Get signed up for fun and adventure at 14,000 feet
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The brand new Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is almost finished—so get ready for the ride of your life. Craftspeople, engineers, construction crews and countless other specialized professionals have been working hard for the past three years to bring back the iconic experience we love here in the Springs and that thousands of visitors from across the globe have enjoyed. Yet this adventure “isn’t your Grandpa’s Cog Railway”—it has been modernized to delight the generations of today and those to come.
When the upgrade began, the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway team knew sourcing new, state-of-the-art equipment and replacing existing infrastructure was just the beginning. They also worked hard to ensure that the entire adventure will be seamless from beginning to end. You will still get the incredible views you expect and be a part of the Cog’s unique history; however, your entire journey has been rebuilt for a modern, up-to-date experience. Not only will there be new trains, a new depot, and new track—the journey has been ushered into the 21st century in style.
Even as the former Cog Railway trip became a beloved experience for regional visitors, the all-new journey to the Summit of Pikes Peak is redesigned to be unparalleled for even those who have been on the Cog before. The Cog will captivate riders who love adventure as the tradition continues anew. Get your advance tickets soon to secure your seat on one of the many regular daily departures.
What are the hours of operation?
The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Railway will operate between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily in the summer months, with departures every 40 minutes until 5:20 p.m. The round trip is about three hours, so arriving 30 minutes ahead of time and of course, browsing through the gift shop afterwards, means it’s about a four-hour experience.
How many ways can we enjoy the ride?
You can hike up, ride the train down. Take the Cog up, bike down. Whatever suits your mood or fitness level, you can personalize your adventure. You also can book your trip to meet the mobility needs of everyone in your party—or locals can work out hiking or biking in the morning and ride down in the early evening.
The star attraction-Pikes Peak
You will never forget your first glimpse of the Summit of Pikes Peak, known as America’s Mountain. Since 1891, the cog has been the world’s highest cog railway. Arriving at the Summit for the first time in June 1891, the cog will summit the peak in this new era with new trains, new track, new depot and a new Pikes Peak Visitor Center, which is owned by the City of Colorado Springs.
Tourists once rode to the summit of Pikes Peak on a mule, however, Zalmon Simmons, founder of what became the Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Company, decided that more people should be able to enjoy the ride. Building began in the 1880s, with 150 men transporting rails, bridge-iron and tools via wheelbarrows and mules. What once was an arduous, two-day trip on a mule and then the brainchild of many people over the years since then is now a state-of-the-art adventure for kids to grandparents to enjoy –starting in May.
Six locomotives were in use from the beginning, with the present modern Cog rostering seven trains: three brand new trains from Stadler and four completely refurbished trains. Our new “all aboard” will usher in a brand new history of adventure. From a church choir from Denver boarding on the afternoon of June 30, 1891 to now, people from almost every country in the world have experienced the ride to the Summit and kept that memory in the family for generations. Start your magical journey with your family this May.
How was the railway re-imagined?
After 126 years of operation, the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway decided not to reopen for the spring 2018 season, following a major infrastructure and equipment evaluation. After hard work by hundreds of people over the past three years, three new trains from Stadler in Switzerland will embark upon a new Strub single rail cog system. An upgraded depot and gift shop and a new Pikes Peak Visitor Center also have been meticulously created to ensure an exciting new adventure for guests and residents in the newly modernized, but just as awesome Manitou Springs & Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
“We’re following the tracks of history and proud to be ready to welcome you this May,” said Spencer Wren, General Manager of Manitou Springs & Pikes Peak Cog Railway. “Having worked for the Cog for over 40 years, I never would have expected to see something this monumental in my career. It’s truly an adventure that’s not to be missed and I’d like to thank all of the workers, companies and teams that made it possible to create this modern experience for adventure—for generations and years to come!”
Check out parking and other details here. Reserve your spot here. Get on the mailing list here.
