01|2026

Turn Your 2026 World Cup Trip Into a Coloradan Adventure

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be unlike anything the sport has seen before. With matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, fans traveling to multiple games will cover enormous distances — often with several days between matches.

For many, that raises an important question: What’s the best way to use the time between World Cup games?

While Colorado is not hosting matches in 2026, it may be one of the best places in the country to stop between games — especially for travelers flying between U.S. host cities. With major airports, dramatic scenery, and easy access to outdoor adventure, Colorado offers something few stadium cities can: a chance to slow down, reset, and experience the American West.

At  RoyalGorge.Info, we help visitors turn travel gaps into meaningful experiences by building custom itineraries that include everything from Jeep tours and rafting to scenic railroads, wine tasting, and iconic landmarks like the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Why Colorado Makes Sense for World Cup Travelers

Most World Cup fans attending more than one match will naturally experience downtime between cities. Match schedules, rest days, and travel logistics often create 2–4 day windows making Colorado an ideal stay.

Colorado fits perfectly into these travel patterns for several reasons:

  • Central U.S. location between East Coast, West Coast, and Central host cities
  • Major airports at Denver (DEN) and Colorado Springs (COS) with direct flights from many host cities
  • High-impact experiences that can be enjoyed in short stays
  • Cooler summer climate, ideal for June and July travel

Instead of rushing directly from one match city to the next, many fans are choosing to make their World Cup journey more memorable by adding a Colorado stop in between.

Common World Cup Travel Routes That Pair Well With Colorado

Los Angeles / San Francisco / Seattle → Denver → Dallas or Kansas City

This is one of the most natural travel flows of the tournament. A short flight to Denver allows travelers to break up a long journey and experience a completely different side of the U.S.

New York / New Jersey / Boston → Denver → San Francisco or Seattle

For international fans especially, Colorado provides a scenic midpoint between coasts — offering mountains, rivers, and open landscapes not found near stadium hubs.

Seattle → Denver or Colorado Springs → Dallas or Houston

This route works particularly well for group-stage and knockout-round travel.

Why Cañon City and the Royal Gorge Region Are Ideal Stopovers

Located about two hours from Denver and one hour from Colorado Springs, Cañon City offers direct access to some of Colorado’s most iconic scenery without the crowds or traffic of major resort towns. The Royal Gorge region is compact, easy to navigate, and well-suited for 1–3 night stays, making it perfect for travelers fitting adventure between World Cup matches.

Top Experiences to Add Between World Cup Games

Guided Jeep Tours Through the Royal Gorge Region

One of the best ways to experience Colorado quickly is with a guided Jeep tour. These off-road adventures access rugged terrain, elevated viewpoints, and landscapes most visitors would never reach on their own.

Jeep tours are ideal for World Cup travelers because they:

  • Require no special planning or vehicle rental
  • Fit into half-day schedules
  • Deliver maximum scenery in minimal time

Book your Jeep tour now for your upcoming trip!

Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River

Summer in Colorado is prime rafting season, and the Arkansas River offers trips for all comfort levels from scenic floats to exciting whitewater rafting trips.

Rafting is a favorite for travelers looking to balance stadium energy with outdoor adventure and is one of the most popular activities booked through RoyalGorge.Info during June and July.

You can book your rafting trip here.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the American West, the Royal Gorge Bridge offers breathtaking views, walking paths, and attractions overlooking the Arkansas River nearly 1,000 feet below.

Purchase your Royal Gorge Bridge tickets here.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

For a more relaxed experience, the scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge follows the river deep into the canyon — a perfect contrast to high-energy match days.

We offer packages that include both the Royal Gorge Route and other activities. Explore options for your next adventure!

Wine Tasting, Skydiving & Horseback Riding

Depending on your interests and schedule, we can also help you include:

Sample 3-Day World Cup Stopover Itinerary in Colorado

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Fly into Denver or Colorado Springs → Drive to Cañon City → Evening dining and downtown stroll

Day 2: Adventure Day

Morning guided Jeep tour → Afternoon visit to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Day 3: River Experience

Whitewater rafting or scenic float → Lunch in Cañon City → Travel to your next match city

This itinerary fits comfortably between two World Cup matches without feeling rushed.

How RoyalGorge.Info Helps World Cup Travelers

RoyalGorge.Info functions as a visitor center and trip-planning resource for the Royal Gorge region. We help travelers:

  • Build custom itineraries based on match schedules and travel days
  • Combine multiple experiences into efficient plans
  • Book Jeep tours, rafting, bridge tickets, trains, wine tasting, and more
  • Discover additional activities that match their interests and timeline

For World Cup travelers unfamiliar with Colorado, having a single planning resource simplifies logistics and maximizes time on the ground.

Make the World Cup About More Than the Matches

The 2026 World Cup is a rare opportunity to explore the U.S. in a way few trips allow. Adding a Colorado stop — especially in the Royal Gorge region — turns a series of games into a broader travel experience filled with scenery, adventure, and stories worth telling long after the final whistle.

If you’re planning your World Cup journey and looking for things to do between games, we can help you turn downtime into one of the highlights of your trip.

Want help planning your trip? Contact us, and we’d be happy to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (World Cup Travel & Colorado)

Is Colorado hosting any 2026 World Cup matches?

No. Colorado is not a host state, but its central location and major airports make it a popular stop between match cities.

How long should I plan to stay in Colorado between games?

Most travelers find that 2–3 days is ideal for experiencing the Royal Gorge region without disrupting match schedules.

What airports should World Cup travelers use for Colorado?

Denver International Airport (DEN) and Colorado Springs Airport (COS) both offer convenient access to the Royal Gorge region.

Can RoyalGorge.Info help plan my World Cup stopover?

Yes. We can build custom itineraries, recommend activities, and help book tours and attractions based on your travel dates. Contact us to learn more.

Are outdoor activities available during the World Cup months?

Yes. June and July are peak seasons for rafting, Jeep tours, hiking, and sightseeing in Colorado.