Pikes Peak Cog Railway: The Ultimate Visitor Guide
So, you’re planning a trip on the Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway. That’s awesome. But what if I told you that the seat you pick could completely change your trip? It’s true. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to secure the best seat for those incredible views at the summit of Pikes Peak. Plus, I’ll share some must-know tips for your journey—from what to pack so you don’t freeze at 14,000 feet, to how to use every minute you have at the summit of America’s Mountain.
Table of contents
The Preparation
Booking Your Trip
First up, let’s talk about booking your spot. And this is important: you really need to buy your tickets online in advance. Seriously, don’t just show up hoping to get on. Walk-up tickets are rarely available, and you don’t want to drive all the way to Manitou Springs for a train ride just to be turned away.
When booking online, check the available departure dates and choose your seats. This is likely the most significant decision you’ll make. We’ll get to which ones are the absolute best in just a minute.
Recognize that hiking up to Pikes Peak is an adventure in and of itself. We saw several hikers make the trek up the mountain. What most people don’t know is that you can purchase one-way tickets on the Cog Railway. You can hike up the mountain, then ride the railway back down to Manitou Springs.
What to Pack
Next, what to pack. The key here is layers. It can be a perfect 85-degree day down in town in the lower altitude, but the summit at 14,115 feet can easily be 30 degrees colder, and it’s almost always windy. I suggest a t-shirt, a fleece or sweatshirt, and a windproof jacket. You may even want to bring wool socks just in case. Snow is a real possibility at the top, even in the middle of summer, so make sure you have warm clothing.
Also, make sure you bring a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated is your best defense against altitude sickness, which can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. Just know that other outside food and drinks aren’t allowed on the train, so finish your coffee in the car. And a quick tip: try to use a water bottle without a straw, because the pressure change on the way up can sometimes turn them into a mini-fountain.
Getting There
The Cog Railway is located up the hill from historic Manitou Springs. As you can see, it can get pretty busy at times.
Parking Tips
Now, for parking. You’ve got two main options. You can pay to park right at the depot, but the lot is small and fills up fast, especially for later departure times. A simpler option is to park for free at a designated lot in Manitou Springs, such as Hiawatha Gardens, and then hop on the complimentary or free shuttle. It’s super convenient and drops you off right at the station.
When to Arrive
Regardless of your approach, plan to arrive at the depot at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. This gives you plenty of time to check in, browse the gift shop, and most importantly, use the restroom. There are no bathrooms on the train, and the lines can get surprisingly long right before boarding, so be sure to use them before you board!
Note that parking in the Cog Railways lot is not permitted until 30 minutes before departure, so be mindful of your arrival time. We had to drive around for 10 to 15 minutes before they would allow us into the parking lot.
Once you get parked or dropped off, explore the Pikes Peak Cog Railway Depot. It has a gift shop, a bridge over the tracks, and restrooms. Make sure you take advantage of the restrooms, as a restroom is not available on the cog railway.
The Ascent
Alright, let’s talk about those seats. For the best possible and breathtaking views on the way up the mountain, you need to book a seat on the “3-seat side.” As the train is climbing, this is the left side. It offers the widest, unobstructed views of the landscape. The train doesn’t turn around for the trip down, so the view you have on the way up is the same one you’ll have on the way down. Honestly, any seat offers a great view, but the three-seat side takes it to a whole different level.
The scenic ride to the top takes about an hour. You’ll climb through different climate zones, from the green forests near the bottom to the stark and beautiful alpine tundra above the treeline. The conductor also acts as your guide, pointing out cool rock formations, bits of history, and keeping an eye out for wildlife like yellow-bellied marmots and maybe even some bighorn sheep.
The train travels a 9-mile scenic route up to the 14,115-foot summit. As you ride, you will be able to see beautiful scenery, including the Continental Divide, the eastern plains, and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to the west.
The Summit
The moment you step off the train at the summit, the clock is ticking. You’ll have about 40 minutes to explore before you need to be back on that train for the ride down. Your conductor will announce the exact departure time. They’re very punctual, so you don’t want to get left behind. Here’s a quick game plan to make the most of it.
On a clear day, the views are incredible—you can supposedly see five different states.
Head inside the new Summit Visitor Center. It’s a beautiful new building, and it’s a great place to warm up and check out the Exhibit Gallery. And third—you can’t leave without doing this—get in line for the world-famous Pikes Peak donuts. There’s just something special about eating a fresh donut made at over 14,000 feet.
Just remember to take it easy up there. The air is thin, so keep sipping your water and don’t try to rush around.
We also dropped by the Gift Shop and picked up a pin and a hat.
Driving Pikes Peak
Take note of the vehicles that are on the hairpin road coming up the mountain. The Pikes Peak Highway is 19 miles long and climbs over 6,000 feet from the gateway to the top of Pikes Peak summit at 14,115 feet. Timed entry reservations are required for personal vehicles from late May through September and can be made online. There is a toll for driving the highway, so be prepared to reserve a timed entry and pay the toll fee. The ascent typically takes about 30–45 minutes, though it can vary depending on traffic and how often you stop at the numerous scenic overlooks.
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The Descent & Conclusion
The scenic trip back down is a little longer, about an hour and ten minutes, so you’ll have one last chance to soak in those amazing views. So your round-trip journey will take you approximately 3 hours, including the ascent, descent, and 40 minutes at the top to explore the summit.
Don’t forget to stop by Manitou Springs to grab a meal, taste the spring water, and walk the shops. It’s a beautiful town, so enjoy it while you are there. The Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls are both well worth the visit if you want to pair one or both with the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
So, when it’s all said and done, is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway worth it? Absolutely. It’s a piece of history and an unforgettable way to experience one of America’s most famous mountains without the stress of that winding mountain drive.
Key Takeaways
- Book your Pikes Peak Cog Railway tickets online in advance to ensure your spot.
- Pack layers for the temperature changes, and bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Choose the ‘3-seat side’ for the best views during your ride up to the summit.
- Plan to arrive at the depot at least 30 minutes early and use the restrooms before boarding.
- Enjoy 40 minutes at the summit, and don’t miss out on the viewpoint, visitor center, or famous donuts.
Conclusion
If this guide helped you plan your adventure, we’d appreciate it if you’d give this video a thumbs-up and subscribe for more travel tips.
For everyone who’s already ridden the Cog Railway for an unforgettable experience, what’s your number one piece of advice? Leave your own personal experiences and drop them in the comments below to help other travelers out.
There are several great places of interest in the Colorado Springs area, such as the Royal Gorge Railroad and Garden of the Gods, as well as Broadmoor’s 7 Falls, which we’ve covered in another post. Thanks for watching, and enjoy your trip to the top!
