Pikes Peak Cog Railway

This train is open Year-Round! The whole family will enjoy this trip.

If you're wary of driving up the Pikes Peak Highway, or just want to enjoy the journey instead of paying all of your attention to your steering wheel and brakes, the Cog is a nice alternative.

Train-lovers will also appreciate this ride. From the beauty of the train itself, to the special cog mechanism that allows the train to climb grades of up to 48%, there’s definitely something to see here.

It all starts at The Depot, on Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs.

You can look through historical pictures of the train while you wait for your ride, or browse the gift shop.

Once your train arrives, all aboard. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway experience is just a little over 3 hours round-trip.

Right away, you’ll get into steep track that travels through Colorado blue spruce and Poderosa pines. You’ll follow Ruxton Creek and see massive boulders and Minehaha Falls.

Then you’ll settle down into an easier grade. Keep a lookout for mule deer. As you get closer to the top, you’ll catch a glimpse of Pikes Peak, and head above timberline, where trees don't grow.

Expansive views of the area up here can literally get you to see all the way to Kansas. The Sangre de Christo mountain ranges are also visible, as well as the Collegiate Peaks.

Watch for bighorn sheep and marmots up here!

Inside the Summit House, you can buy souvenirs, eat one of their famous donuts, drink some hot chocolate (it’s cold at the top!) and use the restrooms.

Don’t forget to get a photo of yourself standing next to the famous Pikes Peak Summit: 14,110 feet sign.

***Insider Tip: Definitely bring some layers along, even in the summer. Temperatures vary widely from base to summit, and because the windows slide open quite far, it can get a chilly as you get higher. You will likely see snow at the top and experience wind, so be ready for winter weather! ***

Be mindful of the time. Once they blow the whistle to re-board the train, it’s time to go. If you miss your train, you will need to wait for the next one. If you miss the last train, it’s a 19-mile walk back down the Pikes Peak Highway, or a 12-mile hike down via the Barr Trail.

The reason for the short visit is that some folks don’t function so well at such a high altitude. You may briefly experience altitude sickness—headaches, nausea, fatigue—so be aware of yourself and take it easy at the top.

Tickets: Adults, $30-33. Children, $17-18.

Call ahead for Reservations: 1-800-745-3773

Getting There: From I-25, go west on US 24 four miles to Manitou Avenue exit. Go 1.5 miles to Ruxton Ave, turn left on Ruxton Ave, and travel ¾ miles to the Depot.

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