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.

Photo: Visit Canon City

Royal Gorge Farmers Market

shopping seasonal familyfree

Shop for local produce, baked goods and farm products at the Royal Gorge Farmers Market, held Saturday mornings in summer at the Gateway Depot and Plaza in downtown Canon City.

The Royal Gorge Farmers Market brings local farmers, bakers and food producers to downtown Canon City on Saturday mornings. It is held at the Gateway Depot and Plaza, 816 Royal Gorge Blvd, and is run by the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance Foundation together with the Fremont Economic Development Corporation. In 2026 the market ran every Saturday from July 4 to September 19, 9 am to 1 pm, so the season has ended for this year. The Chamber Alliance posts the next season's dates on its farmers market page.

Sources

Last updated: September 23, 2026

Related Activities

sightseeing2-3 hours

Historic Downtown Canon City

Stroll through Canon City's charming downtown district featuring historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and the beautiful Riverwalk along the Arkansas River.

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.

sightseeing2-3 hours

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Take a scenic train ride through the heart of the Royal Gorge, following the historic Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad route along the Arkansas River.