The vast majority of the park, including the aerial tram over the gorge and the famous old incline railway, was destroyed by a wildfire in June 2013. The bridge was spared, with only 32 of its original wooden planks damaged beyond saving. Some of these planks have been salvaged and are now on display or in use in other parts of the park. With 90% of the park devastated, the owners vowed to rebuild, resulting in a new visitors center and a new triple-car version of the aerial tram. Many other parts of the park have also been rebuilt, and the park is now open and better than ever.
Once the highest bridge in the world, a title now held by China’s Sidu River Bridge, Colorado’s Royal Gorge Bridge remains the highest bridge in America and one of the most cheaply built for its vertigo-inducing size. Constructed in 1929 specifically to attract tourists to the massive gorge, the Royal Gorge Bridge spans over 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. At its peak, the deck of the bridge is suspended 956 feet above the valley floor, a height that once earned it the distinction of being the world's highest bridge before being surpassed by numerous Chinese bridges. The bridge's sheer height is awe-inspiring, and considering it was originally built for just $350,000 makes it even more remarkable. Thanks to reinforcements in the 1990s, the Royal Gorge Bridge continues to draw tourists and motorists nearly 90 years after its construction. Various thrill-seekers have also used the bridge for bungee jumping and other aerial acts, including a tragic attempt by a wingsuit flyer who was killed in 2003 when he collided with a pylon.