Canon City Colorado has been a destination since before the state was, well, a state. Canon City was laid out in 1858 during the gold and silver boom and Pike’s Peak Gold Rush and the first building constructed in 1860; the nearby Royal Gorge began as an attraction in 1929 and has been welcoming visitors ever since.
A phoenix rising from the ashes, literally, the 1,260-foot suspension bridge now is home to Royal Rush Skycoaster, gondola, Cloud Scraper Zip Line, Via Ferrata rock climbing attraction, theater and more. Nearby, luxury has arrived to the Royal Gorge area in the form of Royal Gorge Cabins.
Nine luxury cabins in all and several tents on an ever-growing glamping site, the accommodations are exquisite at Royal Gorge Cabins. The one- and two-bedroom cabins boast thoughtful Colorado finishes, living spaces and seamless outdoor experiences to patios and comfortable hammocks. Playfully named after various rapids on the nearby Arkansas River, guests can experience both the cabin and the whitewater alike. Pine trees pepper the property and views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range make for a perfect backdrop to watch the sunrise or enjoy a glass of wine at night while listening to birds call to one another or the wind breeze through the mountain landscape.
For those seeking a more rustic, but not too rustic, experience, the glamping tents are nearby. Built in phases, the first phase affords wooden floors for the guests while the second phase incorporates radiant heat through the cement flooring. A communal bathhouse makes for a comfortable glamping experience and the fire pits for each tent are popular in the brisk evenings.
The property straddles both sides of the road, 8 Mile Bar & Grill is the property’s dining establishment. An approachable bar, an outdoor firepit with ample pillows and well-executed menu suit the cabins and mountain vibe. Guests can also utilize the cooktops and refrigerators in their cabins as well, the outdoor dining table primed for a plein air meal.
The Royal Gorge Park is within five minutes of the cabins, you can actually see the park from Royal Gorge Cabins. A destination in and of itself, the 2013 fire that decimated the area and burned down much of the park made way for new and state-of-the-art operations at Royal Gorge. Whether enjoying the park from the bridge or taking in the scenery from below on the Royal Gorge Railway or via whitewater raft, there are plenty of activities to fill the day before retiring to your cabin.
Part of the Royal Gorge Cabins is Echo Canyon River Expeditions. Outfitting trips on the Arkansas River, everything from mild, family-oriented float trips to heart-pounding rapid running is available with knowledgeable guides, giving insight to local history and geography as much as navigating the waters themselves. Host to about 25,000 rafters a season, Echo Canyon River Expeditions has perfected their system, from the riverside steak lunch to custom GoPro mounted technology capturing exciting moments from the trip in video and still photography.
Whether enjoying a cup of coffee from the cabin patio in the morning or walking back from the restaurant at sunset, the calm found at Royal Gorge Cabins and the crisp, mountain air is undeniable. Local activities or leisure time just to be out in nature are a welcome respite in this Colorado destination. Now affording luxury accommodations, Royal Gorge is a new experience for many, and worthwhile to discover for yourself. For rates and reservations, visit www.royalgorgecabins.com
Living room of the cabins
Living room views from the Royal Gorge Cabins
Mountain views and location of Royal Gorge Cabins
Interior of the glamping tents
8 Mile Bar & Grille a great spot to grab a bite
Flavorful cuisine found at 8 Mile Bar & Grille
Outdoor patios on the cabins
Eat at 8 MIle Bar & Grille or enjoy a meal at your cabin
Watching the sunset and enjoying a glass of wine on the property is a popular activity
Ad some adventure to your stay with a whitewater rafting trip
Interior of the two-bedroom cabins
