The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the highest cog railroad in the world, climbing from the depot in Manitou Springs at 6,320 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet. The depot at 515 Ruxton Avenue is just an 8-minute drive (1.9 miles) from The Outrider Hotel, making it incredibly easy to catch the train to the top of America's Mountain.
First opened in 1891, the cog railway has been carrying passengers up Pikes Peak for over 130 years. After closing in 2017 for a major $100 million renovation, the railway reopened in May 2021 with brand-new, custom-built Swiss railcars featuring panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and narrated commentary on the mountain's geology, history, and ecology.
The journey covers 8.9 miles each way, ascending through five distinct life zones — from dense montane forest and aspen groves through subalpine meadows to the stark, windswept alpine tundra above treeline. The round trip takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, including about 40 minutes at the summit to explore the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center and sample the famous high-altitude donuts.
What to Do at Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Ride the world's highest cog railway to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak
Enjoy panoramic views through the custom Swiss-designed railcar windows
Explore the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center at the top
Try the famous high-altitude donuts at the summit house
Watch for marmots, pikas, and mountain goats in the alpine tundra along the route
Photograph five distinct life zones as the train climbs from forest to tundra
How to Get to Pikes Peak Cog Railway from The Outrider
From The Outrider Hotel, head south on Manitou Avenue to the traffic circle at Ruxton Avenue, turn left onto Ruxton Avenue and follow it about 0.75 miles to the Cog Railway depot at 515 Ruxton Avenue. The depot is approximately 1.9 miles from the hotel and easily reached in about 8 minutes. Paid parking is available at the depot ($20/day), or use the free shuttle from the Hiawatha Gardens lot.
Tips for Visiting Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Book tickets well in advance — the railway sells out quickly, especially in summer and fall
Dress in layers; the summit is typically 30-40°F cooler than Manitou Springs
Sit on the right side of the train heading up for the best views
The round trip takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes including summit time
Morning departures tend to have clearer skies before afternoon clouds build
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses — UV exposure is intense at 14,000 feet