Located at the entrance to Cañon City's famous Skyline Drive. You do not have to drive on Skyline Drive to retrieve this cache.
Skyline Drive was constructed in 1903 using convict labor chain gangs from the nearby Colorado State Penitentiary. Inmates could earn 10 days off their sentences for every 30 days they worked. The original entrance was on the east side of the up-tilted rock layer (called a hogback), so the entrance and exit were both within Cañon City. This entrance on the west side of the hogback (this entrance) was built in 1932, again using convict labor. The old entrance is now a hiking trail.
The stone archway contains a native rock from each of the 48 states (Alaska and Hawaii were not yet states in 1932). The name of each state is engraved in rock next to the stone donated. See if you can find your state.
Skyline Drive is a narrow, one-way paved road that rises 800 feet above the surrounding area, and offers some truly spectacular views. There are pullouts along the route where you can stop and enjoy the view. Near the top there are dinosaur footprints (and an earthcache) that were not discovered until 2001. The footprints can be seen from your car, but you will want to stop and take a closer look. This area is popular with fossil hunters, geologists, joggers, hikers and cyclists. There is no admission fee. The road is closed at night and during inclement weather, however this cache is available 24 hours a day.
You can download a self-guided Skyline Drive tour brochure from the Royal Gorge Region website by clicking here or on the related web page link.
There is a nice FTF prize and two travel bugs, plus a lot of family friendly swag.