Cañon City

Cañon City is home to approximately 20,000 residents and features a historic downtown region as well as newly developed commercial regions along Hwy 50 which runs through town. Cañon City area highlights include three city-owned mountain parks, many residential parks, outdoor swimming pool with water slide, arts center, shopping, a full range of dining establishments, and much more. The area is rich in history and recreational amenities.
Settlers established Cañon City in 1859 as a commercial center for the gold miners that were prospecting in the Southern Colorado Mountains. For thousands of years before settlers arrived, Native American Indians used this region along the upper Arkansas River as one of their winter campgrounds. They believed the area's hot water springs provided “good medicine”. The Native American Indians were also drawn to this area because of its mild weather, which today attracts a large retirement and recreational community, in addition to the superb climate. Pioneers and early settlers also found that the fertile soil, warm temperatures and abundant water made the area ideal for growing vegetables and fruit trees. With the river providing water for irrigation, the Cañon City region became one of Colorado's favorite spots. In fact the Apple Blossom/Spring Festival is still celebrated each year in Cañon City. (Please see our calendar of events).

Today Cañon City is one of Colorado's fastest growing communities. Nationally recognized retail stores and restaurants are popping up all along U.S. 50, including Home Depot, Denny's Restaurant, Walgreen's, Holiday Inn Express, Chili's Restaurant and now Big R just to name a few. Soon a four-screen movie theater will open replacing the old two screen theater and a Gary Player-designed golf course recently opened in nearby Florence. Several long-standing local retailers are expanding and new trendy small shops and businesses are popping up all over the region. The local hospital is also undergoing an $18.2 million expansion to keep up with area growth and demand. Even the local airport is buzzing with activity as it continues to expand to meet demand for the corporate and tourism industries.
Tourism plays a major role in the local economy as well, thanks to some of Colorado's finest attractions, like whitewater river rafting and gold metal trout fishing on the Arkansas River, in addition to the world renowned Royal Gorge Bridge and abundant outdoor recreation. There are also National Forests and public lands galore that are open and available for enjoyment by all. Cañon City also serves as the county seat for Fremont County and its population of over 47,000 residents. So come see Cañon City for yourself and have some good old fashioned “outdoor fun” while you are here. (Information contained herein is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed; sources of information include the Chamber of Commerce and local newspapers).