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Visit Canon City

Your independent guide to Canon City, Colorado - gateway to the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River Valley.

Discover rafting, hiking, history, dining, and more in this stunning Colorado destination.

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Outdoor Adventures

Hiking, rafting, climbing, and more

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28 activities found
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Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
sightseeing3-5 hours

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Experience one of the world's highest suspension bridges spanning the dramatic 1,250-foot deep Royal Gorge. Enjoy gondola rides, a zip line, and stunning canyon views.

Tunnel Drive Trail
outdoors1-2 hours

Tunnel Drive Trail

Hike or bike this scenic paved trail that follows an old railroad grade through three tunnels with stunning views of the Arkansas River canyon.

Bighorn Sheep Canyon
outdoors2-4 hours

Bighorn Sheep Canyon

A scenic section of the Arkansas River known for Class II-III rapids and frequent sightings of the bighorn sheep that give the canyon its name.

Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting
outdoorsHalf day to full day

Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting

Experience world-class whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River with options ranging from gentle family floats to adrenaline-pumping Class IV rapids through the Royal Gorge.

Echo Canyon River Expeditions
outdoorsHalf day to full day

Echo Canyon River Expeditions

One of the area's premier rafting outfitters offering guided trips through Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River.

Temple Canyon Park
outdoors2-4 hours

Temple Canyon Park

A scenic canyon park offering hiking trails, rock climbing, and picnic areas just south of Canon City.

Red Canyon Park
outdoors1-3 hours

Red Canyon Park

Explore stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and picnic areas in this scenic park north of Canon City.

Garden Park Fossil Area
history1-2 hours

Garden Park Fossil Area

Visit one of the world's most significant dinosaur fossil sites where many important Jurassic-era discoveries have been made.

Arkansas Riverwalk
outdoors30 minutes - 2 hours

Arkansas Riverwalk

A scenic walking and biking path along the Arkansas River in downtown Canon City, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Royal Gorge Zipline Tours
outdoors2-3 hours

Royal Gorge Zipline Tours

Soar over the Arkansas River valley on exciting zipline tours offering stunning views of the Royal Gorge region.

Arkansas River Fishing
outdoorsHalf day to full day

Arkansas River Fishing

Enjoy excellent trout fishing on the Arkansas River, known for its Gold Medal waters and abundant brown and rainbow trout.

Rock Climbing at Shelf Road
outdoorsHalf day to full day

Rock Climbing at Shelf Road

Explore one of Colorado's premier sport climbing destinations with hundreds of routes in spectacular limestone cliffs.

Mountain Biking at Oil Well Flats
outdoors2-4 hours

Mountain Biking at Oil Well Flats

Ride challenging singletrack trails through unique high-desert terrain at this popular mountain biking area.

Royal Gorge Helicopter Tours
sightseeing15-45 minutes

Royal Gorge Helicopter Tours

See the Royal Gorge from the air with scenic helicopter tours offering breathtaking aerial views of the canyon.

Royal Gorge Jeep Tours
outdoors2-4 hours

Royal Gorge Jeep Tours

Explore backcountry roads and scenic viewpoints on guided Jeep tours through the Royal Gorge region.

Wildlife Viewing - Bighorn Sheep
outdoors1-3 hours

Wildlife Viewing - Bighorn Sheep

Spot Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in their natural habitat along the canyon walls of the Arkansas River.

Stargazing in the Royal Gorge Region
outdoors1-3 hours

Stargazing in the Royal Gorge Region

Experience incredible dark skies and stargazing opportunities in the Royal Gorge area, away from city lights.

Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway
sightseeingFull day

Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway

Drive this designated scenic and historic byway connecting Canon City to Cripple Creek and Victor through stunning mountain scenery.

Phantom Canyon Road
sightseeing2-3 hours

Phantom Canyon Road

A scenic backcountry drive following a historic narrow-gauge railroad route through Phantom Canyon.

Disc Golf at Prospect Heights
outdoors1-2 hours

Disc Golf at Prospect Heights

Play a round of disc golf on this scenic course with challenging terrain and beautiful views.

Kayaking on the Arkansas River
outdoors2-6 hours

Kayaking on the Arkansas River

Paddle the Arkansas River in your own kayak or with a guided tour, from calm sections to exciting whitewater.

Fremont Peak Summit Hike
outdoors2-3 hours

Fremont Peak Summit Hike

A rewarding 3-mile hike to the 7,097-foot summit offering panoramic views of Canon City, the Arkansas River Valley, and the surrounding mountains.

Hogbacks Open Space Trail System
outdoors1-4 hours

Hogbacks Open Space Trail System

A network of trails weaving through juniper-covered ridges and valleys, popular with mountain bikers and hikers seeking varied terrain.

Royal Gorge Overlook Loop Trail
outdoors1 hour

Royal Gorge Overlook Loop Trail

An easy 1.5-mile loop trail with stunning overlook views into the Royal Gorge canyon, perfect for families and casual hikers.

Tanner Dome Rock Climbing
outdoorsHalf day to full day

Tanner Dome Rock Climbing

Premier granite climbing destination with over 80 routes on excellent rock, offering challenges for climbers of all skill levels.

Victor, Colorado - The City of Mines
sightseeing2-4 hours

Victor, Colorado - The City of Mines

Explore this authentic gold mining ghost town with over 500 historic mines, stunning mountain scenery, and the famous Victor Gold Mine viewpoint.

Garden of the Gods Day Trip
outdoorsHalf day to full day

Garden of the Gods Day Trip

One of Colorado's most iconic natural wonders, featuring dramatic red rock formations against Pikes Peak, just 40 miles from Canon City.

Pikes Peak Summit Experience
outdoors4-6 hours

Pikes Peak Summit Experience

Drive or take the famous Cog Railway to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, 'America's Mountain,' for panoramic views spanning 100+ miles.

While You're Here

Popular spots to check out during your visit

Royal Gorge Rafting
tour operator

Royal Gorge Rafting

Colorado's premier whitewater outfitter offering everything from gentle family floats to heart-pounding Class V rapids through the legendary Royal Gorge.

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Royal Gorge Zipline Tours
tour operator

Royal Gorge Zipline Tours

Soar over the Arkansas River valley on one of Colorado's most spectacular zipline courses, featuring multiple lines and breathtaking canyon views.

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Royal Gorge Epic Adventures
tour operator

Royal Gorge Epic Adventures

The Royal Gorge region's premier multi-adventure hub — offering whitewater rafting, zipline tours, and vacation rentals all in one place at the gateway to the Royal Gorge.

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