Royal Gorge Bridge

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a steel and wood suspension structure crossing the Arkansas River in Fremont County, Colorado. The construction rests on support towers at each side of a deep canyon, connecting the rock walls over a distance of roughly 366 meters (1200 feet).

The crossing was completed in the late 1920s as part of a tourist development in the canyon area. It held the record for the world's highest span for several decades until other projects surpassed it in the early 21st century.

Families and thrill-seekers walk across the wooden planks, feeling the depth of the canyon below their feet. The name reflects the grand scale of the gorge, which has made the site a well-known destination in the American Southwest.

Visitors can enter the site year-round and walk across on foot, with opening hours typically starting in the morning. In addition to the crossing itself, the park offers activities like zip lines and gondola rides that provide different perspectives on the gorge.

The structure was originally designed to accommodate a narrow-gauge railway line, though today it serves only pedestrians and tourism purposes. During a wildfire in 2013, the main cables and deck remained intact, demonstrating the durability of the design under extreme conditions.

Location: Fremont County

Inception: June 5, 1929

Official opening: December 8, 1929

Length: 365.8 m

Made from material: steel, wood

GPS coordinates: 38.46167,-105.32500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:29