(COLORADO SPRINGS)– The Royal Gorge Bridge is famous for being the highest suspension bridge in the United States, and this week during our We Are the Royal Gorge Region feature, we’re taking you into the history of the bridge and how it came to attract thousands to Southern Colorado.
The Royal Gorge Bridge, also known as ‘America’s Bridge,” was built in 1929 making it a major engineering feat of its time. It was built to honor hardworking Americans and showcase the breathtaking views of Southern Colorado’s Rock Mountains.
Photo by Carolynn Felling
“We want to represent all the states in America, so we hang the flags, we have people that visit from all over the world, last year alone, we had every state represented,” said Brooklyn Osborne, Marketing director of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.
The bridge stands 1,053 feet in the air, earning it the title of world’s highest suspension bridge until 2001. Today, it is still the highest suspension bridge in America. The canyon surrounding the bridge prevails granite rock, giving visitors a piece of history before human kind.
Photo by: Carolynn Felling
“We’re here, just admiring the natural beauty,” said Tony and Erica Flores, tourists from Texas.
In 1929, it took builders only seven months with no fatalities to create the bridge–1,260 feet in length and 18 feet wide. The two main cables that support the bridge are 150 tons each, constructed of 2,100 strands of number nine galvanized wire.
“We just got off the gondola and checked out the theater, and now we’re flirting with the idea of doing that slingshot thing over there, but I don’t think that’s going to happen,” laughed visitor Tony Flores.
Photo by: Carolynn Felling
The bridge was pioneered by Chief Engineer George Cole who rounded a team of 80 brave men to build it. It was designed to carry more than two million pounds.
The iconic beauty of the Royal Gorge features a view of the Arkansas River from above while standing on top of it.
Photo by: Carolynn Felling
The bridge is made of 1,257 wooden planks and was refurbished in 1987 to withstand winds up to 125 mph. It can also hold more than two million pounds, and a park spokesperson said it is impossible to have enough vehicles on the bridge at one time to exceed its weight capacity.
“I mean, it’s always in the back of your head, like it’s a final destination. So, for the most part, it’s a nice, very safe, and secure ride,” said Flores.
Photo by: Carolynn Felling
The park offers a variety of ways to experience the breathtaking views, and it’s the perfect spot for dare-devils, offering a giant swing, zip line, and gondola ride across the entire gorge that is sure to get your heart racing.
“Most of our attractions you can do with up to three people, the Sky Coaster you can fly three, and the gondola, Via Ferrata you can do it with groups of five; so if you get the right group together and moral support, the fear will disappear,” said Osborne.
The park is open 365 days a year–for tickets and more information click here.
“Colorado is a must-see vacation spot, for sure. If you’re not from around here, it’s beautiful, I think Texas is the best state, but Colorado is definitely number two,” said Flores.
