Pikes Peak Cog RailwayTip: Print a coupon here.View a calendar of train schedules here. Your trip will last about three hours. Once you reach the top, you get to stay for about half an hour. You can't stay longer because of the altitude. Be sure and use the restroom before you leave the station, as there isn't a stop until the summit. Bring a jacket, because the temperature at the top can be 30 degrees colder! 
Pikes Peak was discovered by Zebulon Pike in 1806. He tried to climb it, but didn't succeed and declared that it could not be climbed. In 1820 Edwin James beame the first person to climb Pikes Peak. Personally I think they should of named it after Edwin James, cause he climbed it! This beautiful mountain was the inspiration for Kathy Lee Bates song "America the Beautiful." The ride up is beautiful! When we went it was quite foggy and misty, which made it look really cool. Once at the top, you can walk around, explore the gift shop and get a souvenir t-shirt, or grab a snack at the snack bar. They blow a whistle when it's time to get back on the train. If you're in real good shape, you can hike or bike up to the summit, and there's also a driving road. While you're up there, you might spot a mountain sheep or a yellow-bellied marmot.
Yellow-bellied marmot
Mountain Sheep
The view was beautiful and I'm sure it's even better when it's a clear day. Here's the end of the line:
Watch that edge! Yikes!
Reservations required for Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Phone: 719-685-5401
Admission:
Adults: $30.50 April 1-June 30 and August 19-December 31
Children (ages 3-12): $17.00 April 1-June 30 and August 19-December 31
$18.00 July 1-August 18 Children 2 and under are free if they ride on your lap No outside food allowed. You can purchase food at the cafe, which also provides a box lunch for you to take with you.
The summit is very high, and you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness Read about it and be prepared so it won't spoil your trip!
Return to the Denver Colorado Tourist Guide from Pikes Peak Cog Railway Return to Day Trips from Pikes Peak Cog Railway |
