Pike’s Peak Cog Railway
Take a ride on Pike’s Peak Cog Railway
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski
Tourists have lots of time at the summit to enjoy the views.
There are three cog railways in the United States and only a
handful more in the rest of the world. Arguably, the most scenic one is
also the highest train ride in the world, the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway.
Departing from Manitou Springs Depot, just across from the
trailhead for the famous incline hike, the train begins its eight-mile
journey to the 14,115 foot summit of the famous mountain with views that
inspired “America the Beautiful.” Along the way, the conductor informs
and entertains the tourists on its hour and fifteen minute journey up
the mountain.
Traveling through multiple climate zones, visitors can expect to be
a bit colder at the top! Beginning at an elevation of 8,000 feet, many
are surprised at the frigid temperatures accompanied by wind at 14,000+
feet – even in the summertime.
There is a great gift shop and café at the summit, where people can
warm up and enjoy the only doughnuts in the world made at such a high
elevation. They are pretty good, too.
The views are epic! They stretch from New Mexico through Colorado,
and even reach as far as Kansas on a very clear day. It is definitely
worth the trip south from Castle Pines. Next time you host visitors who
are looking for a half-day adventure, a journey on the Pike’s Peak Cog
Railway just may be the perfect plan.
For more information or to make reservations, visit http://cograilway.com.
The journey up Pike’s Peak takes about an hour and fifteen minutes and travels through
multiple climate zones. Leave plenty of time at the summit to take in the
views.
