
Must-see attractions and viewpoints
sightseeing3-5 hoursExperience 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 hoursTake a scenic train ride through the heart of the Royal Gorge, following the historic Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad route along the Arkansas River.
history1-2 hoursExplore Colorado's correctional history in this fascinating museum housed in a former women's prison, featuring exhibits on notorious inmates, escape attempts, and prison life.
sightseeing30 minutesDrive along this thrilling one-way road atop a narrow hogback ridge with dinosaur tracks and panoramic views of Canon City and the Wet Mountains.
outdoors2-4 hoursA 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.
sightseeing2-3 hoursStroll through Canon City's charming downtown district featuring historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and the beautiful Riverwalk along the Arkansas River.
outdoors1-3 hoursExplore stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and picnic areas in this scenic park north of Canon City.
sightseeing15-45 minutesSee the Royal Gorge from the air on a scenic helicopter flight with Royal Gorge Helitours, based on US 50 west of Canon City.
outdoors2 hours to a full dayExplore backcountry roads and scenic viewpoints around the Royal Gorge on a guided tour with Colorado Jeep Tours.
sightseeingFull dayDrive this designated scenic and historic byway connecting Canon City to Cripple Creek and Victor through stunning mountain scenery.
sightseeing2-3 hoursA scenic backcountry drive following a historic narrow-gauge railroad route through Phantom Canyon.
outdoors1 hourAn easy 1.5-mile loop trail with stunning overlook views into the Royal Gorge canyon, perfect for families and casual hikers.
sightseeingHalf day to full dayA day trip north of Canon City on the Gold Belt Tour byway: Colorado's famous gold mining town, with historic casinos, a mining museum and Victorian-era architecture.
sightseeing2-4 hoursExplore Victor, the "City of Mines": a small, still-lived-in gold mining town in a district that once held some 500 mines, with historic mine structures, brick buildings from 1899 and big mountain views.
outdoorsHalf day to full dayOne of Colorado's most iconic natural wonders, featuring dramatic red rock formations against Pikes Peak, just 40 miles from Canon City.
outdoors4-6 hoursDrive or take the famous Cog Railway to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, 'America's Mountain,' for panoramic views spanning 100+ miles.
Popular spots to check out during your visit
tour operatorColorado's premier whitewater outfitter offering everything from gentle family floats to heart-pounding Class IV-V rapids through the legendary Royal Gorge.
tour operatorSoar over the Arkansas River valley on one of Colorado's most spectacular zipline courses, featuring multiple lines and breathtaking canyon views.
restaurantCanon City's premier rooftop dining destination - a stunning 2,000 sq ft rooftop patio with panoramic mountain and downtown views, craft cocktails, signature sandwiches, Sunday Funday with $8 mimosas and bloody marys (daily drink special), and the best sunset in Southern Colorado.