Southern Colorado Romantic Getaway

We adore our family vacations, but every once in awhile the hubby and I like to venture out on our own for a romantic escape. On such trips, we like to feel like we are a world away while remaining close enough for comfort. Not only does this location offer the ideal cozy cabin to spend a few days in, there are so many great experiences close by.

With the opening last year of the Royal Gorge Cabins just west of Cañon City, the area has become an attractive destination for people who are, well, attracted to each other.

“We love surprising people with our upscale accommodations, lineup of activities and pleasant weather every month of the year,” said Andy Neinas, owner of Echo Canyon River Expeditions and Royal Gorge Cabins, one of the oldest tourism companies in the region. “Rafting, rails and the Royal Gorge are pretty well-known, but our quiet side is a real eye opener.”

Less than an hour from Colorado Springs, the cabins are located in Colorado’s “Banana Belt,” a micro-climate oddity that occurs because the Arkansas River Valley on the lee side of the mountains and the upslope and downslope winds divert moisture away from the region. With typically moderate winter-season temperatures – sometimes as warm as 60 degrees, but nearly always in the 40s and 50s – and plenty of sunshine, the Royal Gorge region is often pleasantly warm, even when nearby Colorado Springs and Denver are experiencing winter weather.

Ideas For A Romantic Getaway

Stay at the Royal Gorge Cabins. The nine luxury cabins, open year-round, include six two-story, 800-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-and one-half-bathroom loft cabins and three 600-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom king cabins All have expansive southwest-facing views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The living areas include a fully equipped galley-style kitchen, flat-screen television, eat-in granite bar and leather couches. A highlight of each cabin is an ambiance-maximizing double-sided gas fireplace that can be enjoyed inside and outside. The luxury cabins are decorated in contemporary mountain style with fireplace mantles created from locally sourced timber from the original Royal Gorge Bridge, which was damaged after wildfires destroyed much of the park in 2013.

Cast a line. Echo Canyon River Expeditions and Royal Gorge Anglers team up to offer a fall/winter package featuring fly fishing led by top guides during the day and luxury accommodations at night. Available from early September through March, this package for two guests includes three nights of accommodations in a Royal Gorge Cabin, two full days of guided fly fishing, all equipment and lunch both days.

Gaze at the Gorge. The famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park located four miles from Echo Canyon River Expeditions has been rebuilt following extensive damage from the devastating wildfires of 2013. Guests can explore the bridge and park at their own pace. Travelers who wish to add to their day’s adrenaline can brave the Royal Rush Sky Coaster or Cloud Scraper Zipline, which flies over the entire span of the 1,000-foot-deep Royal Gorge.

Ride the rails. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a completely different view of the gorge, bridge and park. Running next to the Arkansas River, the train takes guests from town upstream with interpretive stops along the way. Many couples opt for the dinner train.

Sip a glass of vino. The Winery at the Holy Cross Abbey is located in Cañon City and features a tasting room and gift shop with award-winning wines. A bottle to share while enjoying mountain views back at the cabin is a delightful way to start the evening.

Royal Gorge Cabins are located west of Cañon City, Colo. on U.S. Route 50. Drive time is approximately two and one-half hours from Denver and one hour from Colorado Springs. The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) offers non-stop service from several major cities throughout the country including Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago and Phoenix.

Contact Royal Gorge Cabins by email at info@raftecho.com or by calling 1-800-690-3246, or follow the resort on Facebook and Instagram or by signing up for the resort’s newsletter. Travelers can also read about visitors’ experiences on TripAdvisor and see why Echo Canyon is consistently named the No. 1-rated tour in Cañon City.