Stand Above the Rest on the Royal Gorge Bridge, Near Pikes Peak Colorado

The most visited theme park and wildlife park in the Pikes Peak Region is the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. This historical landmark features scenic beauty and natural attractions as well as the world's highest Suspension Bridge, world's longest single-span Aerial Tram and the world's steepest Incline Railway.

This historical landmark has more than 360 acres and 21 rides, shows and attractions for you to explore. Experience the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Gorge from the world's highest suspension bridge that hangs 1,053 feet high and spans a quarter mile across the canyon! Take a ride on the world's longest single-span aerial tram, or the steepest incline railway on the planet. Or if you're a daredevil, fly over the Gorge on the Royal Rush Skycoaster, which is a new addition to this historical landmark.

Children young and old will love the antique carousel, the Silver Rock Railway, petting zoo with burro rides and the new Wapiti Western Wildlife Park. This new park will give you the opportunity to see such animals as the white American Bison, Big Horn Sheep and Rocky Mountain Elk.

The construction of the suspension bridge began June 5, 1929 and was completed in November 1929. It is 1,260 feet long and 18 feet wide. This bridge contains 2,100 strands of No. 9 galvanized wire, and the weight of the cables is 300 tons. There is 1,000 tons of stell in the floor of the bridge. The walkway across the bridge is made of 1,292 planks and about 250 are replaced annually. The original cost to build the bridge was $350,000, with a cost today of about $20 million. The bridge will support in excess of two million pounds.

In 1930, the construction began on the incline railway. The length of the incline is 1,550 feet and is 100% grade with a 45-degree angle. The maximum speed of the railway is 11.4 mph and the rate of descent is 3 mph. The travel time on the railway is 5.5 minutes each way. The engineering and construction crews that were responsible for the suspension bridge were used to construct the railway. Both the suspension bridge and incline railway were listed on the National Historic Register.

The aerial tram was built in 1968 at a cost of $350,000. The tram is 2,200 feet long, and is positioned 1,178 feet above the Arkansas River. The maximum speed of the tram is 11.4 miles per hour and carries 35 passengers at a time. The track cables used on the aerial tram weigh over seven tons each. More than two miles of cables are utilized in the tramway system.

While visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, be sure and visit the other attractions located there. They have shows, shopping and dining for the entire family. They also have a visitor's center so you can learn even more about the Royal Gorge. A journey across the Royal Gorge Bridgei s undoubtedly the hight point of any Colorado vacation.