
Winter Visit to Canon City
Canon City shines in winter with fewer crowds, cozy indoor attractions, and stunning snow-dusted canyon views.
Best for: winter travelers, couples, families
Your Day

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Experience one of the world's highest suspension bridges spanning the dramatic 1,250-foot deep Royal Gorge. Enjoy gondola rides, a zip line, and stunning canyon views.
Suggested time: 2-3 hours
The bridge is open year-round! Fewer crowds in winter and potentially snow-dusted canyon views.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Take a scenic train ride through the heart of the Royal Gorge, following the historic Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad route along the Arkansas River.
Suggested time: 3 hours
Day 2: The heated train cars offer a warm way to see the canyon. Book the Santa Express in late November-December!

Museum of Colorado Prisons
Explore Colorado's correctional history in this fascinating museum housed in a former women's prison, featuring exhibits on notorious inmates, escape attempts, and prison life.
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Perfect indoor attraction for a cold day. Fascinating Colorado history.

Canon City Mugs
Canon City's go-to breakfast spot, serving hearty morning meals alongside house-roasted coffee and espresso drinks with stunning sunset and mountain views.
Suggested time: 1 hour
Warm up with house-roasted coffee and fresh pastries at this cozy downtown cafe.

Cripple Creek Casinos & Historic Mining Town
Just 45 minutes from Canon City, explore Colorado's famous gold mining town with historic casinos, the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine tour, and Victorian-era architecture.
Suggested time: 4 hours
Day trip to the historic mining town for indoor entertainment, casino gaming, and Mollie Kathleen Mine tours.
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Comfort food in a historic setting—perfect for a cold winter evening.
Tips for This Itinerary
- Check attraction hours—some may have reduced winter schedules
- The Santa Express train (late Nov-Dec) sells out fast—book early!
- Canon City averages 300 days of sunshine, so winter days are often clear and pleasant
- Temperatures are milder than the mountains but bring layers
- Phantom Canyon Road may be closed in winter—check conditions before driving to Cripple Creek
Sources
Last updated: January 6, 2026