Spanning the Royal Gorge 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River in central Colorado just northwest of Canon City is the Royal Gorge Bridge which is the highest bridge in the United States and 6th highest bridge in the world. The bridge is the highlight of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park tourist attraction that in addition to the Royal Gorge Bridge features 21 rides, shows and attractions spread out over 360 acres around the bridge.

Image Source by Hustvedt

Royal Gorge Bridge Facts

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a suspension bridge built in 1929 that is 1,260 feet long, 18 feet wide and 1,053 feet high. The towers of the bridge rise 150 feet above the rock they are embedded in on the sides of the gorge and there is also a wooden walkway over the bridge for pedestrians. The Royal Gorge Bridge cost $350,000 to build and when it was completed it was the highest bridge in the world and held that title until 2003 when the Beipanjiang River Bridge in China was completed.

Image Source by joevare

The Royal Gorge Bridge was built as a tourist attraction and carries the Royal Gorge Bridge Road also known as County Road 3A over the river and gorge. County Road 3A connects with Highway 50 about 6 miles northwest of Canon City, Colorado. Canon City has a population of about 16,000 and has plenty of motels and hotels including a Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Super 8, Quality Inn and Best Western to accommodate overnight guests visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.

Image Source by andy5432a

Other Tourist Attractions at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

In addition to the Royal Gorge Bridge itself there are 21 other rides, shows and attractions at the Royal Gorge tourist attraction including an Aerial Tram that takes visitors 2,200 feet across the the Royal Gorge.

Image Source by pschmidt5

There is also an inclined railway that takes visitors down to the base of the gorge along a 1,550 foot incline that takes about 6 minutes to descend to the bottom.

Image Source by Kari Sullivan

For more daring thrill seekers there is the Royal Rush Skycoaster thrill ride that takes harnessed in riders 100 feet out over the gorge some 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River below.

Image Source by pschmidt5

For kids there is a carousel ride, a petting zoo, the Wapiti Western Wildlife Park containing Bison, Elk and Big Horn Sheep, the Silver Rock Railway and pony rides. Also at Royal Gorge Bridge are horseback and burro rides, a trolley, the Cliff Walk scenic overhang offering fantastic views of the Royal Gorge,

Image Source by colorado trips

Point Sublime scenic pavilion, a visitor center and gift shop and a restaurant. But for many visitors just a hike over the wooden plank walkway across the highest bridge in the United States and 6th highest bridge in the world the Royal Gorge Bridge is worth the trip.

Image Source by pschmidt5

For more see Beautiful National Parks and Monuments in Colorado

Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is a Beautiful Toruist Attraction in Maine

8 Great Ways to Tour and Visit the Grand Canyon

10 Longest Suspension Bridges in the World

10 Longest Suspension Bridges in the United States

Tallest Buildings in Denver

Shoshone Falls is the Niagara of the West

Observation Towers at Popular Tourist Places in the United States

9 Beautiful Observation Towers in Canada

10 Largest Homes in the United States

Sources: http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/