The construction of the Royal Gorge Bridge was completed in 1929, but the construction of the gorge itself…millions of years in the making. The Royal Gorge Park is described as “Combining God’s Splendor with Man’s ingenuity”. Dinosaurs were the first visitors throughout a long history and fossils have been discovered within 3 miles of the gorge. Years later Native American Indians hunted, camped, and sheltered in the gorge escaping the wind and cold. When you visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park you are following in the footsteps of dinosaurs, Native Americans, and fearless explorers (www.royalgorgebridge.com).
In 1877, a war broke out over the rights to the silver deposits that were discovered along the Arkansas River. As stated in https://AtlantaConcreteContractors.com site, the battle of dynamite to destroy construction and exchanging gunfire went on in an effort to gain control of the railway through the gorge. The battle of rival railroad companies Rio Grand Railroad vs. the Santa Fe Railway was finally decided after a six month battle in court. The Rio Grand Railroad was named the victor.
The Royal Gorge is a canyon of the Arkansas River west of Canon City, Colorado. It is known as the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas and has a maximum depth of 1,250 feet and a very narrow width, measuring 50 feet wide at the base and 300 feet wide at its top. The canyon stretches 6 miles long through the granite of the Rocky Mountains.
The Pikes Peak Harley Owners Group rode to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park after the May chapter meeting. The route, in true biker form, was the long way around! Traveling west on highway 24 through Woodland turning south on Highway 67 through beautiful Cripple Creek taking Teller County Road #1. This road is rather long and winding and if you keep an eye out you just may see a herd of elk, beautiful creatures. Hang a left on Highway 11(High Park Rd.) left/south to 9 and left/east onto 50. Heading east on Highway 50 the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is on the right/south side of the road. Side note… several of us had lunch at My Sister’s Place located right at the turn to the Royal Gorge. We did not call ahead, but they had great food, great service, and gave our group a discounted rate. Those are the places we need to take our business.