Royal Loop route

The Royal Loop
30+ mile loop starting and ending in Cañon City which utilizes the Royal Gorge Bridge. Additional singletrack planned to reduce dirt road miles - keep checking here for updates as we work through BLM approval. (UPDATE JULY 2025: After working with the BLM since June 2021, the BLM has stated that they no longer have the capacity to continue on with the approval process for additional single track trail to connect County Road 3 to the City's Royal Gorge Park.) Options for additional miles available in both the South Cañon and Royal Gorge Park trail systems. Most people will prefer to ride this loop clockwise, though counter-clockwise goes it just involves a very serious climb up Royal Cascade and losing notable elevation on roads.

Things to keep in mind:
- The Royal Gorge Bridge requires a fee to cross - see below for more information.
-Climbing Hard Time is a reasonable approach to reduce road miles (only 1 though) but it is technical and not everyone's cup of tea.
- Untreated water is available in Grape Creek year-round (mile 14.2 on route as shown). Treated water is available at the Royal Gorge Bridge (mile 21.7 on route as shown). Food - and beer - available at the Royal Gorge Bridge.
- Route currently involves at least 4 miles of dirt road and 3 miles of paved road (well, mostly paved anyhow). In the clockwise direction these are climbed.
- Notable areas of clay soils. Do not use when wet. Do not use muddy trails in general, but those clay soils sections will suck the life from you and turn a bike into nothing more useful than a boat anchor.
- Royal Cascade Trail (key segment for full connection) is closed to all use in the months of June and July (for bighorn sheep lambing season). Royal Cascade is also closed in September and October after 5pm and before 9am (for bighorn sheep shooting season).
- For non-annual pass holders you must purchase a day ticket prior to entering the park and have the ticket available on your phone.
- For clockwise travel you will be entering the park through a non-staffed entrance. You will be noted and stopped by park security - be nice and plan on this interaction occurring. Show them your pass or ticket. Stop into the Visitor's Center before leaving the Park to have your ticket scanned.
- Only enter the fee required area of the park during normal park hours which are 9am until:
January 1 thru March 08 – 4PM
March 09 thru April 30 – 5PM
May 1 thru May 24 – 6PM
May 25 thru September 2 – 7PM
September 3 thru October 31 – 5PM
November 1 thru December 31 – 4PM

Annual passes can be purchased here:
https://tickets.royalgorgebridge.com/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=RGBTIX&c=RGBSIX
Note: Every April they have a 1/2 off sale for anyone who resides in Colorado.

Day tickets can be purchased here:
https://tickets.royalgorgebridge.com/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=RGBTIX&C=GA

More bridge information here:
https://royalgorgebridge.com/