Discover the Top 11 Amazing Fun Facts About the Royal Gorge Bridge You Never Knew!

1. Built in the Roaring Twenties

In a breathtaking display of "we built this city on rock and roll" meets the trusty construction worker, the Royal Gorge Bridge was forged in the fiery crucible of the Roaring Twenties in an architecturally mind-blowing seven months: Chief Engineer George Cole and his team of 80 dedicated men brought the colossal steel giant to life in 1929, stretching 1,260 feet across the Colorado chasm, outfitted with a runway of 1,257 wooden planks to strut your stuff, and boasting the strength to cradle a whopping 2,000,000 pounds, this magnificent bridge got a facelift in 1987 to fend off 125mph winds and keeps on getting better with age, ensuring a sturdy stroll for all ye who dare to cross it.
Source => royalgorgebridge.com

2. Fireproof Bridge Survivor

Evidently, bridges are not fans of playing with fire: In 2013, a man-made wildfire scorched the Royal Gorge park's buildings and rides, but the bridge itself suffered only minimal damage, requiring the replacement of about 100 wooden deck planks, and reopened in 2014 after a $30 million repair and rebuilding effort.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know the mighty Mount Everest, Earth's highest peak, is growing taller every year? Discover the astonishing geological forces behind this breathtaking natural phenomenon! 🏔️🌍✨

=> Fun Facts about Mountains

3. Indiana Jones' Missing Gem

If only Indiana Jones had known about this gem: the Royal Gorge Bridge, built in 1929, was once the highest suspension bridge in the world, towering 955 feet above the Arkansas River in Colorado. Designed by daring architects George Cole and Arthur Pueblo, this steel marvel stretches 1,260 feet – perfect for an adventurous walk or a scenic cable car ride.
Source => loc.gov

4. Heavyweight Tourist Attraction

If you think the Golden Gate was impressive, put on your suspenders for this heavy tourist attraction: The Royal Gorge Bridge was built in a whirlwind six months between June and November 1929, costing a pretty penny at $350,000 (today's equivalent of $4.4 million), boasts a dizzying height of 955 feet above the Arkansas River, and can carry a hefty 2,000,000 pound pedestrian-only load—without a care for actual transportation routes!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Suspended in Awe

If the Royal Gorge Bridge could talk, it would probably say "I've got you suspended in awe": Until dethroned by the Glenwood Canyon Bridge in 2020, this 1,260-foot-long marvel held the title of the highest suspension bridge in America, towering a whopping 956 feet above the Arkansas River and giving visitors a breathtaking ticket to nature's grand show.
Source => royalgorgebridge.com

6. Sky-high Adrenaline Rush

Daredevils, thrill-seekers, and mild mannered folk wanting a brief adrenaline rush alike can all gather around to sign their lives away: The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park features the Royal Rush Skycoaster, dangling riders 1,200 feet above the gorge at heart-stopping speeds of 50 miles per hour. Participants must fall within the 46"-82" height and fit into the flight suit, with minors requiring parental consent. The prices range from $38 for a solo flyer to $85 for a trio, but remember, weather conditions may put a halt on your sky-high adventure and leave your Go-Pro dreams grounded!
Source => royalgorgebridge.com

7. Towering Seniority

If the Royal Gorge Bridge could talk, it might brag about its towering seniority: Once the highest bridge in the world, it stands 955 feet above the Arkansas River and was built in a mere six months during the heady days of 1929, costing a cool $350,000 (that's $4.4 million for us 2021 folks). No wooden planks for this granddaddy of bridges – it's all about the steel-grated decking.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Bridge to Hollywood

Featuring an altitude of thrills, with a side of vertigo to go: The Royal Gorge Bridge has flaunted its magnificent suspension and cinematic allure in movies like "The Maverick Queen" starring Barbara Stanwyck, and "Cat Ballou" with Lee Marvin.
Source => cbsnews.com

9. Daring Wildlife Rescue

In a daring "Babe: Pig in the City" reenactment, some of Colorado's finest creatures braved the fiery furnace and emerged victorious and unscathed on the wings of heroic humans: In the wake of the 2013 Royal Gorge fire that decimated much of the park, 16 elk, 12 buffaloes, and 16 bighorn sheep were miraculously rescued, with only two elk suffering mild smoke inhalation - who, we're relieved to report, were on the mend within 24 hours. The buffalo population shrank to nine as three were sold, but the true stars of this wild soap opera continue to reside in a secret Fremont County hideout, courtesy of the bridge company.
Source => denverpost.com

10. Thrilling Engagement Photos

Feeling a bit "gorged" with adrenaline and jaw-dropping views? Head to the Royal Gorge Bridge, where your engagement photoshoot can turn into an edge-of-your-seat experience: This soaring structure offers a gondola ride that takes daring couples nearly 1000 ft. above the Arkansas River, providing show-stopping panoramas of the canyon and a heart-pounding adventure to remember.
Source => jlaplante.com

11. Sky-high Gondola Adventures

Forget hiring a personal helicopter tour guide - sneak aboard the Scarlet Skyrider Express instead: The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park boasts one of the longest-single span gondolas in America, stretching 2,200 feet across the gorge and soaring 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River, with the crimson Poma-Leitner cars having been airlifted into place in 2013.
Source => royalgorgebridge.com