The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is already one of Colorado’s most iconic attractions, and the Bridge of Lights takes it to the next level. The magnificent suspension bridge is bedecked with thousands of lights, letting you enjoy the magic of the season from the comfort and warmth of your own vehicle.
If You Go
Event: Bridge of Lights at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Dates: Dec. 12–14 and 19–21
Hours: 5–8 p.m., Fridays through Sundays
Location: West of Cañon City, south of U.S. Highway 50
Experience: Walk-through and drive-through lights, Santa photos, activities, Christmas Market, hot cocoa and cookies
More Info: royalgorgebridge.com/bridge-of-lights
The experience now includes an immersive walk-through celebration, where guests have the added joy of wandering beneath thousands of sparkling lights across America’s highest suspension bridge, taking in glittering canyon views from below and making festive memories at every turn.
Capture photos with Santa, decorate cookies and ornaments, and peruse the Christmas Market with local artists and vendors. As you cozy up, you can treat yourself to some toasty hot cocoa and delectable cookies, available for purchase. It’s the perfect way to stay snug and satisfied as you embark on this one-of-a-kind experience.
“The Bridge of Lights turns our world-famous landmark into a glowing holiday tradition,” says Denny Dore, marketing and communications manager. “There is more to do than ever before, from the illuminated bridge and light display to the nightly market and visits with Santa, it’s a magical way to celebrate the holiday season.”
Visitors are no longer allowed to drive over the bridge, except during the holiday when families can take the magical drive. The lights and holiday experiences are always changing, and this year offers more than 30 scenes featuring hand-crafted elves.
The bridge’s history is almost as spectacular as the breathtaking view, which stretches 956 feet above the Arkansas River. In 1929, the bridge opened as the world’s highest suspension bridge when Texas businessman Lon Piper contracted a brave team to build his vision for the Royal Gorge Bridge and Amusement Co. The team took only six months to build the bridge — a remarkable footnote in a record-setting engineering feat. The bridge was a marvel of its time and was designed to connect the two sides of the Royal Gorge; however it has never been part of a road or highway system.
The bridge has survived almost 100 years of harsh Colorado weather and a devastating fire in 2013. Built to withstand 125 mph winds, you can even feel the bridge bounce and sway a bit as you walk across it. Even though China now boasts the world’s highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest in this country.
Other Not-to-Miss Adventures
At Cloudscraper Zip Line, two people at a time are harnessed into separate swings and launched over the side of the granite wall to zip across the gorge.
The aerial gondolas are enclosed cars that give you the same views as the zip line, but via a much tamer conveyance. The bright red Poma-Leitner Gondola cars were installed in 2013 with the aid of a helicopter and a specially trained pilot, threading cables and anchors for this aerial experience. This tram system is one of the longest-single span gondolas in America and one of the most popular experiences at the park.
You can also carry on the fun aboard the new Royal Gorge Route Railroad New Year’s Eve Holiday Train. The gourmet dinner is served at 7 p.m. and features a special, made from scratch multi-course meal.
The Royal Gorge is west of Cañon City, south of U.S. Highway 50. The Bridge of Lights is open 5-8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 12-14 and 19-21. Information: royalgorgebridge.com/bridge-of-lights .