Cog riders are treated to glimpses of the Pikes Peak region that are typically only traveled by experienced backcountry hikers, including unique rock formations, high-elevation flora and fauna, pristine landscapes and historic landmarks. A final tip: Watch out for the altitude, which often leaves passengers napping its side effects off on the ride down.It goes without saying that the views along the Cog Railway route are exceptional - and we don’t just mean the panoramic views beyond the mountain. Soon, too, you will be able to take guided hikes up or down the mountain there will also be a biking option for more intrepid thrillseekers. But the brand-new visitor center, which will have interactive displays and films detailing the history of Pikes Peak, as well as a restaurant, retail, and a terrace, should open June 2021. Right now, all you can really do at the summit is take in the views and snap some spectacular photos. Depending on visibility, you might be able to spot the Denver skyline. (The views on the other side are mostly of rocks.)Īt the top of Pikes Peak, 360-degree views reveal the rust-hued Garden of the Gods in the north, the mining town of Cripple Creek and the continental divide to the west, and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the south. It’s the window seat on the side of the train that looks over the mountain and offers superior views. The main depot retains its original 19th-century mining town aesthetic with a fresh coat of bright blue paint, but a second train platform, an overhead walkway, and remodeled bathrooms and gift shop are now part of the depot, too.Ī round-trip ticket costs $58, but consider forking over the $10 upcharge so that you can pick your seat. A hundred million dollars can get you a lot of things-including jokes from the conductor that he’s now the oldest part of the train-because every inch of the experience, including the depot and the upcoming visitor center in the summit, was rebuilt, upgraded, or changed.

So in May 2021, after $100 million and three years, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is back, and it’s truly better than ever. But with its unique legacy-the highest cog railway in the world, and views that inspired the song “America The Beautiful”-the decision to invest in its renovation and modernization was a no-brainer. At first, it wasn’t clear whether its current owners would bring it back to life or permanently close the train. But in addition to skiing, biking, and hiking the various peaks that dot the state, one iconic way to experience these mountains actually requires little by way of physical exertion: riding the The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs.įirst installed in 1891 by Simmons Beautyrest mattress inventor Zalmon Simmons, who found the experience of getting up the mountain on mule-back entirely uncivilized, this historic attraction that climbs to 14,115 feet (the highest railway in the country) was shuttered in 2017 following an infrastructure evaluation.

When it comes to mountainside activities, Colorado has always been spoiled for choice.

The cog railway