11,000 Feet Instead of Over 14,000 Feet
Pikes Peak Cog Railway was our first scheduled stop in this region of the West. We received a text the day before which stated that the train would not be able to go the top due to adverse conditions. The railway offered us a partial ride to 11,500 feet for a 50% discount. We accepted, thinking that maybe the train would be less crowded. Everyone showed up and the train was full. We then met General Manager, Ted Johnston who was gracious enough to give us an interview about the Cog Railway. He also told us the region had a snow storm the week before and they were busy clearing ten foot snow drifts from the tracks which kept us from reaching the peak on this trip. I can’t say that we weren’t a bit disappointed, but we were still excited for our train ride up the mountain.
Journey Up the Mountain
We board the train and begin the climb to our destination, Inspiration Point, at about 11,500 feet. You could see the center teeth for the cog rail on the parallel track next to us. During our visit, we also learned that Switzerland is the only place in the world where cog rails are made. Mr. Johnston also told us that these trains were very new, and they had recently replaced all of the track and remodeled the station. It showed, as everything looked to be in excellent condition with modern accommodations. The one thing you won’t find on the train is a restroom, so plan on using the facilities at the station and at the top. The train was smooth and the views were fantastic. There were almost no empty seats in our car. The train was approaching a forty-five degree angle when we stopped at Inspiration Point.
The Descent
The Train started its downward run to the depot after we had a chance to take a few photos. There was a mad rush toward the restrooms, as we were not able to reach the restrooms at the top for an intermission. The trip was well worth the 1/2 price, but left us wanting to return for a visit to the top. The staff at the Pikes Peak Cog Railway are very friendly. This is a must do trip for train enthusiasts as well as general travelers to Colorado. Mr. Johnston encouraged us to visit the local town, Manitou Springs, which we did, and the small town did not disappoint. Lined with restaurants, bars and shops, the town had a free spirited vibe that was very welcoming. A big thank you goes out to Ted Johnston and his staff for making our visit comfortable and enjoyable.
The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Extra Bonus Article:
We dropped into the Colorado Railroad Museum the day before our Pike’s Peak Cog Railway trip. This was not a planned stop, but it was well worth the time as it was an indoor and outdoor “living” example of a rail yard complete with engineers and working trains. There is a magnificent HO scale model railway in the basement which will bring the child out in anyone who visits. The museum has a splendid example of a garden train in its outdoor area. One of the most entertaining aspects of this working museum was the ability to see trains in action. Docents entertained visitors by moving engines on the turntable and coupling cars together. If you are close, don’t miss this gem of a rail museum. We were certainly glad we did. We even came home with a couple of reasonably priced train puzzles from the well-stocked gift shop.
Tim by Train, Founder of Travel by Train – email: timbytrains@gmail.com