We invite you to relive an era of elegance, enjoying the fine dining and outstanding service that exemplified the 1950s. The Royal Gorge Route provides one of the most extraordinary experiences of the Royal Gorge, offering  fascinating railroad history, breathtaking scenery, and culinary options that are sure to please. You will find something for every budget and taste, from comfortable seating in coach, to classic glass topped vista domes, parlor cars, and luxurious dining cars for lunch, dinner, and murder mystery evenings. New for 2007 is the addition of Winemaker’s Dinner Trains, offered monthly throughout the summer season and combining award-winning wines with delicious entrees.

The first train to carry passengers through the Royal Gorge was on May 7, 1879. Since then, millions of guests from around the world have ridden these rails to experience a nature show found only in the depths of the Gorge. You share your adventure with bald eagles, blue herons, Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, and mule deer, along with native flora which thrives in this high desert environment.

The men who built this railroad through this deep chasm had their work cut out for them. This is one of the most complex railroads in North America, with raging, Class IV and V rapids of the Arkansas River on one side and solid granite cliffs towering over 1,000 feet above on the other. You will be traveling on tracks built over 127 years ago that sparked the famous “Royal Gorge War” between the competing Santa Fe and the Denver & Rio Grande railroads.

Just as passengers did more than a century ago, you will stop on the famous hanging bridge, built at a point where the Gorge narrows to just thirty feet. Here, the railroad is suspended over the river providing spectacular views of the Royal Gorge and the world’s highest suspension bridge spanning over 1,000 feet above.

Whether you choose to share the magic and history of railroading with your children, enjoy a romantic dinner, or a luxurious Winemaker’s Dinner Train, you will leave knowing that your experience aboard this railroad will long be remembered. On behalf of the owners and our talented staff, we welcome you aboard!

Royal Gorge Route Gourmet Lunch & Dinner Trains depart from the Santa Fe Depot, 401 Water St., Cañon City. 888-RAILS4U. www.royalgorgereservations.com. Gourmet dining aboard the train as it travels through the spectacular Royal Gorge. Reservations required.