Take a ride on The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railway in the world, and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been climbing Pikes Peak since 1891, offering visitors incredible views of America's Mountain. The railway recently resumed service following a $100 million renovation, with 9 miles of newly constructed track and refurbished Swiss cog rail cars. During the ascent, riders can catch a glimpse of the beautiful reservoirs nestled among the peaks of the Front Range.
The Route
You'll begin your 3 hour round trip journey at the recently updated Manitou Depot, home to parking, a gift shop, restrooms and dining options. If you're looking for a slightly more challenging trek to the top of Pikes Peak, the Depot is also an excellent starting point for area hikes and bike rides.
Once aboard the train, your 1 hour 10 minute journey to the summit of Pikes Peak will pass by many Bristlecone pine trees, some of the oldest living things on Earth — estimated at over 2,000 years old. The route will take you through Pike National Forest, along Ruxton Creek, by Diamond Rock, within the steep, rocky walls of Englemann Canyon, past stacked boulder formations, a striking waterfall and through Deer Park. Eventually, views get expansive as you move above the timberline. Wildlife like elk, deer, bighorn sheep and yellow-bellied marmots can be spotted.
Upon reaching the summit of America's Mountain, you'll have 40 minutes to explore the newly opened Summit Visitor Center, enjoy a donut among the clouds, and enjoy panoramic views of Colorado. From there, it's another 1 hour 10 minute journey back to the Depot, giving you one more chance to absorb the beauty that surrounds the railway.
Tickets & Schedule
Tickets
Ticket prices vary based on seat location and booking method, with advanced, online reservations (strongly encouraged) offering the most affordable pricing and the option to choose your seat ahead of time. Due to demand and popularity, it is recommended to book tickets at least two weeks in advance of your planned ride, if not sooner.
Standard Online Booking
- Standard Admission (Ages 13+) - $58.50
- Child Admission (Ages 12 and under) - $48.50
Reserved Online Booking
Select your seat ahead of time to ensure your optimal Cog Railway experience.
- Adult Reserved Admission (Ages 13+) - $71.00
- Child Reserved Admission (Ages 12 and under) - $61.00
Engineer's View Online Booking
Enjoy the best seat in the train as you sit side-by-side with the Engineer in the front row.
- Adult Engineer's View (Ages 13+) - $81.00
- Child Engineer's View (Ages 12 and under) - $71.00
Walk-Up or Call-In Rates
Book your seat on the railway at the box office or by dialing (719) 685-5401.
- Adult Standard Admission (Ages 13+) - $61.00
- Child Standard Admission (Ages 12 and under) - $51.00
- Adult Reserved Admission (Ages 13+) - $74.00
- Child Reserved Admission (Ages 12 and under) - $64.00
Note that the railway is not recommended for infants younger than six months or those with a history of cardiac or respiratory illness or problems.
Group rates are also available.
Schedule
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway operates year-round, offering spectacular views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding region in all seasons, meaning your train experience will vary depending on the time of the year you book. While seated comfortably in the cars, enjoy the freshness of spring, the warmth of summer, the autumnal radiance of fall, and the whimsy of winter as you ascend to 14,115 feet above sea level.
Though there is service on most days of the week, the train schedule does vary by season. Please consult the official website for the most up-to-date information and to book your tickets.
A Brief History of the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway holds a unique distinction as the highest cog railway in the world. Wonder how this legendary Pikes Peak train came to take visitors to the top of America’s Mountain? One of the tourists who visited the Pikes Peak region in the late 1880s was Zalmon Simmons, inventor and founder of the Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Company. Mr. Simmons rode to the summit of Pikes Peak on a mule. The arduous, two-day trip was the only way to reach the top in those days. Mr. Simmons was awed by the scenery but determined that the views should be experienced in a more civilized and comfortable manner. Thus, the railway was born.
In 1889, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway Company was founded and track construction began. Top wages were 25 cents per hour. This was no easy feat as six workers died in blasting and construction accidents. On the afternoon of June 30th, 1891, the first passenger Pikes Peak train, carrying a church choir from Denver, made it to the summit for the first time. Spencer Penrose, the owner of The Broadmoor Hotel, acquired the Railway in 1925.
Enhancements to the rail cars arrived in the late 1930s, at first with gasoline and diesel-powered cars, followed shortly by what is believed to have been the world's inaugural rack rail car, and, in 1938, the arrival of the world’s first diesel-electric cog locomotive. In the 1970s and 1980s, led by Swiss engineer Martin Frick, the railway began to introduce more modern cars capable of transporting upwards of 200 people at a time to the summit of Pikes Peak.
Several decades later, in the spring of 2018, the Cog Railway made the decision to cease operations due to aging equipment and infrastructure concerns. Fast forward to 2021, where an expansive renovation and revitalization effort brought the Cog Railway back online with an assortment of modern updates including a refreshed depot, three new Swiss trains, a new single rail cog system, and a brand new Visitor Center at the top of Pikes Peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pikes Peak Cog Railway open?
Yes! After a $100 million renovation, the Railway officially reopened to visitors in the spring of 2021, once again transporting riders on a scenic journey to the summit of Pikes Peak.
How long does it take to ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway?
Start to finish, approximately 3.5 hours. This includes the recommended 30 minute pre-departure arrival time, a 1 hour 10 minute ascension to the top of Pikes Peak, 40 minutes at the summit, and a 1 hour 10 minute journey back to the depot.
Where are the best seats on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway?
There are truly no bad seats, however the Engineer's View seats — seated next to the Engineer and available to book in advance online — provide sweeping, unobstructed views as you ascend or descend the railway.
Are there bathrooms on the train?
No. Restrooms are located at the Manitou Depot as well as at the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center.
Can I bring my dog on the train?
No. Service animals are permitted, however the Railway recommends passengers consider several factors prior to deciding to bring service animals on board the train. Click here to view the Railway's full Service Animal Policy.
Is the Cog Railway wheelchair accessible?
Yes. ADA seating/storage is available but is limited. Please dial the Ticket Office at (719) 685-5401 to reserve space on the train.
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