Royal Gorge Bridge

Memorial Day weekend was the perfect time to get away for a couple days. In that spirit, we rented a little cabin in Salida, CO and went visiting the area. The weather was perfect for it.

First stop was Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the US, located over the Arkansas River near Canon City, CO. It was built in 1929 for $350,000, or the equivalent of about $15 million today, and took 6 month to complete.

A few facts:

• Length: 1,270 ft (387 m)
• Width: 18 ft (15 m)
• Main span: 880 ft (268 m)
• Towers: 150 ft high (46 m)
• Height above river: 1,053 ft (321 m)

I hiked down the canyon a few yards to try a get a good view of the bridge. The semi-arid landscape of red rocks and cactus offered and great contrast with the snow patches still present.

Be advised that is it $12 per person to get anywhere close to the area, with rides, shows, petting zoo and other attractions. You can also either walk or drive accross the bridge. We did neither as it was not part of our budget this time, but we do plan on coming back.