A holiday train from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City into the Royal Gorge, about an hour and a half round trip. Elves lead songs and games, then the train stops at a brightly lit North Pole where Santa boards and walks through every car with a bell for each child.
“Please arrive 60-90 minutes prior to departure to pick up your tickets and get your photo taken.” Rides are “Approximately 1-1.5 Hours.”
“all guests are assigned seating and arriving early does not allow you to pick your seats.” Parties of more than 4 are seated across the aisle or back to back.
“we've doubled the Christmas lights at the North Pole in the gorge, and even more spectacular, we've added an all-new laser-light recreation of the Aurora Borealis.”
“holiday music fills the air.” “Elves greet families, lead sing-alongs, and play holiday games with children.”
The railroad describes “the unnatural, high-pitched metallic sounds that the Train makes as it goes over joints in the tracks.”
“For safety reasons, we do not allow carseats, strollers or booster seats on the train.” “All Bags are subject to search at the gate prior to boarding.”
Santa comes to every car, so your kid doesn't have to stand in a line or walk up to him.
The open-air car is open to every ticket holder and is standing room only. It can be a place to step away from the music, in cold air.
whether lights inside the cars are dimmed at the North Pole
how long Santa stays in each car
Call 719-276-4000More about Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Santa Express
Peak tickets are $114 to $144 adult and $104 to $134 child (ages 1 to 12); non-peak $99 to $129 adult and $94 to $124 child, depending on the car. Fees, dining and tips are extra. Children under 1 can ride on a lap.
“We have a strict no-refund policy for our Santa Express train rides.” Book well ahead: most dates sell out weeks or months in advance.
No outside food or drinks except one bottle of water each. Tickets include hot cocoa, cookies and a gift for each ticketed child. Food from the grill is extra.
Louder or brighter
The North Pole stop (doubled holiday lights and a laser aurora)not stated
On board (holiday music and elf sing-alongs)not stated
Quieter
There are several restrooms on the train; some are wheelchair accessible. The depot has accessible restrooms.
A lift helps anyone who can't climb the 5 to 7 outside stairs onto the train. Vista Dome seats need 14 steps and aren't wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair spaces are limited; call 719-276-4000 before you book.
Purses must be no larger than 10.75 by 7.5 by 4 inches, and backpacks no larger than 8.75 by 10.2 by 5.9 inches.
Only service animals ride. Parking at the depot is free. The train runs in rain and snow.
