Currently, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is closed until 2021 for renovations.
We decided to take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway while the in-laws were here. The advance tickets sold out, so we got to the ticket office at 7 am for the 8 am train. The ride is about one hour each way, and you spend about 45 minutes at the summit. It was a brisk 30 degrees with a 19 degree windchill at the top, but the sky was so clear. So I would recommend packing a few extra layers to wear at the summit. I love the views and the photo opportunities that the Cog Railway offers.
Address and location
You’ll find the Pikes Peak Cog Railway station at 515 Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Spring, Colorado.
Cost
Lot parking is $5 and is first come, first served. Once that fills up, you can find some street parking. During busy season, you’ll park in a lot in Manitou Springs and take a shuttle to the station. Tickets can be reserved online ahead of time. If those sell out, you can by day-of tickets at the station.
What to do
You’ll get about 45 minutes at the summit to explore. The views from a mountain over 14,000 feet high are hard to beat. Be sure to get a photo with the summit sign. Then check out the Summit House. The Summit House has a restaurant (where you must try the donuts) and a gift shop. And make a pit stop before the ride back down the mountain.
