Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Colorado

It may not be the highest of the peaks in Colorado, but Pikes Peak is breathtaking and worth the trip up to the plateau. Pikes Peak is the 31st highest peak out of 54 Colorado peaks. Once your group boards the Pikes Peak Cog Railway sit back and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The travelers will see snow capped or snow covered mountains depending on when they travel.

The rails are on switchbacks that flow up to the summit 14,110 feet above sea level and back down the side of the mountain. Because the grade of the terrain is so steep, a regular train would never make it to the top in good weather, let alone in snow. The cog system is an interlocking gear system that “claws” its way up the rails by locking and turning the gears to move the train.

Along the way you will see deer, elk and other wildlife that forages on the wildflowers and many different trees, flora and fauna. Once you are on the summit, enjoy hiking and watch the sunset from the many lookout positions near the cliff edge. On the train is a ranger who makes the trip interesting by pointing out things to see along the way and answers questions for the travelers. The railway is open year-round so enjoy anytime.