The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Preservation Area is located just a few miles from Sweetwater River Ranch. In the San Isabel and Rio Grande National Forests, this incredible preserve encompasses over 200,000 acres in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. The mountain range is one of the youngest in Colorado and was designated as a preservation area in 1993. According to legend, a Spanish priest, Father Francisco, was mortally wounded by an Indian arrow. In his dying moments, he viewed the setting sun's red glow on the nearby mountains and gasped, "Sangre de Cristo!" which means "Blood of Christ!" The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Preservation Area has over 60 alpine lakes, 400 miles of streams, and nearly 400 miles of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking the myriad trails. Opportunities for wildlife viewing are abundant with mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and wild horses. Birdwatching can provide glimpses of bald eagles and other raptors, kingfishers, bluebirds, phoebes, hummingbirds, swallows, western tanagers, and many other bird species. Other recreation in the area includes horseback riding, mountain biking, and picnicking.
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park - Bring the group to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and take in the awe-inspiring views from the world's highest suspension bridge, hanging 1,053 feet and over a quarter of a mile in length, over the famous Arkansas River. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park offers over 360 acres of adventures for the entire family. An antique Carousel, petting zoo, and wildlife park will delight the kids, while daredevil visitors can satisfy their thrill seeking nature on the world's longest single-span aerial tram, the steepest incline railway on the planet, or for only the bravest, the Royal Rush Skycoaster! Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is located in Canon City just over 20 miles from Sweetwater River Ranch.