From a mule ride to a $100 million modernization, the world’s highest cog railway continues to carry travelers to the summit of America’s Mountain
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In 1926, Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose purchased the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Zalmon Simmons, who first reached the summit by mule.
Saddle sore from the journey, Simmons resolved to build a railroad so that others could enjoythe breathtaking view without a bumpy ride. Today, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway remains the world’s highest and longest cog railroad, and the highest railway in the Northern Hemisphere.
A $100 million renovation completed in 2021 modernized this historic journey with new and refurbished climate-controlled trains, new track, and an upgraded depot. Blending history with comfort, it remains one of the nation’s most iconic and inspiring travel experiences.
Ride to and from the summit of America’s Mountain aboard the world’s highest cog railway. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway departs from the Manitou Depot and operates year-round, weather permitting.
Renovation adds new dimensions
A $100 million–plus renovation of the historic railway adds new dimensions for modern visitors, with new and refurbished trains, a completely renovated depot, and the city of Colorado Springs’ Summit Visitor Center. Arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled departure is recommended, as are advance reservations. The round trip is about three hours—one hour and 10 minutes up, 40 minutes at the summit, and one hour and 10 minutes back down to thedepot.
Imagine what you’ll discover on your 9-mile journey to the top of Pikes Peak, a 14,115-foot National Historic Landmark. This striking mountain of granite, carved by glaciers over millions of years, was home to the Ute Indians long before anyone explored the region. The Utes called it Ta-Wa-Ah-Gath or “Sun Mountain Sitting Big.” Beautiful scenery surrounds a range of wildlife, from foxes, coyotes, and elk to bighorn sheep and whistling yellow-bellied marmots above timberline. And then there’s the summit, with its sweeping 360-degree views of the Pikes Peak region, vistas that inspired the song of a nation and natural beauty that has drawn generations of explorers and travelers.
Visit Cograilway.com for reservations.
PIKES PEAK COG UP / BIKE DOWN
Combine two adventures in one day with a ride up The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak CogRailway before gearing up for a thrilling 13.5-mile bike descent from a 14,000-foot mountain.
Feel the rush of adrenaline on this 19.5-mile downhill adventure from the summit of thecountry’s most famous mountain, Pikes Peak. During this 5.5-hour adventure, you travel to the top of Pikes Peak on the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Once atop Pikes Peak, you will have a chance to check out the all-new Summit House and soak in the views afforded by one of Colorado’s most accessible 14ers. After enjoying the ride up the Cog and taking in the views, the biking adventure begins!
The 19.5-mile downhill adventure begins with the safety briefing and gear up. While there is risk in every activity, we aim to keep you safe by providing full face helmets, gloves, hi-visibility vests, and custom-built GT29′′cruisers.
After gearing up, your downhill adventure begins. This fully supported ride has both a lead guide to moderate the group’s speed and a sweep van in case any participant decides to exit the ride early.
This guided ride offers some of the most sweeping views of Colorado’s magnificent, rugged mountain landscape, and an exhilarating feeling you’ll never forget.
Biking experience is required.
Explore the February issue and subscribe for more group travel insights.
Contact:
- Group Sales
- Jill Wall
- (719) 476-6784
- jwall@broadmoor.com
- www.cograilway.com
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