Royal Gorge Route Railroad Offers Unique Perspective on Arkansas River Canyon

A train journey through Colorado's Royal Gorge offers passengers a unique perspective on one of the state's most breathtaking natural wonders. The 12-mile route follows the Arkansas River as it winds its way through a deep gorge carved out over millions of years.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad engineer Adam Clawson is at the helm of "Black Betty, a powerful diesel-electric locomotive that has been running on this stretch for decades. With a background in railroading - his grandfather and great-grandfather both worked along this route - Clawson knows the history and geology of the area intimately.

As the train rumbles through the gorge, Clawson provides a commentary on the geological forces that shaped this landscape over time. The Arkansas River has been wearing away the hard granite for millions of years, creating a V-shaped chasm that plunges as deep as 1,250 feet in places.

The Royal Gorge is an awe-inspiring sight from any perspective - from above, where visitors can gaze down from the Royal Gorge Bridge, to below, where adventurous travelers can paddle the river's rapids on a whitewater raft.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad's open-air car offers an unobstructed view of the stunning canyon walls as it chugs along the historic route.

This train line has been in operation for nearly 150 years, despite a rocky start when two competing railroad companies fought for control of the area in the late 1870s. The Denver & Rio Grande ultimately prevailed and built tracks through the narrow canyon, connecting to the mining hub of Leadville.

The train's route is steeped in history, with its original construction dating back nearly a century and a half ago. Today, passengers can enjoy the same breathtaking views that pioneers and prospectors did during the height of the Old West era.

Travelers can choose from three classes: Vista Dome, Deluxe Class, and Coach Class. The Vista Dome cars boast glass-enclosed domes offering panoramic views of the gorge, while Deluxe Class features vintage dining cars with cushioned booth-style seating and a bar.

The train's route takes passengers on a scenic journey through the Royal Gorge, one of Colorado's most breathtaking natural wonders. On select dates, travelers can enjoy fine dining in First Class, with elevated menus and wine pairings available for both lunch and dinner.

Regardless of their seating arrangement, all ticket holders have access to the open-air car, which offers standing-room only views of the surrounding landscape. This allows passengers to soak up the sights and sounds of the gorge without being confined to a specific seat.

As the train navigates the twists and turns of the track, the scenery unfolds before the eyes of its passengers. With an experienced engineer at the controls, travelers can simply sit back and enjoy the ride, taking in the stunning vistas that surround them.

As we continue our journey on this historic train, the scenery outside becomes even more breathtaking. The train chugs over the famous Hanging Bridge," a remarkable feat of engineering that has stood the test of time since its completion in 1879.

The bridge's design was a major challenge due to the narrow chasm it spans, which is only about 30 feet wide at this point. To overcome this obstacle, an innovative solution was devised: a long suspension bridge supported by A-shaped structures anchored to the canyon wall. This clever engineering allows the train to pass through with ease.

As we approach the western terminus of our journey, the town of Parkdale comes into view. The train's horn blares out in response to a group of kayakers standing on the bank, who wave and smile in greeting - no mooning today! The train slows down as it approaches its final stop, and passengers disembark onto the tracks.

The imposing presence of the train is striking when viewed up close, especially considering Clawson's description of its personality. Standing in front of this massive machine, it's easy to imagine its independent spirit and self-assured nature.

As we journey back to Cañon City, the train's engine hums smoothly in reverse gear, retracing the original route taken earlier. The rhythmic drone of the wheels on the tracks creates a soothing melody that helps me unwind.

Outside, the rugged walls of the gorge continue to alternate between light and shadow, while the river sparkles in the sunlight above it. A turkey vulture soars effortlessly high overhead, its wings arched in a gentle V as it glides without flapping.