Proud to be a Colorado Company

Mark & Leah Greksa, owners of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Did you know that the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a privately owned Colorado company? Mark & Leah Greksa resurrected the Royal Gorge Route in 1999. They’ve been in the railroading business in Colo. for years and are proud to operate and employ hundreds in the Royal Gorge Region. A big thanks to our guests who make it all possible….

 

Uptake

Diana Rowe, one of our favorite travel writers, recently visited the Royal Gorge and took a ride with us. See her fantastic post here – and while you’re at it, check out her story on the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. It’s another excellent, locally owned attraction in Colorado’s Royal Gorge.

http://restaurants.uptake.com/blog/gourmet-dining-spectacular-scenery-royal-gorge-route-railroad.html

A family legacy

It’s not often you can relive your childhood. But Dan King did just that with his grandson aboard the

That was then

Royal Gorge Route Railroad this weekend. Dan rode the Royal Gorge Route 43 years ago, as an 11 year old boy. This weekend, he took his 11 year old grandson for the same trip through the Royal Gorge, one of Colorado’s most stunning natural wonders. These photos capture the moments – then and now.

This is now

Royal Gorge Route To Give Away Tickets When Fan Count Hits 3,000

Being a member has its privileges…. Become our fan on facebook for a chance to win one of four family packs of tickets to ride aboard Vista Dome, our beautiful domed-glass car with comfortable seating and full service staff.

We’ll choose four fans when we hit the magic number 3,000 on our facebook page.  Why?  Because we like you too.  And, we want to keep chatting with you about news, perks and special trips.

We Honor Our Military Families!

Every member of a military family gives generously of themselves to make freedom possible

At the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, we are passionate about being a good neighbor and supporting great local causes throughout the year.  Whether we’re hosting fundraisers or families in need, or helping to rescue rafters who take a spill in the tumbling Arkansas, we’re always looking for ways to be a good citizen.  Of course, none of it would be possible without the military men, women and families who support and defend each of us.

Welcome Home!

In July, we’ll show our deep appreciation of the American military family.  Your strength and sacrifice inspires and humbles us.  If you’re a member of a military family, please share an uplifting story about your incredible family on our Facebook page for a chance to win the ride of a lifetime through the spectacular Royal Gorge. Five families will win and all stories due by July 15!  Thank you!!

Why giving back is so important

Since 1999, the folks at the Royal Gorge Route have been giving back to the community. Everyone knows it’s good for the soul to give… it’s also just what good neighbors do for one another.

Through donations, free rides for special families through the spectacular Royal Gorge, and by providing significant economic stimulus to Canon City and the Royal Gorge Region, the Royal Gorge Route is proud to be able to give generously.

Here are just a few specific examples of what the Royal Gorge Route does to share its success with friends and neighbors:

• The Royal Gorge Route routinely hosts families in need throughout the year.  This is one of the team’s favorite things to do – especially during the holiday season aboard the Santa Express Train

• The staff loves to help out local and regional non-profits through donations for all sorts of fundraisers (schools, churches and non-profits dedicated to education, the arts, improving human health and the environment – to name just a few).  It makes the whole crew happy to support a great cause and to know that the generous benefactors of these organizations will also enjoy a ride on the Royal Gorge Route as a result

• The Royal Gorge Route ferries more than 100,000 passengers through the iconic Royal Gorge annually — that means a large, talented and dedicated staff is key!  The train provides more than 100 jobs equaling more than $1 million in payroll each year.  This is a contribution the Royal Gorge Route takes seriously — so it is thrilled to grow and thrive so that it may continue to take care of its staff and their families with well-paid, fulfilling positions at the Santa Fe Depot or aboard the train.

• To attract all of those passengers from around the world, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad spends about $500,000 on marketing and advertising each year.  Some very smart travel and tourism folks (Longwoods International) estimate that for every dollar spent on marketing, $13 comes back to the region where the destination resides.  That means Canon City, CO and the Royal Gorge Region, more broadly, benefits from the Royal Gorge Route’s investment to the tune of $6.5 million.

• There are so many excellent businesses throughout Canon City and the Royal Gorge Region that help the area to thrive.  So, the team at the Royal Gorge Route believes that it’s just good business to help neighbors thrive.  That’s why the Royal Gorge Route created and staffs the Royal Gorge Welcome Center, which is responsible for providing information to travelers on what to do, where to eat, stay, and enjoy while in the Royal Gorge Region.  The team also built and maintains the Royal Gorge Region’s #1 visitor information website at CanonCityColorado.com – a hub for future visitors who are planning their trip to Colorado’s Royal Gorge.

How do you give back to your community?  Share your good ideas here or email us directly at reservations@royalgorgeroute.com.

Trains Magazine Names America’s Top Trains

Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers one of America's Top Train Rides, according to Trains Magazine

Trains Magazine recently rounded up the top train rides in America and Royal Gorge Route Railroad was on that elite list.  We were thrilled to make the cut, because only eight railroads did, and we thought we’d share the rest of the list and an excerpt from their piece on the Royal Gorge Route.

In no particular order – Train’s Magazine’s Top Train Rides in America:

1. Colorado’s Royal Gorge Route Railroad

2. West Virginia’s Mountain Climbing Cass

3. Alaska’s White Pass & Yukon Route

4. Washington State’s Mount Rainier Scenic

5. Colorado’s Durango and Silverton

6. New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Cog Railway

7. New Mexico and Colorado’s Cumbres & Toltec Scenic

8. Western Maryland Scenic

What Trains Magazine said about the Royal Gorge Route Railroad……

West of Canon City is a crevasse in the rocky earth where 1,000-foot cliffs line the swift-moving Arkansas River.  It’s rich in history, where the Santa Fe and Denver & Rio Grande Western once fought for a westerly route to mountain riches.  The precipitous canyon walls were wide enough for only one railroad, with Rio Grande victorious in 1880.  Originally built as narrow gauge, the “Royal Gorge Route” eventually became Rio Grande’s main line between Denver and Salt Lake City, a route that also featured the highest mountain crossing of any Class I railroad at Tennessee Pass.  Regular passenger service ended in 1967, relegating the rails to the rumble of freight trains.  It wasn’t until 1999, when the Royal Gorge Route Railroad resumed service, that passengers could once again see hidden wonders that can be appreciated only from a coach, Vista Dome or open-air car.  This is a 24-mile trip not to be forgotten.  – Mike Danneman

Want to learn more? Visit royalgorgeroute.com

Royal Gorge Route 5 Course Wine Dinners are Extraordinary!

Great wine & delicious entrees aboard the Royal Gorge Route

Experience 5 delicious courses prepared by our executive chef paired with award-winning wines to compliment. The Royal Gorge Route’s Wine Dinners make for an exquisite evening combining both a culinary feast with the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge. The train departs the Santa Fe Depot at 6:30 pm for a 3-hour round-trip train ride through the spectacular Royal Gorge.

Wine Dinner Schedule for 2011: July 16th, August 20th, and September 17th.

Book early as Wine Dinners are popular. Call us now to reserve your seat at: 1.888.724.5748. Cost is: $125.00 in a luxurious dining car or $155.00 for seating in an Observation Dome. Award winning wines from The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey as well as others will be featured on each wine dinner evening. Click here for more information.

Railcar dining is a tradition that lives on in Colorado’s Royal Gorge

The tradition of railcar dining dates back to the 1800s when friends and family dined together aboard stunningly decorated trains.

First-class service aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad

This sort of civilized travel may have been born in a bygone era, but it continues today aboard just a handful of premier railroads across the world, including Colorado’s Royal Gorge Route Railroad.  Here, nestled within 1,000-foot granite cliffs along the tumbling Arkansas river, runs a train of mid-century cars that have been meticulously restored for many classes of service, including first-class railcar dining.

All aboard the first-class lunch train through the Royal Gorge

Ruby red jewel-toned carpets, rich oak paneling, framed art and large plate glass windows set a nostalgic tone.  White tablecloths and velvet covered dining chairs accompany real china, silverware and glassware, making it clear that this is a first-class experience.  Prior to hopping aboard for a 12:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. departure, guests choose from a carefully curated menu of chef-prepared, multi-course meals inspired by classic tastes and locally farmed goods. A complete wine list and full bar pairs well with each of the offerings.  Of course, none of this would matter without gracious, polite service which the Royal Gorge Route staff delivers in spades.

As fancy as this sounds, tourists and locals are encouraged to come as they are – dressy or casual – to experience this historic rite of passage through Colorado’s dramatic and picturesque Royal Gorge.

What to do in Colorado’s Royal Gorge

Royal Gorge Route's Engine 403 provides the muscle to pull over 100,000 guests a year through the Royal Gorge

Thanks to 3 million years of unrelenting flow by the once meager – now mighty Arkansas River, those living in the new millennium can experience the soaring cliffs of the Royal Gorge.  These granite wonders tower more than 1,000 feet above the rushing Arkansas down below.  More than 300 days of sun, a dry and dreamy climate and the protection of this narrow, winding, dramatic canyon draws some of Colorado’s most majestic wildlife, like big horn sheep, bald eagles and Blue Herons. Adventure seekers and in-the-know travelers are also drawn to the Royal Gorge region for its beauty, warmth and southern Colorado charm.  In some spots, you can’t even get a phone signal and visitors view that as a good thing.  Could the Royal Gorge be the last place in Colorado where you simply have to unplug?

Until 2003, the Royal Gorge Bridge was the highest bridge in the world.  Today, this suspension bridge with a wooden walkway is only the highest bridge in North America – which isn’t too shabby.  Either way, it’s seriously impressive and the views are spectacular, dare I say, equally as spectacular as the Grand Canyon.

The Royal Gorge is best viewed by two vantage points:  the Royal Gorge Bridge and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.  The bridge is a marvel of engineering tethered above a marvel of nature.  It’s an absolute bucket list must.  While you’re on the bridge, you’ll see the Royal Gorge Route Railroad winding through the snaking canyon – this is how you’ll best view the canyon up close and personal.  The train began running through the Gorge in 1879, quit service in the 1960s and was resurrected in 1999.  Now more than 100,000 people from all over the globe ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for its killer views, rich history, classic railcar dining and charming service.  Ride first class for a multi-course dining experience or coach or vista dome if you’re on a tighter budget.  Either way, bring a camera and visit the open-air car while aboard this renovated mid-century streamliner.  Check the schedule for wine lunch trains, wine dinner trains and murder mystery excursions for a railroad experience you’ll never forget.

Once you hit these two Royal Gorge musts, you’ll need lodging, food and more fun.  For lodging, Jewel of the Canyon is the very best place to lay your head.  This bed and breakfast is hosted by two lovely innkeepers, has great views and well-done décor.  Canon City Queen Anne Tea Room is also cozy and centrally located.  They offer wonderful cooking classes too – if you happen to be in town at the right time.  If you’re going frugalista or just love to camp, hit the hip 1950s Starlite Campground. The Royal Gorge region has no shortage of local chain hotels.  Before booking, be sure to inquire about original build dates or last renovation for the best experience. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad has preferred guest rates with various local and chain hotels throughout town, so check with them when booking your train ride to get the very best rates available.

Chef Daniel Petit in the kitchen at Le Petit Chablis

Eat French

Dining has become increasingly good in the Royal Gorge region.  Canon City’s French restaurant, Le Petit Chablis, is truly a find.  Lovely seafood dishes, a very good wine list, and freshly made breads and pastries mean this place stands shoulder to shoulder with similar bistros in the big city. Call (719) 269-3333 for reservations.  For well-done Italian food and a charming family run experience, visit Merlino’s Belvedere.  In historic downtown Canon City, you’ll find Pizza Madness, a fresh pizza joint with local artist’s works flanking the walls.  It has a solid wine and beer selection that makes this place even better – and the price is right.

Speaking of downtown, its just across the road from the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and has a set of charming shops – like Fandies Candy.  If you’re with the family or have any appreciation whatsoever for good candy and chocolates, you must put Fandies on your itinerary.  For your morning or mid-day caffeine fix Coyote’s Coffee Den is the place.  They know how to draw an excellent espresso and the southwest country atmosphere is worth the trip.

Adventurers Unite!

For more fun – rafting, rafting, rafting!  The Arkansas is one of the best rivers in Colorado for a raucous ride on an inflatable.  With rapids named Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Wallslammer, Corkscrew, the Narrows, Boateater and Soda Pop Rock, you know you’re in for a really good time. There are many outfitters in the area – but a few rise to the top.  Do your research before you book for the very best experience.  We like Echo Canyon, because they pay attention to quality service and their guides are knowledgeable professionals. Check out their Raft & Rail package for the ultimate experience of the Royal Gorge!

Experience the Royal Gorge and the tumbling Arkansas with a raft and rail package from Royal Gorge Route Railroad and Echo Canyon River Expeditions.

Visit the Royal Gorge Welcome Center for more information on where to go and what to do when you arrive, located on the corner of 4th and Royal Gorge Blvd. For the planners among you, you can also visit canoncitycolorado.com. This site also has professionals on live chat to help you plan your day or weekend in the Royal Gorge Region.

The Royal Gorge is just two hours from Denver and 45 minutes from Colorado Springs.  It’s a day trip or a weekend getaway for anyone in the region.  Because it’s in Southern Colorado you can expect great weather and sunny days year-round.