Colorado’s Royal Gorge Route Railroad is open
The train leads your through the winding 1,000-foot deep canyon by a newer, turbo-charged GP40-2 diesel-electric locomotive, which offers greater fuel economy and efficiencies, and gives you amazing views of the famed Royal Gorge including the view from below the worlds highest suspension bridge.
Ride up front with the Train Engineer
For passengers, the biggest boon will be the new locomotive’s ability to accommodate up to two passengers for private cab rides seated right beside the engineer, where they’ll experience a unique view of the Royal Gorge as the train travels to Parkdale. The view of the Royal Gorge Bridge from thousands of feet below it is a site you won’t soon forget.
“Cab rides are one of the most coveted and memorable experiences for train lovers of all ages,” said Kaverman. “This also offers an incredible experience to those who appreciate the scenic beauty of the Royal Gorge – there is no other vantage point in the train quite like the cab.” Prices for cab rides are $150 for one or $250 for two passengers in the same party.
This year, the privately owned Royal Gorge Route also will enhance its first-class lunch and dinner menus, and its wine offerings.
“The Royal Gorge Route offers the best dining by rail experience in North America,” said Kaverman. “There are few trains on this side of the Atlantic that do dining to the level we do.”
This year’s new first-class lunch and dinner menus bring quinoa to the plate, Colorado-raised chicken and more local, national and international wine offerings and pairings.
We got to experience the dinner train in late November and were completely surprised by how wonderful the food was. Large portions, tasty recipes and nice pours on the wine. It’s on the “must do” list for the Colorado Springs area.
We recommend combining the dinner train with a tour of the the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. The staff in the tasting room is wonderful and you’ll be able to sample their wines and shop for some unique wine centered gifts as well. The Colorado Cab Franc is our favorite! For the more family friendly day trip you should definitely add a trip to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.
Murder Mystery Train
$119 / Person
(Minimum age of 8 years old.)
Groups and individual guests discover “who dunnit” during one of several themed murder mystery dinner performances on select evenings throughout the year. Large group engagements may also be scheduled upon request. Our award winning dinner fare is included with seasonal entrees prepared fresh by our chef. Murder mystery trains are 3-hours in duration.
Enjoy one of our “Wine Flights” of specially selected red or white wines made by the experts while you ride, dine and unwind aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The wine flight consists of four 3 oz. pours. Purchase this upgrade for $28.00 when you make your reservation.
Ticket price includes round-trip train ride and three-course dinner. Wine, drinks and gratuity are not included.
Mother’s Day Brunch
(Minimum age of 3 years old and must be well behaved.)
Mother’s Day is Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th, 2014 and you’ll hit a home run this year inviting Mom on our very special Mother’s Day Brunch train.
Available on the 12:30 pm departure
Santa Express Train
Click here to see the full schedule of Santa Express Train departure dates, times and rates.
Children ages are 1 – 12. *Children under 1 ride free on an adult’s lap. Call 888-724-5748 or 719-276-4000 to learn more and make your reservations today!Please arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to pick up your tickets. All seating is assigned/reserved. Trains depart promptlySanta Express is a 1.5 hour round trip ride.
Ride with Santa! St. Nick visits the Royal Gorge each year on the Santa Express. Professionally decorated trains carry children of all ages to meet Santa at the North Pole while they sip hot cocoa, nibble on cookies and listen to holiday stories and festive tunes. Thousands of lights bedeck the festive North Pole Village in the Gorge itself where Santa Claus boards the train to hear children’s Christmas wishes and to gift each child with a special holiday bell.
Entrees are available in First Class and the Vista Dome from the Grill Menu along with a full-service bar. All passengers have access to bar and concession food items.
Click here to see a sample menu.
Please Note: Santa Express is extremely popular and dates sell out months in advance. We strongly recommend making your reservation early. When selecting a date, if you do not see the ticket quantity selection, that particular class of service is sold out. You must then choose another class and/or date.
For more information, visit RoyalGorgeRoute.com or call 888.724.5748.
