Indian Springs Trace Fossil Natural Area - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Located on BLM lands, dinosaurs bones were discovered here in the 1870s, 1880s and 1950s. It’s situated in Cañon City on Colorado’s southern front range. Fossils of well-known species of large dinosaurs have been discovered at this site over the last 120 years. Many of the dinosaur fossils discovered at this site are on exhibit at museums around the country, including the Denver Museum of Natural History and so more.

Marsh Quarry explores one of the more prominent fossil areas. The short trail visits two overlooks both with educational information. The views from the Upper Overlook are worth the short hike.

Phantom Canyon Road is one of the most scenic and historic drives in Colorado, in the Western United States. This unpaved scenic road connects Cañon City and Victor, going through Phantom Canyon and increases in elevation from 5,500 to 9,500 feet.The road is part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway. The route contains many narrow roads and high wooden bridges. The road is popularly used for mountain biking and off-roading.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a heritage railroad based in Cañon City, Colorado. A 1950s-era train makes daily 2-hour excursion runs from the Santa Fe Depot through the Royal Gorge along a famous section of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.

The Museum of Colorado Prisons was initially known as the Colorado State Women's Prison when it first opened its doors in 1935.The Museum was established with a view to collect, preserve, conserve, exhibit, and interpret the historical heritage of the Colorado Prison System. The Museum was also opened to serve as an incentive for historical research, education, and scholarly writings on the subject. It was equally meant to be a means to deter criminal activity.

The Tunnel Drive Trail is an out-and-back hiking trail located in Cañon City, Colorado. The trail parallels and overlooks the Arkansas River and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Popular with locals, the trail starts just inside the Cañon City city limits and then, crossing out of the city, it goes on State of Colorado and BLM land.