We decided to take a good part of a day to take in the Royal Gorge, about 60 miles from the rv park. A pretty good snow had fallen over much of the area, so we called first to make sure of road conditions. We were advised to wait a bit to allow for the snowplows to catch up and were glad that we did!
The bridge is reputed to be the highest suspension bridge in the world, spanning the Arkansas River 1053 feet below.
Vehicles are allowed to cross the bridge - one direction at a time, but we left the truck in the parking lot and hoofed it across - some of us more gingerly than others. The boys enjoyed peering through the planks to the river far below.
The suspension design allows for sway from the wind and live load (people and vehicles).
Besides crossing the bridge itself, visitors may cross the gorge via the tram. We enjoyed the perspective of the bridge and the gorge from the ride and the entertaining conversation with some tourists from England.
Yet another means of touring the gorge is via the inclined railway. The stairstep designed cars transport visitors along rails attached to the steep slopes. A couple of spaces allow seating, but most of the spaces are for standing as you descend and ascend the wall of the gorge.
Here's the view of the bridge from the bottom of the gorge:
Also at the bottom of the gorge is a close-up view of the sometimes Class V whitewater rapids of the Arkansas River and the unique hanging bridge built to carry the trains through alongside the river.
We also visited a wildlife viewing area with elk, bison (including one white one!) and big horn sheep. During the busier summer season, lots of activities relating to the pioneer days are available. We were pleased with the day that we had. The admission, while pricey, offers some unique opportunities to view a significant man-made accomplishment!
The bridge is reputed to be the highest suspension bridge in the world, spanning the Arkansas River 1053 feet below.
Vehicles are allowed to cross the bridge - one direction at a time, but we left the truck in the parking lot and hoofed it across - some of us more gingerly than others. The boys enjoyed peering through the planks to the river far below.
The suspension design allows for sway from the wind and live load (people and vehicles).
Besides crossing the bridge itself, visitors may cross the gorge via the tram. We enjoyed the perspective of the bridge and the gorge from the ride and the entertaining conversation with some tourists from England.
Yet another means of touring the gorge is via the inclined railway. The stairstep designed cars transport visitors along rails attached to the steep slopes. A couple of spaces allow seating, but most of the spaces are for standing as you descend and ascend the wall of the gorge.
Here's the view of the bridge from the bottom of the gorge:
Also at the bottom of the gorge is a close-up view of the sometimes Class V whitewater rapids of the Arkansas River and the unique hanging bridge built to carry the trains through alongside the river.
We also visited a wildlife viewing area with elk, bison (including one white one!) and big horn sheep. During the busier summer season, lots of activities relating to the pioneer days are available. We were pleased with the day that we had. The admission, while pricey, offers some unique opportunities to view a significant man-made accomplishment!
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