History of Cañon City, Colorado

Cañon City (pronounced “Canyon City”), located along the Arkansas River in south-central Colorado, has a compelling history shaped by geology, railroads, incarceration, and innovation. Known as the “Climate Capital of Colorado” for its mild winters and sunny days, it has long attracted settlers, explorers, and thrill-seekers.

Native Roots and Early Exploration

The region has been inhabited for thousands of years by Native American tribes, including the Ute, Apache, and Comanche, who hunted and camped in the Arkansas River Valley. The name “Cañon” (Spanish for canyon) reflects the area’s geography—deep canyons carved by the river through ancient rock.

In the early 1800s, explorers such as Zebulon Pike and John C. Frémont passed through the area. By the mid-19th century, settlers were establishing homesteads, drawn by fertile land and proximity to gold and silver strikes in the Rockies.

The Railroad War and Growth

Cañon City boomed in the 1870s, especially during the Royal Gorge Railroad War, when two rival railroad companies—the Denver & Rio Grande and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe—battled (both legally and violently) for the right to build through the narrow Royal Gorge. The conflict culminated in gunfights, sabotage, and court rulings that eventually gave Denver & Rio Grande the right of way.

The construction of the Royal Gorge Route through impossibly steep cliffs became an engineering marvel and a major economic catalyst, bringing tourism and commerce to the region.

Prisons and Innovation

Cañon City, Colorado is also known for its correctional history. In 1871, the Colorado Territorial Prison was established—now the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility—and it remains one of several state and federal prisons in the area. In fact, the greater Fremont County area is sometimes nicknamed “Cellblock Capital of the World.”

Despite this, the city developed a reputation for innovation and natural beauty. Fossil discoveries in the region have been pivotal to paleontology, while agriculture, wineries, and outdoor recreation have grown in modern times.

Today, Cañon City is a scenic, welcoming destination known for its Royal Gorge, dramatic cliffs, rich history, and blend of adventure and tranquility.

Top 25 Attractions in Cañon City, Colorado

1. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, this park features stunning canyon views, ziplining, gondolas, and a skycoaster.

2. Royal Gorge Route Railroad
A breathtaking train ride through the bottom of the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River, complete with open-air cars and dining options.

3. Skyline Drive
A one-lane scenic road atop a razor-thin ridge with hair-raising views and fossilized dinosaur tracks along the way.

4. Museum of Colorado Prisons
Located in a former women’s prison, this museum offers fascinating exhibits on prison life, inmates, and escape attempts over the decades.

5. The Abbey Winery & Retreat Center
Housed in a historic former monastery, this site offers wine tastings, vineyard views, and historical tours.

6. Arkansas Riverwalk Trail
A peaceful walking and biking path that follows the Arkansas River through town, ideal for birdwatching and photography.

7. Red Canyon Park
A 600-acre natural area north of town with red rock spires, slot canyons, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

8. Garden Park Fossil Area
One of America’s most important fossil beds, where dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus were first discovered in the late 1800s.

9. Fremont Center for the Arts
A regional arts hub featuring rotating exhibits, local artists, performances, and community events.

10. Tunnel Drive Trail
A scenic 4-mile round-trip trail cut into canyon walls, offering views of the Arkansas River, tunnels, and cliffs.

11. Holy Cross Abbey
A former Catholic monastery known for its beautiful architecture and serene grounds, now also home to The Abbey winery.

12. Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience
An interactive museum and outdoor adventure park with animatronic dinosaurs, fossil displays, and ropes courses for kids.

13. Temple Canyon Park
A rugged local favorite with hiking trails, camping sites, and access to Grape Creek, tucked into dramatic canyon terrain.

14. Canon City Disc Golf Courses
Home to several highly rated courses set against rocky bluffs and open fields, including the award-winning Oil Well Flats.

15. Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River
Cañon City is a launch point for thrilling rafting adventures through Class III–V rapids in the Royal Gorge section of the river.

16. Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours
Soar over the landscape on one of the area’s adrenaline-pumping zipline courses with sweeping mountain views.

17. Echo Canyon Adventure Park
An adventure resort offering glamping tents, cabins, guided rafting, and dining at the 8 Mile Bar & Grill.

18. Royal Gorge Dinosaur Trail
A roadside adventure that takes you past fossil sites and viewpoints, tying together the region’s paleontological significance.

19. Four Mile Ranch Golf Club
A scenic, links-style golf course with unique terrain and panoramic mountain views.

20. Veteran’s Park and Historic District
Downtown Cañon City features murals, memorials, and historic architecture that showcase the city’s legacy and civic pride.

21. Shelf Road Recreation Area
A globally recognized rock climbing destination and scenic byway with jaw-dropping cliffs and rugged terrain.

22. Colorado Jeep Tours
Guided 4×4 tours through Royal Gorge, Red Canyon, and historic mining roads with local storytelling and photo ops.

23. Dinosaur Depot Museum (now part of Royal Gorge Museum)
Once a standalone museum, these exhibits now live within the Royal Gorge Regional Museum, offering fossil insights and kids’ activities.

24. Fremont County Heritage Museum
A cultural museum chronicling local history, pioneer life, railroads, and development of the region.

25. Prospect Heights Jail and Schoolhouse
A restored 1906 jail and historic schoolhouse offering a glimpse into the city’s frontier justice and education systems.

Conclusion

Cañon City is a Colorado gem where nature carves deep canyons, trains rattle through gorges, and history echoes off red rock walls. From its Wild West origins and fossilized past to modern adventures like whitewater rafting and ziplining, it offers a truly multifaceted experience. Whether you’re gazing down from the Royal Gorge Bridge, hiking beneath dinosaur cliffs, or sipping wine at a historic abbey, Cañon City delivers unforgettable stories at every turn—making it a perfect destination for explorers, families, and history buffs alike.