When we talk about window seats, this is what we mean—an open-air view of the most iconic mountain in the Rockies, all from aboard one of the world’s most famous trains. Welcome to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the train that takes you up the side of a 14,000-foot Colorado peak—a journey that was once only possible by mule. For 135 years, this train has been carrying passengers through alpine forests, above the treeline, and into the clouds—straight to the snowcapped summit. And yes, even in summer, surprises await at the top.
Let’s answer some of your questions: How dizzying is the altitude? Why limit your time at the peak? Why are people lining up for summit doughnuts? And how did just 30 minutes atop Pikes Peak inspire “America the Beautiful”? We’re taking you to the top of the Rocky Mountains, on board the Broadmoor, Manitou, and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
The Lure of the Mountains
There’s something about mountains that pulls us in—our desire to reach the pinnacle of creation. And so, I found myself in the cool town of Manitou Springs, Colorado, standing at the base of Pikes Peak, the most famous of the Rockies. This mountain, once a challenge for mules, is now accessible thanks to a little train that could. Today, it’s our turn to ride the cog railway—a journey for the curious and the brave. Tickets aren’t cheap—up to $82 for adults—but if you’re lucky, you might score a ride for as low as $60, or $50 for kids. Thankfully, Jeremy’s two kids just made the cut.
All Aboard to the Summit of Pikes Peak
These aren’t your old-timey trains; they’re modern, comfortable cars that depart from a pristine station filled with tourists from around the world. Sure, you could hike to the summit, but with the railway waiting, why would you? As we pulled away from the station, the history of the railway unfolded. In the 1880s, mattress mogul Zalman Simmons visited the area to inspect some telegraph wire insulators he invented. The only way to get to the summit back then? A two-day mule ride. Thinking there had to be a better way, he envisioned a railway to the top. By 1891, after a couple of attempts, the first train made it to the summit of Pikes Peak.
Over the years, the railway modernized. Spencer Penrose, owner of the fancy Broadmoor Hotel, bought the line in the 1920s, upgraded the trains, and by the ’60s, they were running sleeker cars that had been tested in Switzerland. The railway was shut down in 2018 for upgrades but came roaring back in 2021, continuing its century-old tradition of wowing passengers.
Climbing the Rockies
As the train ascends, be sure to keep your eyes peeled. You might spot bighorn sheep, elk, deer, or even the occasional hiker. The beauty of the outdoors is right outside your window. The journey takes about an hour to the top, with sweeping views of alpine forests, rolling hills, and snowcapped peaks that seem to stretch forever. You’ll pass old abandoned towns and landmarks like Ruxton Park, where hikers once stopped for coffee and doughnuts. It’s fascinating to imagine what this route used to look like.
As you near the summit, you start to understand how these views inspired Catherine Lee Bates to write the iconic song “America the Beautiful” in 1893. After taking a wagon up the mountain, Bates stood atop Pikes Peak and penned the words that became a national anthem of sorts: “For spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties.”
A Snowy Surprise on Pikes Peak
At 14,115 feet, the air is thin, and the temperature? Well, it drops. We arrived at the top in the middle of a snowstorm—in August! The weather changes fast up here, and even though it was summer at the base, the summit felt like midwinter. Snow at this altitude is a regular thing, and trust me, it’s surreal.
Speaking of altitude, the summit sits nearly three miles above sea level, and you’ll start to feel it. A little dizziness and shortness of breath are common, so be sure to drink plenty of water. But if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, try the summit doughnuts. Made with a special recipe to account for the altitude, these doughnuts are famous among visitors. To us, they tasted like regular doughnuts, but when you’re that high up, everything tastes a little more special.
Back Down to Earth
You don’t get much time at the top—only about 40 minutes—partially because of the limited oxygen but also because there’s a train schedule to keep. We made sure to grab our iconic summit photo by the sign before dashing back to catch our ride down. The downhill ride is a bit longer—about an hour and 10 minutes—and offers more spectacular views of the Rockies. If you felt a bit queasy on the way up, the downhill ride might be easier.
And if you’re like Jeremy’s son, who barely looked out the window at all, you might miss out on those views. But no matter which direction you’re facing, the trip is unforgettable. We even paused for a moment to let another train pass—an exciting little moment for everyone on board.
Is Pikes Peak Worth It?
So, is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway worth the ticket price? Absolutely. It’s a bit of a splurge, but when you consider the alternative—driving the harrowing, guardrail-less road to the top or hiking for hours—this is by far the most enjoyable and scenic option. Plus, you’ll walk away with stunning memories of the mountain that inspired “America the Beautiful.”
Back at the station, we wrapped up the day with a visit to the gift shop, grabbing souvenirs to remember this unforgettable experience. As we left, still buzzing from our time at the summit, we couldn’t help but smile. There’s nothing quite like being on top of the world, even if just for a little while.
