What is Canon City known for?

Canon City, Colorado is best known as the gateway to the Royal Gorge - home of America's highest suspension bridge. The city is also famous for world-class whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, zipline adventures, Red Canyon Park, historic downtown architecture, and abundant Colorado sunshine.

What are the best things to do in Canon City Colorado?

Top things to do in Canon City, CO include: visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, riding the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, exploring Red Canyon Park, driving the Phantom Canyon Road, zipline tours, hiking at Temple Canyon Park, visiting the Museum of Colorado Prisons, and dining in the historic downtown.

Is Canon City near Denver?

Canon City is approximately 115 miles (about 2 hours) southwest of Denver via US-50 and I-25. It is located in Fremont County in south-central Colorado. Colorado Springs is the nearest major city, about 45 miles north of Canon City.

What outdoor activities are available in Canon City?

Canon City offers exceptional outdoor activities including: Class III-V whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, rock climbing at Shelf Road, hiking at Red Canyon Park and Temple Canyon, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, zipline tours over the Royal Gorge, scenic drives through Phantom Canyon and Oak Creek Grade, and stargazing in the dark skies above Fremont County.

Canon City Events & Royal Gorge Festivals

Year-round Colorado celebrations: Blossom Festival, Whitewater Festival, scenic train rides, holiday events, and community gatherings

Upcoming Events

Oct10

Canon City Fall Harvest Festival

Celebrate autumn in the Arkansas Valley with pumpkin patches, hayrides, craft vendors, local food, and family-friendly activities against the stunning backdrop of fall foliage in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Downtown Canon City

Nov28

Santa Express Train - Holiday Special

A magical holiday tradition! Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Santa Express through the snow-dusted canyon. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, caroling, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.

401 Water Street

More info

Dec5

Canon City Christmas Parade

Annual Christmas parade through downtown Canon City featuring floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Main Street

Annual & Recurring Events

Royal Gorge Route Railroad - Scenic Train Rides

Board the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a breathtaking journey through the spectacular 1,000-foot deep canyon along the Arkansas River. Multiple daily departures with dining options available.

Year-round - Daily departures

First Friday Art Walk

Monthly art walk through downtown Canon City galleries and shops, featuring local artists, live music, and refreshments.

Monthly - First Friday, year-round

Royal Gorge Zipline Tours

Experience the thrill of ziplining 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River at the Royal Gorge - one of the highest commercial ziplines in North America. Daily tours available spring through fall.

Daily - April through October

Canon City Music and Blossom Festival

One of Colorado's oldest community celebrations featuring parades, concerts, carnival rides, and the crowning of the Blossom Queen.

Annual - First week of May

Canon City Farmers Market

Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, artisan goods, baked items, and crafts from area vendors.

Weekly - Saturdays, June through September

Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival

Colorado's premier whitewater festival celebrating the Arkansas River with raft races, kayak competitions, live music, food vendors, and family activities. Experience world-class rapids right at Royal Gorge.

Annual - Mid-June

Fourth of July Fireworks at Royal Gorge

Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display over the Royal Gorge - one of the most dramatic settings for fireworks in Colorado.

Annual - July 4th

Fremont County Fair & Rodeo

Traditional county fair featuring rodeo events, livestock shows, carnival rides, food vendors, and live entertainment.

Annual - First week of August

Canon City Fall Harvest Festival

Annual - Second weekend of October

Santa Express Train - Holiday Special

A magical holiday tradition! Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Santa Express through the snow-dusted canyon. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, caroling, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.

Annual - Late November through December

Canon City Christmas Parade

Annual Christmas parade through downtown Canon City featuring floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Annual - First Saturday of December