Travel Itineraries

One Day in The Climate Capital of Colorado

Cañon City

One Day Itinerary

Experience the best of "The Climate Capital of Colorado" in one action-packed day. Cañon City combines stunning natural beauty with fascinating history, offering everything from riverside walks and dinosaur discoveries to a journey through the Royal Gorge aboard a historic railroad.

This carefully planned itinerary maximizes your time in Cañon City, taking you from morning explorations along the Arkansas Riverwalk to an unforgettable afternoon ride through the Royal Gorge. Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authentic Colorado mountain town experience.

Your Cañon City Adventure

7:00 am - 8:00 am	Breakfast in Cañon City Start your day at a local café in historic downtown
8:00 am - 9:30 am	Morning Choice Arkansas Riverwalk Stroll along the beautiful Arkansas River on paved paths with scenic views Museum of Colorado Prisons Tour the state's first women's prison and learn about Colorado's correctional history
10:00 am - 12:00 pm	Royal Gorge Regional Museum & History Center Explore world-class dinosaur exhibits and discover 4,000+ regional family histories (719) 269-9036
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm	Lunch in Cañon City Enjoy lunch at one of the many downtown restaurants within walking distance
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm	Skyline Drive Take a thrilling drive along this one-way road perched on a hogback ridge with breathtaking panoramic views. View Map
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm	Royal Gorge Route Railroad Experience a spectacular train journey through the Royal Gorge with gourmet dining options available (719) 276-4000
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm	Dinner in Cañon City Cap off your day with dinner at one of Cañon City's fine dining establishments

Good to Know

Elevation: 5,332 feet
Average of 308 days of sunshine annually
Historic downtown features 81 National Historic Landmark buildings
Many attractions within easy walking distance

Photo Opportunities

Skyline Drive panoramic views
Arkansas River and bridges
Historic downtown architecture
Royal Gorge from the train

Map & Directions

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One of Colorado's First Five Byways

The Gold Belt Tour was designated as one of Colorado's first five Scenic and Historic Byways in 1989, and became a National Scenic Byway in 2000. The byway spans 131 miles and connects five communities across two counties. The elevation along the route changes dramatically from 5,500 to 9,500 feet, offering diverse ecosystems and wildlife viewing.

The Portland Mine's Boxing Champion

Before becoming the world heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Dempsey worked as a mucker in Victor's Portland Mine, shoveling ore for a living. The Portland was called the "Queen of the District" and extracted half of Battle Mountain's total gold production.