Visitors to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park have a pretty unique way to experience one of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes. The park introduced two clear-floor gondola cars in February 2026, giving guests the option to look directly down into the Royal Gorge while traveling high above the Arkansas River.
The new gondolas are part of the park’s existing Aerial Gondola attraction. The standard gondolas remain available for anyone who would rather enjoy the scenery without looking straight down through the floor. The clear-floor cars are completely optional and do not require a separate ticket.
1,200 Feet Above The Arkansas River
The Aerial Gondola travels approximately 2,200 feet across the gorge and reaches roughly 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. The clear floor adds an entirely different perspective to that journey, allowing riders to watch the rock walls and river far below as they cross the gorge.
The park says the new cars provide a perspective that is not available on its traditional gondolas. Riders may also be able to spot the Via Ferrata climbing routes, climbers, trains and rafters below depending on conditions.
The two new cars joined a fleet of existing gondolas that have operated at Royal Gorge for years.
Included With Park Admission
There is no additional charge to ride the clear-floor gondolas. Aerial Gondola rides are included with general admission, and visitors can ride during their visit as conditions allow. Reservations are not required.
The gondolas operate weather permitting, with strong winds and lightning capable of causing temporary closures. The park recommends arriving around 10 a.m. before winds potentially increase later in the day.
The Royal Gorge can already be viewed from the famous suspension bridge, but these new gondola cars provide the opportunity to see the gorge directly beneath your feet. It would be pretty cool to see more ski resorts adopt the clear-floor gondola car concept, allowing skiers and snowboarders to clearly see the mountain below as they ride up the lift. The Whistler PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola does offer glass-bottom cabins, but it would be nice if more places offered it.