The Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been in business for more than 100 years! Upon their opening in 1891, this mountainside railway company has allowed thousands of people to enjoy the many spectacular views that come with taking this guided mountain tour. Whether it’s an entire family taking their yearly vacation, a small group of friends, or a large group of travelers, the railway at Pikes Peak offers all vacationers a super fun and exciting adventure that they will not soon forget.
Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is also known as the Big Hill. What makes this mountaintop stand out from the rest is that it contains some of the oldest living things on the planet. This includes the bristlecone pine trees, which are estimated to be over 2000 years old. All of the views from this mountaintop are truly spectacular, with trees, grasses, wildflowers and more being just part of the natural views that vacationers come here to see. The wildlife here includes yellow-bellied marmots and bighorn sheep.
Cog Railway
The entire railway tour takes a little more than 3 hours to complete the almost 9 miles of train tracks. Passengers are able to enjoy the many views that come when taking this mountainside tour, including the beautiful Ponderosa pine and Colorado blue spruce trees, the boulder fields, the Minnehaha Falls, Hell’s Gate, Deer Park, and the final destination Pikes Peak. Once Pike Peak is reached, vacationers are allowed to spend about 30 minutes in the area before it’s time to head back down the mountain. Because this adventure takes place on a mountainside, it’s really important for visitors to be mindful so they can be safe.
Good to Know
Pikes Peak is located in the sub alpine desert, which means that the air is more dry than humid. Because the temperatures in Pikes Peak can vary it’s important to bring a variety of clothing to wear. Because the elevation is a little over 6000 feet above sea level, it’s recommended that vacationers take it easy for the first day are so in order to adjust to the high altitude.
This railway journey is one that any adventure seeker or nature lover will truly enjoy!
NOTE: The railway has been going through some major renovations during the 2018 season. Because it has been determined that there is a need to reevaluate the current infrastructure as well as the current equipment, the railway is currently figuring out what their next steps are going to be for future railway trips to Pikes Peak.
Travel Makers MD