Top 9 Free Things to do in Canon City, Colorado (CO)

September 12, 2021 Mikaela Didonna

Cañon City /ˈkænjən ˈsɪti/ is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Fremont County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 16,400 at the 2010 United States Census. Cañon City straddles the easterly flowing Arkansas River and is a popular tourist destination for sightseeing, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. The city is known for its many public parks, fossil discoveries, Skyline Drive, The Royal Gorge railroad, the Royal Gorge, extensive natural hiking paths, and the tropical-like weather year-round."
Restaurants in Canon City

1. Skyline Drive

Canon City, CO +1 719-275-6339 http://www.canoncity.org/visitors/skyline_drive.php
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,169 reviews

Skyline Drive

A narrow, one way road that is not suitable for RV's or over-size vehicles and that offers three miles of thrills.

Reviewed By N1772AWjimc - Vicksburg, United States

This is a great free attraction that might not be well advertised, but you don't want to miss it. We just stumbled upon it when a server told us about it. Just outside Canon City look for a sign directing you to turn right. It's a narrow one way road along the top of a mountain crest that gives you a wonderful view off both sides of the crest where you can see all of canon city on one side and the mountains on the other side. Several pull offs where you can park and get out as well as trail connections if you wanted a vigorous hike.

2. Tunnel Drive

Canon City, CO
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

Tunnel Drive

Reviewed By jamieM1014 - Aurora, United States

Visited with 2 adults and 1 child age 12. Weather was gorgeous, we got lucky. The trail is said to be "easy" and overall is... that 1st incline was harder for me, someone who is out of shape and not from Colorado. After that though it was good, nice trail to walk and we took an easy pace. Saw the 3 tunnels and at about 3/4 mile we turned around. It was very cool to see in person. Free. There was a lot of dog poop every where...shame. There is an outhouse at the start of the trail. We had fun, would highly recommend if you're looking for something easy and outside.

3. The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey

3011 E US Highway 50, Canon City, CO 81212-2748 +1 719-276-5191 http://www.abbeywinery.com/index.php/about-us
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 302 reviews

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey

Reviewed By Drgnfly839 - Grand Junction, United States

Lovely grounds and wine tasting...They have some very good wines at a price point of $25-35 bottle..Very surprised at Colorado wines and a lovely spot...Staff wonderful, helpful, knowledgeable ...Highly recommend...Dog friendly and picnic areas

4. Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway - Day Tours

Excellent
70%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway - Day Tours

See the historic Gold Belt Scenic Byway in your own 4x4 vehicle, or take a full-day guided off-road tour, with lunch included, with Colorado Jeep Tours (ColoradoJeepTours.com), based in Canon City, Colorado. See Phantom Canyon Road, Shelf Road, and the 1890's gold mining towns of Cripple Creek (population 1,200) and Victor (population 500), located at nearly 10,000 feet, on the southwest side of Pikes Peak. To make the drive on your own, visit the official website GoldBeltByway.com for maps, historical information and more!

5. The Gold Mine Rock Shop

44864 W US Highway 50, Canon City, CO 81212-9768 +1 719-276-9353 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/thegoldminerockshop/
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

The Gold Mine Rock Shop

Tons of rocks, gem, and minerals. Lots of fun for people of all ages. Are you interested in purchasing rocks and gems of superior quality? Do you fancy becoming a collector or someone who makes jewelry using high-quality stones? Whatever the case might be, if you are indeed looking for a place where you can find everything you need, then The Gold Mine Rock Shop is the place for you. Based in Cañon City, CO, we are the rock shop that will impress you. From semi-precious stones to minerals and gems, you can be sure that our shop has it all. Do not miss your chance to visit our incredible rock store!

Reviewed By FlashCrusader85 - Boerne, United States

This was our second time visiting Canon City and even though it had been two years, as soon as my three boys saw the sign for the shop, they all demanded we stop. They love rocks and gems and fossils and had a great time at the store two years ago. We pulled over and the new building was great, plenty of selection and room for browsing. The staff was very friendly and helpful and very patient with helping the boys purchase their items. For my boys, a trip to Canon City would not be complete without a stop at The Gold Mine Rock Shop.

6. Red Canyon Park

County Road F24, Canon City, CO 81212
Excellent
52%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Red Canyon Park

7. Garden Park Fossil Area

3028 E Main St, Canon City, CO 81212-2731 +1 800-987-6379 http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/Education_in_BLM/Learning_Landscapes/For_Travelers/go/geology/garden_park.html
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

Garden Park Fossil Area

This area of several fossil excavation sites is best visited by following a guide in your car, although hiking trails are also available.

8. Temple Canyon Park

Canon City, CO
Excellent
50%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
9%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 22 reviews

Temple Canyon Park

Reviewed By brianpP4904AU

My wife and I hiked the Temple with my 14 year old twins and my 16 year old. The Trail Head is a little hard to find, but once you get on the trail, it is easy to follow. Once you cross the stream, you get to what looks like a dead end. Hike up to the wall and you will see where the trail continues. The trip back up to the trail head is taxing, but the hike is worth the view.

9. New Horizons Thrift Store

3170 E Main St, Canon City, CO 81212-9326 +1 719-276-2676 https://www.facebook.com/nhthriftstores/timeline?ref=page_internal
Excellent
53%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
13%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 15 reviews

Reviewed By 631lisamd - Canon City, United States

New Horizons Thrift Store is a great place to shop for gently used items. The proceeds are also for a very worthy cause!

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