Cañon City , United States

Red Canyon Loop Half Day Jeep Tour

Active

(96 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This interpretive 3-hour jeep tour departs from Canon City and meanders through bright red towering spires and monoliths sculpted by the erosion of the fountain formation. Your geological tour through time includes a short walk out to "Overlook Arch" and a up-close look at dinosaur footprints left over 107 million years ago. You will see where paleontologists have been removing dinosaur remains for over 140 years from one of the most famous digs in history along with ancient Indian petroglyphs.

This scenic tour is just one of the amazing locations we visit from our office in Cañon City. If this tour doesn't meet your needs, we most likely have one that does. We offer tours and packages from 3 hours to all day. Be sure to see our other listings for more options.

Available options

Red Canyon Loop

What's included

Bottled water

Professional guide

Detailed itinerary

Colorado Jeep Tours offers high quality, scenic, and informative off-road jeep tours based from Cañon City. Our interpretive tours of the Royal Gorge, Red Canyon, and the historic gold mining district of Cripple Creek and Victor offer a variety of information including western history, geology, paleontology and more while traveling some of the most beautiful trails in south/central Colorado.

Our professionally-driven guided tours offer a fun and interesting way to see and learn about the Royal Gorge region, and they are enjoyed by people of all ages. Cañon City is located about 45 minutes from Colorado Springs or Pueblo, and 2 hours from Denver, so we’re an easy day-trip from many front range cities.

We offer 1/2 day and full day jeep-only trips (starting at 3 hours), and full-day combo packages with rafting, the Royal Gorge Bridge, wine tasting, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, and zip-lining over the Royal Gorge.

READY TO JEEP? LET’S GO!

Historic dinosaur-fossil quarries with trails, picnic tables & scenic overlooks in a rugged setting.

At Red Canyon Park you can explore 600 acres of piñon, sage, and beautiful red rock from the Fountain Formation. Formed 290-296 million years ago, this rock was created by a series of braided streams carrying material eroded off of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains! Operated by the City of Cañon City, the secluded Red Canyon Park is a locals’ favorite. Here you can feel free to explore on the trail or off—a true adventure.

The single-lane, one-way road rises about 800 feet above the surrounding terrain. There are no guardrails despite sharp drop offs, and the drive is about 3 miles long.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

80 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Please be sure to confirm your travel plans to Canon City before making a reservation for our jeep tours. Due to the very limited seating on the custom vehicles, payment in full is due at the time of the booking, and reservations made through TripAdvisor cannot be changed or cancelled once confirmed. Our cancellation policy is a 100% cancellation fee, meaning there are no refunds once a tour is booked. If you have questions about this, please visit the Colorado Jeep Tours website's FAQ page or call Colorado Jeep Tours before booking a tour.

Meeting point

1 mile west of downtown Canon City

Important notes

Thanks so much for your reservation! Please note that all passengers in your party will need to sign the online waiver prior to boarding the jeep. We recommend that you do this soon, as it speeds up your check-in on arrival day to get your tour out on time. Please copy/paste the following link into your browser to access the waiver form:

https://www.smartwaiver.com/w/5a0f4c57238bc/web/?auto_tag=fh_id_VIATOR

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