Travel Talk The park includes America’s highest suspension bridge, stretching from rim
to rim a mile above the canyon fl oor, where the Arkansas River runs. Those tiny colored dots down there? Rafters. There also are a number of new thrills, like the Sky Coaster (think of being
fl ung out over a mile-high crevasse on a bungee cord) and the brand new Soaring Eagle zip line—the world’s highest. For tamer types and younger visitors, there’s a petting zoo and a carousel. Kids also can take burro rides.
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Colorado Gators Reptile Park 9162 Lane 9, Mosca. 719-378-2612,
www.gatorfarm.com
Let’s make one thing perfectly clear: Alligators are not native to Colorado. Yet, not far from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, you’ll fi nd 300 of the beasts, lying by a geothermal pool, basking in the sun. Though off the beaten path, the farm attracts about 30,000 visitors each year. Everyone gets to hold a small gator, and kids get certifi cates of bravery for
doing so. Visitors also can feed the gators, watch the 125 species of birds that stop by from season to season, and get their pictures taken with the giant tortoises that wander the park. “People are pretty amazed this is here,” says manager Jay Young. Astonished might be a better word.
Linda DuVal is a former travel editor, guidebook author and freelance writer in Colorado Springs.
Descend more than 1,500 feet to the canyon fl oor on the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park’s Incline Railway.
It could be the wine, the vineyards or the people, but Colorado Wine Country just seems to hit the spot. Once you come, you’ll know.
EnCompass May/June 2012 23
Courtesy of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
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