Top 14 Activities and Attractions in Cañon City, Colorado

Canon City is a town of approximately 17,000 inhabitants situated near the geographic center of Colorado. As the seat of Fremont County, it has emerged as a favored destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Its proximity to the Arkansas River, along with various state and national parks, provides visitors with a wealth of outdoor recreation options. Additionally, it is located conveniently close to one of the nation’s most infamous correctional facilities in nearby Florence.

While winters can be severe, the town offers diverse indoor activities, including museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Herein, we present 14 engaging activities to consider in and around Canon City.

1. Royal Gorge

Situated along County Road 3A just outside of the town, the Royal Gorge is a remarkable natural landmark sculpted by the relentless forces of wind and water over millennia.

The Royal Gorge Park features the tallest suspension bridge in the United States, soaring nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River below.

This gorge, bridge, and park are among the most photographed attractions in the region, and many visitors find themselves spending considerable time here. Amenities include a playground, theater, and a distinctive water-powered clock, the only one of its kind in Colorado.

2. Museum of Colorado Prisons

For those intrigued by dark history and chilling stories, the Museum of Colorado Prisons is an ideal place to spend a few hours.

Housed in a historic women’s prison adjacent to the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, which dates back nearly 150 years, the museum features permanent exhibits showcasing contraband weapons manufactured by inmates, uniforms, cells, and first-hand narratives from administrators, guards, and prisoners.

Many visitors find the stories of the prison system’s most notorious and vivid figures to be among the most captivating aspects of their experience.

3. Big Burger World

With a multitude of outdoor activities and fresh mountain air, visitors to The Rocky Mountain State often develop hearty appetites.

Burger enthusiasts have noted that Big Burger World not only offers the largest burgers in town but also the most flavorful.

Prominently situated on South 9th Street, this nostalgic eatery has been welcoming customers since 1968 and offers barbecue on Fridays and Saturdays, delightful milkshakes, and numerous side dishes.

4. Garden Park Fossil Area

The fossils unearthed in the Garden Park Fossil Area of Canon City grace some of the foremost museums in the nation, including the Smithsonian Institute.

This site has been under excavation for over a century; thus, for enthusiasts of natural history, it is a significant place to explore during your visit.

Spanning nearly 20 miles, multi-use trails traverse the scenic landscape, accommodating hikers, cyclists, and trail runners alike.

For those preferring adventure by four-wheel drive or all-terrain vehicle, rugged paths are available in the Dinosaur Flats section of the park.

5. Canon City Brews & Bikes

Colorado residents have a passion for craft beers and outdoor activities. For those seeking to enjoy both simultaneously, Canon City Brews & Bikes should top the itinerary.

Established in 2018, this venue has cultivated a devoted customer base, functioning both as a tap house and a bike rental service.

Many guests prefer to cycle first and enjoy refreshments afterward. The establishment offers nearly 20 beers on tap, both indoor and outdoor seating options, live entertainment on Friday nights, and a diverse menu.

Patrons unfamiliar with the locale benefit from insider knowledge provided by the staff regarding the best cycling routes.

6. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Numerous historic railroads continue to function across the state, many of which were established when Colorado was just beginning to be explored and settled.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad provides a romantic opportunity to absorb the breathtaking scenery just outside the town. The operating company organizes two-hour tours, during which trains pass beneath the Royal Gorge Bridge, affording exceptional views of both natural and manmade wonders.

Various meal options are available during the tours, including burgers, burritos, and appetizers, along with a selection of wine and beer.

7. Echo Canyon River Expeditions

Colorado boasts some of the most distinguished rafting rivers in the country. Whether you are an experienced rafter or a beginner, Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers suitable options for everyone.

Located on US Route 50, the company has provided guided river tours since the late 1970s, employing staff with extensive experience.

Both full and half-day excursions are offered, featuring a popular riverside meal.

Due to peak summer demand, it is advisable to secure your spots in advance.

8. Skyline Drive

As in many mountainous western states, Colorado features some of the most picturesque driving routes in the nation, with Skyline Drive consistently recognized as among the finest.

Although relatively brief, Skyline Drive curves along the ridge of a towering cliff on US Route 50. There are several pullouts with viewing areas for those wishing to stop and appreciate the stunning scenery.

Near the summit, adventurous visitors can explore preserved dinosaur tracks from the Cretaceous Period.

The road is narrow, so caution is advised when passing slower vehicles.

9. The Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center

Located on Royal Gorge Boulevard in Canon City, The Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center has operated since the 1920s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Exhibits encompass geology, dinosaurs, and local history, making it a perfect stop for travelers seeking to familiarize themselves with the region’s rich past within a limited timeframe.

Several fossils displayed are millennia old, alongside an archive center, a renovated 1860s schoolhouse, and a reading room.

10. Red Canyon Park

Although modest in size compared to other Colorado parks, Red Canyon Park encompasses nearly 600 acres adjacent to the Rocky Mountains.

The park’s striking red rock formations have been shaped into canyons, gorges, and spires over millennia, most of which is accessible via a network of trails varying from easy to moderately challenging.

Due to the park’s expanse, conducting some online research prior to your visit or stopping by the visitor’s center for an overview can enhance your exploration experience.

11. Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours

Arguably, besides skydiving, zip lining provides the most exhilarating perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Located on US Route 50 just outside of town, Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours features nearly two dozen individual zip lines at varying elevations. Thrill-seekers can often reach speeds of over 50 miles per hour on the steepest lines.

Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, the Arkansas River, and breathtaking rock formations, accentuated by the often snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the backdrop.

12. Red Canyon Cycles – The Bean Pedaler

Red Canyon Cycles and The Bean Pedaler are two local businesses that have partnered to cater to outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy excellent coffee.

Although both establishments are relatively new, their collaboration has proven effective. They provide not only hot and cold coffee beverages but also bicycle rentals and gear, along with repair services for customers who bring their own cycles.

The coffee shop presents a modern and inviting atmosphere, offering reasonably priced breakfast items like paninis and fresh pastries, making it a favored stop for early risers embarking on their Royal Gorge adventure.

13. Fremont Center for the Arts

Established in the mid-1940s, the Fremont Center for the Arts ranks among the oldest art centers in the western United States.

Located on Macon Avenue in the heart of Canon City’s historic district, the center serves not only as an art venue but also hosts various community workshops throughout the year catering to artists of different ages and skill levels.

The exhibits feature both historic and contemporary works from local, regional, and national artists, often reflecting popular western themes prevalent in contemporary art.

14. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve may not be the nearest attraction to Canon City, yet for those who make the journey, it often turns out to be unforgettable.

This national park and preserve contain the tallest dunes in North America, with diverse ecosystems that include pine forests, lakes, wetlands, and tundra.

Several nearby mountain peaks rise above 13,000 feet, creating an impressive and photogenic juxtaposition against the dunes below.

For many visitors, the dunes are enchanting and otherworldly locations best appreciated during the soft light of early mornings and evenings.