Cañon City

Cañon City is about an hour’s drive southwest of Colorado Springs. After breakfast I pack some waters in a cooler and William and I drive out of the city on Colorado Highway 115. The high desert scenery and mountains to the west are a beautiful backdrop. At Penrose we pick up Colorado Highway 50 and drive west to Cañon City.

​The Arkansas River flows through the area and Cañon City has built a pleasant walking and biking trail along the river. We easily find a parking spot in the lot, grab some water and begin our stroll. Based upon the online reviews during a normal year the trail and adjacent picnic areas would be well populated on a sunny Sunday. Today we meet people only occasionally. There’s also one group of energetic rafters bouncing their way down the Arkansas River. They seem to be having a blast.

​After our walk we opt to check out the historic downtown rather than just returning to Colorado Springs. All of the shops are closed but we do find three restaurants which are open with limited seating. Cañon City Brews and Bikes has a large beer garden - perfect! We are greeted by a masked server and seated at a socially-distanced table in the garden. We sit back and enjoy the eclectically decorated garden as we sip our beverages and nibble on an appetizer of cheese curds. It is the first time we have eaten in a restaurant since March 12th. It feels really nice.
 
Cañon City is home to the Royal Gorge Bridge (and amusement park) as well as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Both are open today at reduced capacity, but neither appeals to us. As we drive out of the city we can’t help but feel sorry for the numerous business owners and the people they normally employ. They will miss most of the tourist season which they depend upon for the bulk of their yearly income.

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