Things to do in  Cañon City

Cañon City is primarily known for its proximity to the Arkansas River and Royal Gorge Bridge—one of the highest suspension bridges in the world and a popular destination for adventure travelers. The city is a great jumping-off point for activities like white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing.

Cañon City has plenty of fun bars and restaurants that will keep you entertained after the sun goes down—many even feature live music on the weekends. For something a bit out of the ordinary, book an overnight ghost tour at the Abbey, a former monastery shrouded in mystery and tales of the paranormal.

Yes, Cañon City is worth visiting, especially if you are seeking outdoor adventure in a beautiful setting. The city is less than an hour away from Colorado Springs by car, making it an easy day trip or standalone destination. Given its position on the Arkansas River, it’s a particularly great place to visit during the warmer months when rafting and kayaking are popular activities.

There are 11 prisons in Cañon City (seven state and four federal), including the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, which is the oldest prison in the entire state. Cañon City is also home to the Museum of Colorado Prisons, a former women’s facility that now educates visitors about the history of corrections in Colorado.

Cañon City has an area of about 12.4 square miles (32.1 square kilometers). As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 17,141. It serves as the county seat of Fremont Count, which also encompasses the towns of Florence, Brookside, Coal Creek, Rockvale, and Williamsburg.

Cañon City is named after the Royal Gorge, a deep canyon formed by the Arkansas River (“cañon” is the Spanish word for “canyon”). It is one of only a few US cities with the Spanish ñ in its name, and the tilde has become something of a symbol of the town, appearing on store signs and souvenir T-shirts.