in nearby Golden, overlooking all the madness of the cityscape from the gorgeous Rockies, or you could hop aboard Colorado’s secret train just 2 hours away.
Passing through beautiful canyons, flowing waters, and majestic mountains, sit back and relax on The Royal Gorge to escape Denver’s hustle and bustle.
Recent riders were enthralled, stating, “The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is an absolute must-do! We took our two younger kids on this amazing adventure and we all had the best experience!”
Wine And Dine Along Colorado’s Most Beautiful Rail Passage
One of the most underrated ways to explore ‘America the Beautiful’ is by train.
Europe and Asia tend to steal the spotlight with their wildly impressive speeds and routes whizzing through top destinations.
Despite the absence of high-speed rail, although there are rumors this will change in the near future, the U.S. offers breathtaking train journeys.
It’s one thing to fly over and look down upon America’s gorgeous landscapes, and it’s another perspective entirely to be ground-level with 360-degree views.
The Royal Gorge is just the place to immerse yourself in a variety of ways passing through some of Mother Nature’s finest attributes.
Travelers will need to make their way to Canõn City, a 2 hour 11-minute drive from Denver’s airport, according to Google Maps.
From here, prepare to be wowed by the stunning views, the top-rated service, and the savory cuisine served onboard.
Expect anything from breakfast favorites like pancakes to beer and burgers for dinner, plus smaller options for the kiddos.
Additionally, there is a broad selection of wine, perfectly paired with the First Class Dinner’s Prime Rib and Chicken Marsala. Yum!
Passengers will also find the Happy Endings Cafe Caboose Cafe to fuel up. Just remember there’s no spa service aboard.
One-Of-A-Kind Seating Options: A Train Ride Like No Other!
It doesn’t matter if you’re in France, Japan, or Colorado’s no man’s land—any seasoned train traveler knows the key to an awesome train ride is snagging a window seat.
Incredible photo-ops will come at you left and right as you zoom by mountains, rivers, and otherworldly rock formations.
Perhaps the best part of the Royal Gorge experience is you can book whatever type of seating suits your style.
Of course, Coach will be the cheapest and the most basic option. From there, Deluxe and First-Class varieties are offered.
But where The Royal Gorge really stands apart is the 2 different packages offered. The first is the Vista Dome, which offers a truly unforgettable experience likened to the Rocky Mountaineer.
When selecting the Vista Dome, riders will have access to the best views from the train inside a domed cart of windows encircling the cabin.
Attached is an open-air cart to breathe in the fresh mountain air and snap some amazing photos.
This service included a full-service bar and locally sourced cuisine from the 403 Grill menu.
Perhaps the most unique thing is the Ride with the Engineer Experience, which is just as awesome as it sounds.
Well, assuming the engineer is a cool guy or gal…
Ride shotgun with the train’s engineer as your guide as you weave through magical sites and learn historical facts about the region.
Additionally, there are a pair of novelty packages, such as the fun Murder Mystery Dinner Train and the festive Santa Express.
Where Does The Royal Gorge Route Go?
There are up to 4 departures daily year-round from Canõn City to Parkdale and back.
The full journeys typically take 1.5 – 3 hours, depending on when you depart, which can be in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
Prices vary by package, but Coach is always the cheapest, starting at $89 for morning departures; consider it an “early bird special.”
For those who don’t want to worry about the extras, the First-Class Dinner or Lunch options may be best.
If any questions are unanswered, it’s best to view the train route’s FAQ page for more details.
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