FAQ - The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway (2024)

We’ve got answers

Maybe you can’t find what you’re looking for. Maybe you came straight here looking for a direct answer. Take a look at the most common questions we get. Still can’t find the answer?

Just reach out and we’ll do our best to deliver it to you.

1. Are the seats assigned?

Yes, when you purchase Standard Admission Tickets our reservation system will automatically assign you a seat. Standard Ticket seats are assigned, however we cannot guarantee that your seats will be together.

2. Can I CHOOSE my seats?

Yes! When you purchase Reserved Admission Tickets you will be able to choose your seats.

3. Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Yes, if you require a wheelchair or walker on the train, please call the Ticket Office to reserve storage space on the train at 719-685-5401. Please note that our ADA accessible seating is limited and we may not be able to accommodate the specific time or date requested.

4. Are there restrooms on board the train?

There are no restrooms on board the train. The only restrooms on the mountain are located at the Depot and at the Pikes Peak Visitor Center at the top.

5. How far in advance should I reserve my trip?

While there’s no hard and fast rule, Cog railway journeys do sell out well in advance, so we always encourage people to book as far in advance as possible.

6. Is there a cancellation policy?

Tickets may be rescheduled or refunded if your request is made more than 7 days prior to departure, without penalty. Within 7 days of departure, you may either reschedule your reservation or request a Store Credit for a $20 fee ($20 fee will apply to the entire reservation). Store Credit will be valid for 1 year from date of issuance. To make changes to your reservation, contact us at [emailprotected] or 719-685-5401.

7. Do I have to prepay when making my reservation?

Yes, we require a full prepayment of your reservation in order to hold it. Please have a valid credit or debit card nearby when making reservations.

8. Is there any free parking around the Depot?

No, all of the parking near the Depot is paid parking. The Railway charges $20 for our parking lot and on street parking. The Iron Springs Chateau and Barr Trail Lot cannot be utilized by Cog customers for parking. Tour buses will drop off next to the depot and park off site. We encourage those who wish to enjoy Manitou Springs, either before or after visiting the Cog, to utilize one of the City’s four parking lots and ride the free Route 33 shuttle to the Railway. Parking prices in town vary by location.

9. Are bikes allowed on board the train?

No, there is not enough room to store a bike on the train. However, you can book with Broadmoor Outfitters to ride the train up and bike down the Pikes Peak Highway.

10. Are pets allowed on board the train?

No, we cannot allow pets on board the train.Please refer to our Service Animal Policy for service animal questions.

11. Can I bring a stroller with me?

Unfortunately, there is not enough space to fit a stroller on the train.

12. Where are you located?

We’re located in the Pikes Peak Region in Manitou Springs, just six miles west of Colorado Springs. View our Maps page for directions.

13. How long does it take to reach the Summit?

It takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the summit, with 40 minutes on top and then 1 hour and 10 minutes back to the Depot. The round trip is approximately3 hours.

14. Will I feel the effects of altitude?

Manitou Springs sits at an altitude of 6,320 feet, with our journey to the top of Pikes Peak taking us up to a towering 14,115 feet. If you’re not acclimated, you may feel the effects of high altitude. The best way to avoid these effects is to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink lots of water!

Altitude Warning: You will be traveling to 14,115 feet above sea level. Regardless of age and fitness level, lightheadedness and disorientation can occur at this elevation. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing altitude sickness. Children or people with existing health issues and people who cannot communicate their symptoms, should proceed with caution. Young children may not be effectively able to communicate their symptoms.

15. ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS?

The Cog Railway is not recommended for infants under the age of six months or anyone with a history of cardiac or respiratory problems. Consult your physician prior to your visit if you have concerns.

16. How many times a day does the train run?

The schedule varies according to the season; please check our Buy Tickets page.

FAQ - The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway (2024)

FAQs

Can I bring a bag on the Cog Railway? ›

The 45 minutes goes quickly, they only allow that to avoid travelers from getting elevation sickness. Recommended that you bring a backpack with warm clothing to throw on once you reach the summit, even in the middle of summer with temps 80 at the base, it can be below freezing on the summit.

What is the best time of day to take the Cog Railway to Pikes Peak? ›

- Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. “What time of day is the best time to go if you want to see animals? ” Early morning hours are best. clouds move in during the afternoon and the view isn't as good from the top.

Which seats are best on Cog Railway? ›

The best seat on the train is reserved for the Engineer, and for you too when you reserve the seats next to them in the front row. Adult Engineer's View $82.00 when booked online. Child* Engineer's View $72.00 when booked online.

Can I bring a water bottle on the Cog Railway? ›

Unique souvenir water bottles and canned beverages are also available to quench your thirst. Sorry, no outside food is allowed on the train.

Where do I put my bags on a train? ›

Personal items such as a small bag or backpack must fit under the seat. Carry-on bags must be kept with you, and need to fit in the overhead racks or luggage tower.

Can you take drinks on Cog Railway? ›

Snacks to Go

Unique souvenir water bottles will quench your thirst and can be found at our large gift shop on the platform level. Sorry, no outside food is allowed on the train.

Are there bathrooms on the cog railway? ›

You may reserve specific seats on the train by upgrading through our Reserved Seating for the best views. All other tickets will be assigned by the railroad. In addition, there are no restrooms on board, so please make sure you make a stop at the Depot restrooms beforehand.

What should you wear on the cog railway? ›

Passengers should remember to bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear– weather at the summit is always different than at lower elevations.

Is it better to drive up Pikes Peak or take the cog railway? ›

The experience of riding a cog railway is more relaxing. But you can only spend 30 minutes at the summit. If you are queasy about driving on mountainous roads that have drop-offs you might want to choose the railway. Also the weather can change rapidly.

Do seats face each other on Pikes Peak cog railway? ›

Passengers face each other with sets of two seats (two riding backwards and two forwards) on one side of the train and three seats (three ride backwards and three forwards) on the other side, and you sit on the same side going both up and down.

Does the pikes peak cog train turn around at the top? ›

The train goes up then comes back down without turning around so you will be in the front going to Pikes and in the back coming back into the terminal.

Where do you board the cog railway? ›

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is in a remote mountainous area that is poorly mapped by GPS services. Access to Marshfield Base Station is from Route 302 near the Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods and is prominently marked by one of our retired steam locomotives.

How early should I get to cog railway? ›

Train Schedule

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway operates all year round. The round trip is about three hours (one hour up, 40 minutes at the Summit, and one hour and 10 minutes back down to the Depot), so arriving 30 minutes ahead of time means it's about a four-hour experience.

How scary is driving up Pikes Peak? ›

Is Pikes Peak a scary drive? While significant elevation gains may give those with a fear of heights a brief scare, the drive itself is incredibly beautiful and captivating from start to finish, making it one of the Colorado Springs' top scenic drives.

Is Pikes Peak better in the morning or afternoon? ›

In addition to watching the sun rise, you'll also have a way better chance of having clear weather if you go early in the day. Afternoons on Pikes Peak can get dicey when it comes to lightning and cloudy conditions.

Can you bring food on the Mount Washington cog railway? ›

They do not allow food or beverage on the Cog, so we packed a lunch to maximize our time on top of the mountain. If you do not want to actually take the trip, i would recommend driving the 6 miles off Route 302 to the base station, as the museum there and the viewing of the trains is worthwhile in itself.

Can you bring a checked bag on a train? ›

Checked baggage service is available at a number of our stations and on many trains and Thruway Services. Not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. Before you travel, make sure to check and see if your train and origin and destination stations accept checked baggage.

Can you bring bags on Amtrak? ›

You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge

(12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches. two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each (Pacific Surfliner: up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each) two additional bags for $20 each.

Can you put bags on seats on a train? ›

Yes, you can put your luggage on a seat, but only if that seat isn't needed by another passenger. Please be considerate of your fellow travellers.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 6289

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.