Where: Canyon City and Pueblo Colorado
When: May 31, 2021
Bucket List: Royal Gorge
Beer: Actually, it was the reuben that day.

Royal Gorge Train Ride

On the actual day of Lana’s milestone birthday, we planned a last-minute 1.5-hour drive southwest from our campground at Cheyenne Mountain state park.   Our destination was Canon City, where we would board the Royal Gorge Route train for a morning ride through the canyon.   When we booked the excursion, we splurged for a flight local craft beers ($12) and a green chili breakfast burrito ($14).   We rationalized that a birthday beer before 10 am was perfectly acceptable.   The food was decent – way better than “airplane” food, but not as good local breakfast diner fare.  Kasie thought the food was actually better than most restaurants.

We booked two of the more expensive “Vista Dome” seats ($89/person), figuring that the configuration would provide better views.  Seat assignments are random and even when booking early you cannot choose your seats.   We read online that the train does not turn around during the trip and one side of the train is more desirable than the other.  While our assigned seats were on the mountain-side, a gorge-side table across from us was vacant.  As such, we were able to hop from one side of the train car to the next with ease and get unobstructed views of both the mountains and gorge.   The expansive windows were clean enough to make the views quite good, although our 4K video picked up some reflections and window spots/streaks weren’t observable with the naked eye.   The trip is one of those things where videos/photos will never do the experience justice.

Like nearly everyone else on the train, we ventured to a crowded open-air car for part of the ride, including the portion near the Royal Gorge bridge.  Even though we were shoulder-to-shoulder at times and a little chilly, that was the best part of the ride!  We popped back there a couple of times, and in hindsight, I wish that we had spent more time there.  If you read any online review, you will probably get the same advice.  

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

After seeing the Royal Gorge Bridge from below on the train, Lana wanted to experience the bridge from above.  So after our train ride, we purchased $28/person tickets and drove an additional 20 minutes to the privately-run Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.   Although a true capitalist tourist attraction, there was enough to do there to keep our attention for roughly two hours.  

We started by traversing the bridge and taking obligatory selfie photos.   The views were truly spectacular.   Next, we explored the far side of the park, which includes a theatre and exhibit area about the construction and history of the bridge.  It’s amazing to think that the bridge was constructed in 1929!   A 2013 destroyed most of the park – but the bridge survived and reportedly lost only 32 planks. 

The general park admission ticket includes a gondola ride, and we found the lines to be 10 times shorter on the side opposite the park entrance.  Additional attractions include the Cloudscraper Zipline, Royal Rush Skycoaster, and Via Ferrata (a fancy word for rock climbing that I had to look up) – all for extra money.  Visitors can also grab a beer from Bristol Brewing Company, one of our favorite breweries on Colorado Springs!

A family could easily spend a day (and a fortune) at the park.  We were content with just seeing the bridge and a gondola ride to take in the views.   Overall, the park is a little pricey, but it’s one of those things that I can check off my bucket list.

Shamrock Brewing Co. (Pueblo Colorado)

Our next stop on Lana’s birthday was Pueblo Colorado, which is just south of Colorado Springs.   The weather was not cooperating with us though.   As the rain poured, we attempted to eat lunch at the Brues Alehouse Brewing Company.  There was a long wait, so we wandered around the downtown and took photos of some pretty spectacular public art (especially the murals).   After more than a half hour, we checked out the brewery again – only to find that the wait was still long and a hostess who could not have cared less.   Maybe I was just being pouty because it was my birthday and I was hangry.   In any event, at that point, it was clear that the brewery was just not meant for us.

Our “second choice” of Shamrock Brewing could not have been better.  Kasie had a Muffin Top Mango Wheat, and I had the West Coast IPA.  We shared wonderful Reuben filed with slow-cooked brisket, jalapenos, bacon, and just the right amount of sauce.  I hesitate to call anything “the best ever” but I cannot remember ever having a Reuben that was this tasty!   A serious #1.  A 5.0/5.0.  Slap yo’ mamma, good.  Bam! 

Peaks and Pines Brewery (Fountain Colorado)

Having launched in 2015 in Colorado Springs, Peaks and Pines Brewery opened a second location in Fountain in 2019.   Being just 20 minutes south of our campground at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, we made a final stop for desert beers to end the day in Fountain.   Kasie had a Wabo Watermelon Wheat served with an actual chunk of watermelon added, while Lana had a Peanut Butter Mocha Porter.  We sat at the bar and people-watched a local couple and the bar tender exchange stories.   There’s a decent “bar food” menu from Brewside Eatery food truck as well.     

As milestone birthday’s go, the day was fabulous.  Royal Gorge (both the train ride and the bridge/park) was a true “bucket list” experience, and I ate and drank like I did in my twenties.   The only thing lacking was not having friends or family around.   If we ever decide to start RVing full time, that will be the toughest part, I think.

I am truly blessed to be on this ride and adventure….