Today we woke to a 39 degree overcast morning, however for the first time Cheyenne Mountain was not shrouded by clouds. Interestingly enough everyone who lives here tells us the weather we are experiencing is unusual. Generally Colorado Springs and the surrounding area is bright and sunny at least 360 days a year but the weather pattern ahs been changing over the last two years.
We headed out to the Royal Gorge Bridge 55 miles southwest of Colorado City. The ride was phenomenal and the scenery spectacular with 360degrees of mountains around us.
Walking across the bridge was a challenge with 40 mph cross winds that would actually blow you around.
The views from the bridge are spectacular. Hard to imagine that the power of water is responsible for the gorge. Water continues to erode the rock at a rate of 2 inches every 1000 years.
Pictures cannot capture the beauty. The strip of water below is the Arkansas River.
Along the bridge are plaques with names of the states and records of special events that occurred on or off the bridge.
Once over the bridge and dodging the cars that are allowed to cross the bridge we stopped to see the 15 minute video recapping how the bridge was built. The video was very interesting and included info on the building of the incline railroad, the aerial tram and the fight to build the railroad that runs along the bottom of the gorge.
The park is built on the side of a mountain so every portion of the park was an uphill climb. We stopped to view the animals in the Wapiti Wildlife Park featuring a white American Bison, a herd of Rocky Mountain Elk, and Bighorn Sheep'. The Elk were hungry and it must have been feeding time because one was flipping a huge feeding bin over.
We then headed toward the Aerial Tram. The walk was again uphill and Ron was feeling it. He usually is a go-go guy but again his ongoing treatments have really taken its toll.
After watching the crazy people swinging in the air over the canyon we headed to the Tram.
Heading up to the tram we had to stop. Ron had to sit for a few minutes but he recovered quickly and up we went.
The views of the bridge and gorge were even more spectacular and breathtaking looking out from the Tram waiting area.
The Aerial Tram ride was fun and again more great views. The tram at Royal Gorge is one of the world’s longest single span aerial trams. It is 2,200 feet in length and is 1,178 feet above the Arkansas River. The track cable weighs over seven tons and the cabin can hold 35 passengers.
The ride across only took about seven minutes with a different perspective on the gorge and bridge.
More views of the bridge and gorge.
Next we headed to the Incline Railway promoted as being one of the steepest incline railways in the country. The length of the incline is 1,550 feet with a 100% grade and runs at a 45 degree angle. It brought us to the floor of the gorge and to the banks of the Arkansas River. A completely different perspective when looking up at the bridge you just just walked over.
Once back on top we decided to hitch a ride on the small gauge train around the park. It was a cute ride with areas set up to entertain.
We left by driving the car over the Royal Gorge Bridge. We walked it , drove it, traveled adjacent to it in the tram and stood underneath it. Not much more we could experience so our great day came to an end.
We drove out the back exit and were pleasantly surprised at another view of the varying landscape in the area.
Another beautiful day and experience for us. Tomorrow we plan to return to the Garden of the Gods to finish out tour their.
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