The Pikes Peak Cog Train takes you to the top of the Colorado mountain that inspired the song “America the Beautiful."
seat on the Pikes Peak Cog Train right next to our train number one wood , Bree , we could hear her check with the crew at the top . “ The Baron Snow of Leicester ’s deep , I do n’t cerebrate we ’re going to be able to clear it all today , ” they reported from the 14,115 - foot summit . Not incisively what you want to hear seconds before starting the nine - knot journey to the top , but on the bright side , our front - run-in seating area meant we could chaffer with Bree the entire trip . “ I mean , who does n’t want to drive a train ? ” she responded when I asked what got her behind the wheel . “ Although these fancy trains well-nigh push back themselves , ” she added , reference the railway line ’s massive overhaul from 2017 to 2021 . She made the call — our train would n’t get to the top of Pikes Peak on this questionable May solar day .
Luckily , the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the highest and longest sprocket power train in the entire world , so even a modified version would take us six and a half miles and over 12,000 pes up . The tike sit behind me squall “ All aboard ! ” before the conductor could even do the honors and Bree honked the horn doubly . We were off on our way up “ America ’s Mountain , " as Pikes Peak is referred to after a 1819 trip-up to the top inspired Katharine Lee Bates to drop a line “ America the Beautiful . ”
A ‘ cog train , ’ by the way , is a gear with a central rails where the cog locks with tooth to carry the wagon train up a steep descent and assist it in braking on the way down . Because of this unique manufacturing , the Pikes Peak Cog Train can climb a 25 % grade , which intend for every 100 infantry it rides forward , it will ascend 25 feet . Typical train can only climb 4 to 6 % grades . That ’s to say , this is n’t a geartrain drive where passengers are up and out of their seating , as you ’ll be sure to feel the pressure from the steep incline .
2023 Cog Railway|Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Our conductor Quinn , dressed in the Greco-Roman three - piece causa and hog head lid , was responsible for narrating the tripper and predict he would keep us moderately entertained . He kept his promise , pointing out diamond - mould granite and pink - hued Rock as we begin our upgrade . We even got to see Minnehaha Falls—“It ’s higher than Niagara Falls ! ” he joke , and those whose height illness was starting to quetch in groaned in response .
But the real amusement , and what made this specific misstep so unique , was how apace the scenery transubstantiate as we entered the Pike National Forest .
The race waterfalls and tower trees fell out of pot as we authorize the abandoned townsfolk of Ruxton Park , now only approachable by a 60 mile driveway . Before we knew it , snow was packed up to the gear ’s windows , and we were chugging through the swarm . As we reached 12,000 feet , where you ’d typically be able to depend down and see Garden of the Gods sprawled out below , we saw nothing but mountaintops peeking out between blow of snow . It was as if in one 60 minutes we had trip three month back in clip to the heart of winter .
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
While the train would normally hold back at the newly restitute Summit Visitor Center , we safely brake at the Mountain Summit House , where the track cleaners used to hold up for a convenient commute to work . Although visibility was lacking to say the least , our train railway car arrive alive as my fellow passengers pull down the windows to take selfies with snowbird hitting them in the face and the children ran to get their picture taken with the music director .
And with that , it was time to kick our feet up and descend , traveling backwards in motion but forward in metre to a sunny Colorado day .
How to Buy Tickets for the Pikes Peak Cog Train
The train scarper throughout the entire year , so pick out your time of year and your seat are central to an gratifying drive . Depending on what you ’d care to see — wildflowers , sunset , foliage , or wildlife — you’ll want to design your misstep ’s timing accordingly andreserve tickets onlinein advance . Once that ’s settled we highly urge reserving an upward - facing seat for optimal relaxation so you do n’t have to put in the ramification work of keeping yourself steady while the train ascends and descends . The press from the altitude means you might have to brace yourself a bit otherwise .
How to Prepare for a Trip on the Pikes Peak Cog Train
All Cog Train rides are subject to weather condition condition , so delays , cancellations , and shortened trips ( like ours ) can be expected . Even on a hot day you ’ll desire to backpack level , because when you abuse outdoors at 14,115 foot , the temperature drops and wind can be treacherous . And then there ’s the ALT ; be certain to pack lots of water , snacks , and some isobutylphenyl propionic acid , especially if you ’re visiting Colorado and have n’t acclimated yet . And of course , have your photographic camera quick to snap photos of marmots , elk , and bighorn sheep on the way up , as well as sweeping 360 - views from the peak where you could see five unlike states on a clear day .
See Even More of Pikes Peak After a Cog Train Ride
The train is the only vehicle that can reach the summit of Pikes Peak , but if you ’re up for a challenge , you could put in half the work and practice the sprocket as a carpool assistance . Beginning at the Barr Trail , you may hike up 13 miles ( one manner ) to the top of Pikes Peak and purchase a one - agency ticket down , or take the train up and delight a 19.5 - mile downhillguided - biking dangerous undertaking to the base .
Dine, Drink, and Shop in Manitou Springs Before Your Trip
On your own trip , you ’ll get on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in the funky yet magical mountain Ithiel Town ofManitou Springs , which is about 15 second unsure of Colorado Springs and recognise for its innate mineral springs . adequate role touristy and eclectic , this historic townspeople is sprinkled with rock shops , dispensaries , local galleries , and Native American shops likeGarden of the Gods Trading PostandThe Eagle Dancer . There are plenty of substantial dining options to choose from , likeThe Mate Factor , stark for a caffeine boost and hearty sandwich before your tripper up the mountain , andManitou Brewing Co.for a cold one afterwards . There ’s alsoThe Loopfor back talk - lachrymation Mexican in the heart of townspeople orMona Lisa Fondue Restaurant . One full stop that is an right-down must is Manitou Springs ’ famousPenny Arcade , which will spark your puerility nostalgia and keep you entertained for an integral afternoon .
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
