|
|
Echo Canyon River Expeditions and The Royal GorgeStory by Ron Stern Echo Canyon River Expeditions I was never much for adventure travel. Instead, I prefer the simplicity of a nice hotel, pool and waiters bringing me tropical drinks with little umbrellas. So it was with mild trepidation that I embarked on my first whitewater rafting trip with Echo Canyon River Expeditions in Canyon City, Colorado. My fears of being washed into a tumbling cauldron were
quickl We started by being driven by bus down river where a plethora of rafting companies launch their colorful boats. After being given my life preserver and detailed safety instructions, we were on our way down the Arkansas River. Since most of the rapids on this trip were no greater than class 3, I found myself braving the whitewater like a pro, at least in my own mind. There is something exhilarating about negotiating around boulders with water spraying in your face as you charge downstream. Not knowing what is waiting around the bend is half the fun. Since my only previous experience was the log ride at Knotts Berry Farm, I realized that I was hooked on this type of adrenalin rush. Our guide, Andy Neinas is the owner of Echo Canyon River Expeditions.During the slower moments he regaled us with local lore and even some river humor. One of the funniest questions he has been asked was, "Is there some way to bottle the white water?" Andy laughs at these and other questions that seem so apparent, but after 16 years of taking people on these thrill-rides, he has learned to take nothing for granted. Around lunchtime we drifted into a landing where they had set up a tent, tables and picnic. Actually, it was more like a smorgasbord with over 40 items laid out for our culinary pleasure."Nothing like good food after a hard day on the river," my mom always said. Well, that’s what she would say if she had ever been on a river. Royal Gorge Route Railroad After eating we walked up a small incline to where the Royal Gorge Railroad was waiting. As part of our raft and rail ticket experience we boarded a train powered by two former Chicago & Northwestern locomotives. With a blast of the air-horn we were on our way to a 2-hour journey past the famous Hanging Bridge and the narrow canyon walls that make up the Royal Gorge. In addition to air-conditioned coaches, the Royal Gorge Railroad has an
open-air observation car that allows for passengers to get up-close and
personal with some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world.
Big Horn Sheep and red-tailed hawks can sometimes be seen against the
backdrop of 1,000-foot granite cliffs. The 24-mile
Along the way, you can look up and see the famous Royal Gorge bridge suspended high above the valley floor. Specs, which as it turns out are people on the bridge, can barely be seen, attesting to this engineering marvel. Our trip ends at the Historic Santa Fe Depot in nearby Canyon City. Here you can browse through old railroad photographs, purchase gift items or enjoy a good meal at their restaurant. Reservations for the Royal Gorge Route are recommended and ticket prices for the raft and rail trip are $89.75 and $94.75 weekends. There are many different packages available and the best time to visit is mid-week. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park No trip to Colorado would be complete without a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Like most people, I was under the impression that this was simply a quick stop to see some steel and concrete spanning a ravine—wrong! This facility is actually a mini-theme park with enough attractions to keep a family busy for hours.
The highlight of this site is, of course, the suspension bridge that rivals many of the world’s top engineering feats. At a height of 1053 feet, it stretches almost a quarter-mile across the narrow canyon and river below. Walking across it, one can feel the wind moving the entire structure but with over 2,100 strands of wire that can support two million pounds, it would take more than wind to cause any type of mishap. In fact, our guide told us that you could line up 18-wheel tanker trucks from one end to the other with no problem.
Unless you have a fear of heights, you should also ride on the aerial tramway. Built in 1968, the world’s largest single-span tramway glides gently 1178 feet above the Arkansas River. This is the next best thing to seeing the area from an airplane but probably much safer. More than two million passengers have taken the tram annually without incident. Tickets for adults are $17.00 and $14.00 for children ages 4-11. Bandera Bed and Barn While there are a variety of places to stay in Canyon City, why not try
something Both are gracious hosts and go out of their way to make you feel at home, down-home that is. I couldn’t help notice the little extras like the bowl of candy, a basket filled with snacks, cold beverages, and toiletry samples in the bathroom, Now I wondered why they called it the "bed and barn," until I actually saw the barn. Unlike most conventional B & B’s this one allows you to bring your pets and even your horses! Talk about full-service. I was also half-expecting a basket of fruit with a bagel or something for the breakfast but instead I was treated to a full-meal with both Michael and Carla. This included eggs, sausages, bacon, biscuits and gravy, fruit and juice. Just the thing to start you off for a full day of rafting and sightseeing. Prices for the Bandera Bed and Barn are $75 for the first person and $25 for each additional person. Contact Information Echo Canyon River Expeditions 1-800-595-3246 www.raftecho.com Royal Gorge Route Railroad Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Bandera Bed and Barn |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JustSayGO Travel Show
y alleviated by the friendly and professional staff. Every river guide
goes through extensive training including swift water rescue. As it turns
out, this really wasn’t an issue since I was going on one of their more
popular excursions that included a raft and rail trip. These are quite
popular with families, church groups and corporations who keep the staff at
Echo quite busy during most of the tourist season
route takes you through
the Royal Gorge alongside the Arkansas River. Brave kayakers can be seen
taking on the more strenuous class 4 and 5 rapids, all to the cheers of the
railway passengers.
Known as Colorado’s Grand Canyon, the 260-acre park includes some of
the most amazing wonders found anywhere in the world as well as a gift shop,
petting zoo, outdoor shows and a variety of food concessions. I personally
liked the praline swirled soft ice cream cone that tasted like butter and
pecans.
The Incline Railway is another one-of-a-kind achievement. Built at a
45-degree angle, the railway drops 1,550 feet to the gorge below, making it
the steepest railway in the world. The sheer angle of what is called
"Telegraph Gulch" made it one of the most difficult structures
ever built. Using equipment that was manufactured on location, human
ingenuity prevailed making it one of the most unique rides you will ever
take.
a little more, well cowboy! The Bandera Bed and Barn is a bed and
breakfast run by Michael and Carla Bandera who have turned their downstairs
into a comfortable place to stay for 1-6 people, all decorated in a western
theme.