Royal Gorge: Jeep Tour Over Bridge & Skyline Drive

Summary

Royal Gorge jeep adventure over dizzying heights and ancient fossils

You’ll feel your heart race crossing Royal Gorge Bridge by jeep with a local guide, spot real dinosaur footprints along Temple Canyon Road, and ride Skyline Drive’s hairpin turns high above Cañon City. Get exclusive park access and hear stories you won’t find in any brochure — plus that view from Fremont Peak will stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the air felt different as we left Cañon City in that open jeep — kind of dry, with a hint of pine and dust. Our guide, Mike, grinned at us like he’d seen this nervous excitement before. We bounced along Temple Canyon Road, and he pointed out these weird fossil imprints on the rocks. I tried to imagine dinosaurs walking here but honestly got distracted by the wind whipping my hat almost off my head (should’ve tied it tighter). Mike told us about the Ute tribe hunting here, and there was this moment where everything went quiet except for the tires crunching gravel — I liked that.

Then came the Royal Gorge Bridge. I’d seen photos, but nothing really prepares you for rolling onto a suspension bridge nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River. My stomach did this little flip when I looked down (I pretended to be cool about it). The river looked tiny from up there, just a silver thread. We had special access through some south entrance — felt kind of VIP but also like we were sneaking into Colorado’s secret spots. Mike joked that he’d driven this bridge hundreds of times but still gets sweaty palms sometimes. That made me feel better.

Afterwards we wound up Skyline Drive — honestly, it’s more like a rollercoaster than a road. No guardrails, just sharp drop-offs and this wild view over Cañon City on one side and endless hills on the other. The sun was starting to dip and everything turned gold for a second; I snapped a photo but it didn’t really catch how it felt up there. On the way back we passed an old cemetery (Mike said it’s on some historic registry) and spotted what might’ve been deer or maybe just shadows moving in the brush — hard to tell at that speed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Royal Gorge Jeep Tour and Scenic Drives

• Depart from Cañon City
• Drive Skyline Drive scenic roadway
• Explore Temple Canyon road and fossils
• Visit Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
• Access top of Fremont Peak
• Return to Cañon City

Top questions

How long is the Royal Gorge Jeep tour?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours.

Does the tour include crossing the Royal Gorge Bridge?

Yes, you cross America’s highest suspension bridge during the tour.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start from Cañon City office.

Are children allowed on this jeep tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What wildlife might I see during the Royal Gorge jeep tour?

You might see Colorado wildlife such as deer along the route.

Does weather affect if tours run?

Tours operate in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

Can service animals join this day trip?

Service animals are allowed on this jeep tour.

Is lunch or food included in this experience?

No meals are included; only guide and driver are provided.

What’s included

Your half-day includes a professional driver-guide who shares stories as you travel by custom jeep from Cañon City over Royal Gorge Bridge, through Temple Canyon Road to see fossils, up Skyline Drive for sweeping views, plus exclusive access to park areas not open to everyone — all without worrying about navigation or entry logistics.