Cañon City , United States

Santa Express Train

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(7 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Paper ticket only accepted

About this experience

Join us for a journey to the North Pole in Colorado’s Royal Gorge and meet Santa Claus himself! The Santa Express Train is a winter wonderland, where children of all ages gather to make memories you’ll treasure year after year.

Our NEW Santa Express Train locomotive leads the train through the Royal Gorge to the North Pole and back. It’s an absolute holiday masterpiece and is unlike any other in the world,.

While aboard, you’ll enjoy your favorite Christmas tunes and cheerful decor, plus hot cocoa and cookies. You and your family are also invited to purchase breakfast, lunch or dinner as well as your favorites from our fully stocked bar while we make our way through the Royal Gorge to pick up St. Nick.

Once the guest of honor boards the train, Santa will greet every child and give each of them a very special gift. Upon return to the Depot, don't miss our new Trackside Mercantile for fantastic holiday shopping.

Available options

Deluxe

Deluxe<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Vista Dome

Vista Dome<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

What's included

Open Air Car

Historic Preservation Fee

Detailed itinerary

Join us for a journey to the North Pole in Colorado’s Royal Gorge and meet Santa Claus himself! The Santa Express Train is a winter wonderland, where children of all ages gather to make memories you’ll treasure year after year.

The Santa Express Train travels to the North Pole in the Royal Gorge up to four times daily: 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Holiday spirit abounds aboard each train, where you’ll enjoy your favorite Christmas tunes and cheerful decor. During the journey, you and your family are welcome to order and enjoy lunch or dinner, as well as your favorites from our full bar, while we make our way through the Royal Gorge to pick up St. Nick.

Once the guest of honor boards the train, Santa will greet every child and give each of them a very special gift. All Aboard!

What's not included

Food & Drink is available and may be purchased on board.

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Guests who choose our Vista Dome must be able to easily climb 14 stairs into this elevated train car.

Important notes

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. You are invited to park anywhere in our free parking lots surrounding the Santa Fe Depot, where you'll go to pick up your boarding tickets before getting on the train. Looking forward to seeing you!

About Cañon City

Cañon City, nestled in the heart of Colorado, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Known as 'The City of Canvas,' it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, historic sites, and scenic landscapes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Top Attractions

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

This iconic suspension bridge spans the Arkansas River, offering breathtaking views of the Royal Gorge. The park features hiking trails, a scenic gondola, and a visitor center.

Nature/Adventure 2-4 hours $20-$30

Garden Park Fossil Area

This area is a significant fossil site with numerous dinosaur bones and tracks. It's a great place for paleontology enthusiasts and hikers.

Historical/Nature Half day Free

Cañon City Main Street Historic District

This charming district features beautifully preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with green chiles, potatoes, and meat, a staple of Southwestern cuisine.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Bison Burger

A burger made with bison meat, often served with local toppings like green chile.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking Rafting Rock climbing Scenic drives Spa visits Wine tasting Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit Cañon City for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm, and all attractions are open.

15-30°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cañon City is generally safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when hiking alone
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Colorado Springs Airport • 50 miles

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public bus service is available but limited. Check schedules in advance.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Cañon City Mesa Village

Day trips

Colorado Springs

50 miles • Half day to full day

Colorado Springs offers a variety of attractions, including the Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center.

Pueblo

40 miles • Half day to full day

Pueblo is known for its historic sites, museums, and the Arkansas Riverwalk.

Festivals

Royal Gorge Blues Fest • June Cañon City Rodeo • July

Pro tips

Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge early in the morning for the best views and fewer crowds
Try local green chile dishes for an authentic taste of the region
Check for guided tours at the Garden Park Fossil Area for a deeper understanding of the fossils
Pack layers for variable weather conditions, especially in the mountains
Explore the historic Main Street for unique shopping and dining experiences