- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Royal Gorge Railroad
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
8 reviews for Royal Gorge Railroad
I booked two tickets for the evening dinner train as part of my boyfriend's birthday present. I was worried that it might not live up to its hype and $150 dollars would be wasted on bad food. I was so wrong and so very pleasantly surprised.
We arrived a little late, which is funny because we arrived 15 minutes before our departure time and yet 15 minutes later than when they suggested we arrive - 30 minutes prior to departure. Check-in was no problem. We got our picture taken in front of the train and later bought it for $10 as a keepsake.
We were seated at a table with another young couple who was recently married and lovely to talk to. E got a pre-dinner rum and coke and paid extra for it (that's my only gripe - I wish the $75 for dinner included a drink). The we started with dinner rolls and salad before our main entrees: prime rib. I think it is the best prime rib I have had in a loooong time. And it was huge! We got our food on super-sized dinner plates and the slice of prime rib (that was already about 2 inches thick) pretty much covered my plate and smothered my vegetables and delicious mashed potatoes. Yum. Dessert was generic cheesecake but still good.
Service was excellent and the atmosphere was incredible. First of all you are eating on a train, which is pretty special, but there are also fancy table linens and plush carpet and dim lighting, with the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge passing by the window. Just how special it was is indescribable.
After dinner, we went to the open air car (the sides of the car are 4 feet tall and there is no roof so you are exposed to the night air) with cups of coffee and stood in the twilight with the soft wind streaming by and the river down below. A couple of kayakers making a night run of the gorge showed of their tricks and provided some entertainment. It was incredibly special, and a damn-good birthday present, if I do say so myself.
Highly recommended. It's totally worth the money, and I'm picky about how I spend my money, seeing as how I don't have a lot of it!
I am glad I was able to experience the murder mystery dinner, but I'm not sure I'd rush to do it again. The pros:
We were able to travel about 6 miles through the Royal Gorge, which was breathtakingly pretty, especially since the recent rains caused the water to be high and fast moving.
We stopped under the bridge and we given the opportunity to go outside in an open-air car to take in the scenery.
The food was surprisingly good. We started with a salad topped with goat cheese, walnuts and vinaigrette, then indulged in Prime Rib with mashed potatoes and veggies, and topped off the meal with a chocolate mousse.
Alcohol was pretty affordable. Nick and I split a bottle of wine that cost $23. The most expensive was around $30. They weren't the highest class, but they were decent.
The actors are funny. They dress in period costumes and talk to you like they're from that time.
The storyline was engaging and you're put on teams so you don't have to guess all by your lonesome.
The cons:
You don't get to choose your other seatmates if you're a party of 2. Which means you could end up with 2 80-year-old ladies that are dead certain the murderer is some passenger 6 rows back, even though she isn't even listed as a suspect. They'll also ask the most ridiculous questions of the actors when they come around that have nothing to do with solving the mystery such as, "what did you have for dinner last night?"
The train moves very, very slowly and takes off rather abruptly. Hold on to those wine glasses!
While you're eating, you're just eating. There isn't any story time or helpful hints. It's basically a meal on a train.
It's a pretty expensive meal considering the simplicity of it because you're paying for the actors, too.
It's definitely an experience, but I would maybe suggest taking the wine and cheese car or just the dinner alone if you're interested in riding a train through the Gorge.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (4)
Seems like a hundred years ago, but enjoyed the ride very much.
My children and I loved this trip. We took the Vista Dome car for a gourmet lunch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon this summer and savored every moment. My son loved this excursion so much he said repeatedly "Mom, this is the best day of my life!" Thus, I highly recommend riding the rails through the Royal Gorge!
This was SO much fun!
We went with two other couples for the dinner train ride on a Saturday evening. It was 2 for 1 through the end of November so that made it an amazing experience for the price $85 per couple.
As you wait in line for the train people in period costume (the old west) and in character greet you individually. Then you have a choice of either the interior cars or the vista dome (not as quaint but a 360 view.
We were shown to our tables with place cards, the wait staff immediately came around to take our drink orders. The only wine they serve is from the local winery at the Abbey.
To start they brought a shrimp on toast appetizer. It was yummy according to my companions but I am allergic to shrimp. I told my waiter and he said he'd see what he could do for me. He returned a short time later with a gorgeous plate of fresh fruit that had everyone else wishing THEY were allergic too, next was fresh baked bread and a Caesar salad. The ladies all enjoyed a huge portion of salmon with fresh basil roasted potatoes & veggies. The gentlemen loved their huge slab of meat otherwise known as Prime Rib and then for dessert a chocolate cake w/ coffee or tea. The food was simply wonderful! Not the type you get at the local dinner theater's.
The ride itself was very enjoyable as well. The train is equipped with lights that shine all across the canon walls and we even spied several herds of deer. The train stopped 3 times so that you could go out on the flat cars and take pictures and stretch your legs. One of the stops was directly under the suspension bridge. Quite a different view than when you are walking on the bridge.
This is a must do if you are in that part of Colorado vacationing. We plan on going back in the spring to see the scenery during the daylight hours!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
A very enjoyable ride through the canyon with an unsurpassed view from the open car. I found it impossible to leave that car and go inside where the view was far less.
Much more abut the railroad is posted in my article at: http://www.railroadpho...
Took the train ride in June 2, 2009 staff helpful and very attentive, cabin was warm, husband went and rode in the engine, he said the engineers answered all his questions and he felt very welcome. Will recommend to family and friends, dome had great view, and you can go out to the open car easily
An easy drive from Colorado Springs and a beautiful train ride. We loved going through the gorge in the open-air car and watching rafters go down the river next to us. The interior cars were more luxury than you usually find on these type of train rides. Bring your own food.
They do have a rafting/train combo package where you can raft down and ride back on the train. It looked like it would be fun for families with older kids...although I'm not sure of the difficulty level.
Afterwards we partook of the local crafts fair going on in the park and strolled down the street where we truly enjoyed our visit to the tiny dinosaur museum.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)