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Royal gorge route press room Thank you for being our guest aboard the Royal Gorge Route. On this page you will find the latest news surrounding the Canon City & Royal Gorge Railroad. High resolution images are available for download on our High res images page For more information, please call Mark Greksa at: 303-569-1022.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fourth Observation Dome Car Arrives in Canon City Canon City, CO – The Royal Gorge Route Railroad announced today that it has added another historic full-length observation dome car to its collection for gourmet lunch, dinner and murder mystery trains. The 1950s Pullman Standard full-length dome was purchased from Holland America Line, Inc. in July for use on the scenic train line that traverses the spectacular Royal Gorge. The new dome car, #553, brings the total number of full-length dome cars owned by the Royal Gorge Route Railroad to four, the largest collection of any scenic train operator in the lower 48 states. The new glass-topped car has seating for 64 in the upper level of the dome, which offers breathtaking views of the Royal Gorge. The car features a full-service kitchen to accommodate entree choices, which include Angus prime rib, salmon, stuffed Cornish game hen and pork osso bucco. “The success of the three domes we added to the train this year has far exceeded both our projections and expectations. Our guests find that a ride in one of our dome cars is the best way to experience the Royal Gorge. Train passengers have the opportunity to experience the Royal Gorge with unobstructed views in beautifully appointed, glass-topped cars designed for maximum comfort,” said Mark Greksa, co-owner and CEO of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. “The elevated seating and all that glass truly captures the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the Gorge.” The Route’s gourmet lunch, dinner and murder mystery trains have been extremely successful with many trains selling out weeks in advance. The train can currently carry a total of 550 passengers per trip, including passengers who aren’t dining. In the 1950s, dome cars were introduced to provide passengers incomparable views never before experienced by train. At the time, two companies were building these famous dome cars: Pullman Standard and Budd. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad now has two Pullman Domes and two Budd Domes. All four cars were previously used by Holland America on the Alaskan Railroad. The train operates daily with coach, first-class, lunch, and observation dome service available for passengers, along with gourmet dinner trains every Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Murder Mystery Trains are sold out until late October. For more information on the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad, including departure times, high resolution photos, and a history of the area, visit the website at www.royalgorgereservations.com. For information and reservations, call 1.888.RAILS.4U or 303.569.1000. #####
Winemaker’s Dinner to be held on Royal Gorge rails Sept. 22 Canon City, CO – The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey’s 4th annual Winemaker’s Dinner will be held on Friday, Sept. 22 on the elegant dining and glass-topped dome cars of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Boarding will begin at 6 p.m. from the historic Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City, CO. Nationally renowned winemaker Matt Cookson has received numerous awards and medals for his Abbey wines. In particular, his Merlot, Reserve Merlot, and Riesling received double gold medals from leading national wine competitions. “This dinner is a celebration of harvests, past and present, and of all of our winery friends in Colorado and the U.S. who have contributed so much to the success of The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. The collaboration of the Winery and the Royal Gorge Route is the proverbial match made in heaven,” Cookson said. The dinner will kick off the weekend festivities of the Winery’s Annual Harvest Festival on the Winery grounds Saturday and Sunday. The historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which offers Colorado’s only gourmet lunch and dinner trains, now owns the nation’s largest collection of full-length 1950s dome cars in the lower 48 states. The Winemaker’s Dinner is a first for the scenic train and guests can choose from dining and tasting in elegant dining cars with rich oak for $100 or experiencing one of the four new observation dome cars for $125. Under the direction of Executive Chef Jeff McGlothin, elegant nouveau cuisine will be paired with award-winning wines. A sample of the menu consists of chilled avocado and cucumber soup with lump crabmeat paired with a 2004 Monterey Chardonnay, seared sea scallop with ginger coconut crème sauce paired with a 2004 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, and duck breast pinwheels stuffed with spinach, asiago cheese and Serrano ham paired with a 2004 Colorado Merlot. The pairing finale is complete with chocolate mousse with raspberry and blackberry coulis paired with a 2003 Colorado Merlot Port. “The Winery is a huge asset to the local community not to mention Colorado, and we enjoy working together making Cañon City a destination for visitors from around the world. The wines Matt produces are always a winner on our lunch and dinner trains, receiving rave reviews from our guests. This could be the start of a true Colorado wine train,” said Mark Greksa, co-owner and CEO of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. “No promises yet, but we based our dinner train model on the hugely popular Napa Valley Wine Train, but just made it better.” Reservations for the Winemaker’s Dinner may be made online at www.RoyalGorgeReservations.com or by calling 1.888.RAILS.4U or 303.569.1000. ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Canon City, CO – The historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad will add yet another full-length, glass topped dome car to the train on May 27th to kick off what is expected to be another stellar year for the popular scenic railroad which traverses the Royal Gorge. The Pullman Standard dome is one of three that was purchased from Holland America in Anchorage, AK last September. The other two domes have been in service since late last fall. The 1950’s era dome provides passengers unobstructed views of the Royal Gorge and will be available for dome service along with the popular lunch and dinner trains. The Royal Gorge Route is the only train in Colorado which has 3-historic full-length dome cars. The additional car brings the total capacity of the train to over 600. Passengers first enjoyed dome car service through the Royal Gorge in 1947 but all passenger service ended in 1967, returning after a 32-year absence in May of 1999 as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. In the 1950s, dome cars were introduced to provide passengers incomparable views never before experienced by train. At the time, two companies were building these famous dome cars: Pullman Standard and Budd. The cars purchased by the Royal Gorge Route Railroad are two Pullman Domes and one Budd Dome. The cars were previously used by Holland America on the Alaskan Railroad. New Paint – Historic Look The entire RGRR shop crew has been busy over the winter season repainting all 13 passenger cars in the traditional Denver & Rio Grande paint scheme. The paint scheme is the traditional orange or “Grand Gold” with a silver stripe running along the lower half of each car. The project took 9-months to complete. On the right track The same operators of the Royal Gorge Route, operated the Georgetown Loop Railroad for 32-years, but couldn’t reach an agreement with the Colorado Historical Society to extent their contract beyond 2004. This same family then concentrated all efforts on this scenic line through the Royal Gorge and watched passenger numbers increase by 20% in 2005 and are expecting another double digit increase in 2006. “We had a fantastic year last year and despite higher gas prices, expect another year of growth in 2006,” said Mark Greksa, co-owner of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. “We’ve been able to take the same recipe for success that grew the Loop to over 132,000 during our last year in Georgetown, and applied it to Canon City and the Royal Gorge.” “Exceptional service, spectacular scenery, delicious food, and preserving a train line steeped in history are the key ingredients in running a railroad.” “The popularity of the dome, lunch, dinner and murder mystery trains have exceeded our expectations.” The Royal Gorge Route Railroad runs daily, from May 27th – October 8th with up to 3 departures at: 9:30, 12:30 and 3:30 pm with dinner trains running on select evenings at: 7:00 pm. Passengers may choose from coach, first-class, dome, lunch, dinner or murder mystery trains. For more information and reservations, call: 1.888.Rails.4U or visit the web at: www.RoyalGorgeReservations.com. High resolution images may be found at: http://www.royalgorgereservations.com/news_photos.aspx.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Historic Observation Domes Return to Royal Gorge Dome service returns after an absence of 38 years Canon City, CO – The Royal Gorge Route Railroad announced today that the three historic full-length observation dome cars purchased from Holland America Line, Inc. for use on its scenic train line, arrived from Anchorage on Wednesday. One of the classic stainless steel Budd domes will make its inaugural run through the Royal Gorge this Saturday at: 12:30 PM. An additional Pullman Standard dining dome car will be added in December in time for holiday lunch and dinner trains. In early September, officials from the Royal Gorge Route Railroad flew to Anchorage, Alaska and purchased three 1950s dome cars. The cars are in mint condition and will be added to the current Royal Gorge Route train, making the Route Colorado’s only scenic line offering dome service in daily operations. The train includes a total of 10 passenger, gourmet dining and open-air observation cars. The three new cars will lengthen the train to over a quarter mile. “We’ve been holding our breath as the cars made their journey from Anchorage by barge and rail to their new home. The three domes arrived in Canon City, undamaged. Train passengers will now have the opportunity to experience the Royal Gorge with unobstructed views in beautifully appointed, glass-topped cars designed for maximum comfort,” said Mark Greksa, co-owner and CEO of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. “The elevated seating and all that glass truly captures the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the Gorge.” Passengers first enjoyed dome car service through the Royal Gorge in 1947 but all passenger service ended in 1967, returning after a 32-year absence in May of 1999 as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The last dome car traveled through the Royal Gorge in 1967. In the 1950s, dome cars were introduced to provide passengers incomparable views never before experienced by train. At the time, three companies were building these famous dome cars: Pullman Standard, American Car and Foundry, and Budd. The cars purchased by the Royal Gorge Route Railroad are two Pullman Standard Domes and one Budd Dome. The cars were previously used by Holland America on the Alaskan Railroad. The new dome cars will be offered to passengers who wish to purchase or upgrade to “Observation Dome Class” and will also be used on the popular three-course gourmet lunch and four-course dinner and murder mystery trains. Both lunch and dinner capacity will increase from 172 to 290 per seating. The train can currently carry 550 passengers per trip. These new cars will increase that to 670. The train is operating every weekend at: 12:30 pm with coach, club, and observation dome service available for passengers, along with gourmet dinner trains every Saturday evening at: 6:00 pm. During the holiday season, from December 19 th thru the 31 st, the train will run daily at: 12:30 pm along with dinner trains each Saturday. Lunch and Dinner trains will be available in dome service beginning December 19th. Click here for an interesting history of the domeliner era as well as the history of each car. For more information on the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad, including departure times, high resolution photos, and a history of the area, visit the website at www.royalgorgeroute.com. For information and reservations, call: 1.888.RAILS.4U or 303.569.1000.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2005 Contact: Mark Greksa, 303-569-1022 “Big Domes” to Return to Royal Gorge Tracks Railroad Purchases Three Observation Cars for Colorado Route Canon City, CO – The Royal Gorge Route Railroad announced today that it has purchased three historic full-length observation dome cars from Holland America Line, Inc. for use on its scenic train line which traverses the Royal Gorge. Late last week, officials from the Royal Gorge Route Railroad flew to Anchorage, Alaska and purchased three 1950s dome cars. “This is an exciting time for our railroad as cars like these are difficult to come by. Train passengers will have the opportunity to experience the Royal Gorge with unobstructed views in beautifully appointed, glass-topped cars designed for maximum comfort,” said Mark Greksa, co-owner and CEO of the Royal Gorge Railroad. “The elevated seating and all that glass truly captures the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the Gorge.” The new dome cars will travel from Anchorage to Seattle by ship and will continue the rest of their journey by rail. The cars are expected to arrive in Canon City by mid October and will be available for passengers on the train in early November. Passengers first enjoyed dome car service through the Royal Gorge in 1947 but all passenger service ended in 1967, returning after a 32-year absence in May of 1999 as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. In the 1950s, dome cars were introduced to provide passengers incomparable views never before experienced by train. At the time, two companies were building these famous dome cars: Pullman Standard and Budd. The cars purchased by the Royal Gorge Route Railroad are two Pullman Domes and one Budd Dome. The cars were previously used by Holland America on the Alaskan Railroad. The new dome cars will be offered to passengers who wish to purchase or upgrade to “Observation Dome Class” and will also be used on the popular three-course gourmet lunch and four-course dinner and murder mystery trains. Both lunch and dinner capacity will increase from 172 to 290 per seating. The train can currently carry 550 passengers per trip. These new cars will increase that to 670. For more information on the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad, including departure times, high resolution photos, and a history of the area, visit the website at www.royalgorgeroute.com. For high resolution images, please go to: www.royalgorgeroute.com/photos.htm. For information and reservations, call: 1.888.RAILS.4U or 303.569.1000. ##### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Greksa Phone: 303-569-1022 Email:markg@royalgorgeroute.com Murder Mystery on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is offering a special Murder Mystery Dinner Train every Saturday evening in November on the “William Jackson Palmer” Dining Car. Red Herring Productions of Colorado Springs, CO, led by Don Moon, will be performing “Murder in Buffalo Chip” while passengers dine and ride in comfort through the magnificent Royal Gorge. During the journey the train follows along the mighty Arkansas River directly through the Royal Gorge , with the towering granite cliffs looming over 1,000 feet above the train. This special Murder Mystery Dinner Train will depart from the Canon City Depot in Canon City , CO at: 5:00 PM . The journey lasts 2 ½ hours, covering a round-trip distance of 24 miles. The per-person price is $89.95 and includes the train ride, the Murder Mystery performance, a 4 course gourmet dinner of Angus prime rib or fresh salmon, and a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider. The price is non-inclusive of gratuity and cash bar. Guests should plan on arriving at least 30-minutes prior to the scheduled departure to pick up tickets. Seating is limited for this special Murder Mystery Dinner train and reservations are required. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad runs every weekend at: 12:30 PM with gourmet lunch, coach and first class seating available along with gourmet dinner trains every Saturday evening at: 5:00 PM. Reservations can be made, and additional information received, by calling 1-888-RAILS4U, or visiting www.royalgorgeroute.com. #####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Greksa Phone: 303-569-1022 Email:markg@royalgorgeroute.com First Class Service aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Canon City, CO, January 26, 2004. Dine on delicious appetizers while sipping complimentary Champagne and watch the majestic beauty of the Royal Gorge enfold aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. First-class service is available on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad in the Theodore Roosevelt or William Jackson Palmer Car. The optional first-class service includes Chef's choice of mouthwatering appetizers, complimentary glass of Champagne or sparkling cider and a private cash bar. Guests will dine and ride in comfort on a premier railroad adventure through the spectacular Royal Gorge. The per person price, which includes the train ride, is $48.95 (adult) and $31.50 (child) During each journey, F-7 streamlined locomotives follow along the mighty Arkansas River directly through the Royal Gorge, with the towering granite cliffs looming over 1,000 feet above the train. The train stops on the famous "Hanging Bridge" for fantastic photo opportunities . This point in the deep canyon was so narrow that engineers hung a bridge from the walls to suspend the rails over the rushing waters of the river. Looking down from the bridge, passengers can watch rafters battle raging class V rapids, one grade below impassable. For comfort, the train consists of climate controlled coaches along with roofless observation cars to watch the passing scenery. While on board passengers have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the thrill and magic of train travel. During the trip, guests often spot wildlife: ducklings on the river's quieter stretches, mule deer on far meadows, eagles, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Make reservations today for a trip aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad-the only train that takes passengers through the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge. Rediscover the thrill, romance and magic of train travel and learn why visitors from around the world prefer riding the rails to experience the Gorge. Trains depart from the Santa Fe Depot and the journey lasts 2 hours, covering a round-trip distance of 24 miles. Please plan on arriving at least 45-minutes prior to the scheduled departure to pick-up tickets. Seating is limited for the first class trains, however a guest may opt to ride in coach for the regular per person fare of $28.95 per person (adult) $18.50 (child, 3-12), so make reservations early either on-line at www.royalgorgeroute.com or by calling: 1.888.RAILS.4U. Groups of 20 or more can be booked at special group rates through our Group Department, ext 146. #####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Lynn Hegdahl, Director of Sales Royal Gorge Route Railroad Phone: 719-487-0993 Email: mlhegdahl@usa.net Royal Gorge Route Offers Year Round Dinner Trains
Experience the majestic beauty of the Royal Gorge on a special Dinner train aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad-the only dinner train in the state of Colorado. This spectacular railroad adventure is like none other. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers special Dinner Trains on Saturday evenings aboard the new “Theodore Roosevelt" and “William Jackson Palmer” Dining Cars. Passengers may choose delicious entrees of either Roast Prime Rib or Fresh Salmon and will ride in comfort through the Gorge during the best part of the day - when it's aglow with rich and vibrant color. The success of the Saturday night Dinner Trains has been so phenomenal that they have been extended throughout the year. In addition to our Saturday night departures, Friday night dinner trains will be added between June 4-Sept. 4 and Thursday nights June 24-Aug. 5. More trains will be added as space is filled. During each journey, F-7 streamlined locomotives follow along the mighty Arkansas River directly through the Royal Gorge, with the towering granite cliffs looming over 1,000 feet above the train. Stops will be made on the famous "Hanging Bridge" for fantastic photo opportunities . For comfort, the train consists of climate controlled coaches along with roofless observation cars to watch the passing scenery. During the trip passengers often spot wildlife: ducklings on the river's quieter stretches, mule deer on far meadows, eagles, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The special Dinner Trains depart at 5:00 PM during the winter months and 7:00 PM in Summer from the Canon City Depot in Canon City, CO. The journey lasts 2 ½ hours, covering a round-trip distance of 24 miles. Make your reservation today for a trip aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad-the only train that takes passengers through the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge. Discover why visitors from around the world prefer riding the rails to experience the Gorge and all it has to offer. Special Twilight and Dinner Trains cost $79.95 per person, which includes the train ride and a 4-course meal, non-inclusive of gratuity and cash bar. Every effort is made to accommodate any special dietary or physical needs. For celebrations and special occasions, call and let the staff know at the time reservations are made. Please plan on arriving at least 30-minutes prior to the scheduled departure to pick up tickets. Seating is limited for the Dinner train, however a guest may opt to ride in coach during the summer season, for our regular coach fare of $28.95 (adult), $18.50 (child 3-12), so make reservations early either on-line at www.royalgorgeroute.com or by calling: 1.888.RAILS.4U. Groups of 20 or more can be booked at special group rates through our Group Department, ext 146.
##### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Greksa Phone: 303-569-1022 Email:markg@royalgorgeroute.com NEW Gourmet Lunch Trains Aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Experience the majestic beauty of the Royal Gorge while enjoying a sumptuous gourmet lunch on board the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. This spectacular railroad adventure is like none other. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers special gourmet Lunch Trains on Sundays at 12:30 PM aboard the new “Theodore Roosevelt" and “William Jackson Palmer” Dining Cars. Choose from delicious entrées such as osso bucco, stuffed Cornish game hen, or crab cakes and watch the spectacular passing scenery of the Royal Gorge. During each journey, F-7 streamlined locomotives follow along the mighty Arkansas River directly through the Royal Gorge, with the towering granite cliffs looming over 1,000 feet above the train. Stops will be made on the famous "Hanging Bridge" for fantastic photo opportunities . For comfort, the train consists of climate controlled coaches along with roofless observation cars to watch the passing scenery. During the trip passengers often spot wildlife: ducklings on the river's quieter stretches, mule deer on far meadows, eagles, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The train departs from the Santa Fe Depot in Canon City. The journey lasts 2 hours, covering a round-trip distance of 24 miles. Make your reservation today for a trip aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad-the only train that takes passengers through the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge. Discover why visitors from around the world prefer riding the rails to experience the Gorge and all it has to offer. The per person fare on our Lunch Train is $59.95 (adult), $39.95 (child, 3-12), and includes the train ride, a gourmet plated lunch, non-inclusive of gratuity and cash bar. Every effort is made to accommodate any special dietary or physical needs. For celebrations and special occasions, call and let the staff know at the time reservations are made. Please plan on arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure to pick up tickets. Seating is limited for the lunch train so make your reservations early. Guests may opt to ride in our coach class at our regular coach fare of $28.95 (adult), $18.50 (child 3-12)j or First Class, for an additional $20.00. You can make reservations either on-line at www.royalgorgeroute.com or by calling: 1.888.RAILS.4U. Groups of 20 or more can be booked at special group rates through our Group Department, ext 146.
##### A Brief History
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