The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The Cog Railway has been climbing Pikes Peak since 1891, offering visitors incredible views of Pikes Peak – America's Mountain. The railway was temporarily closed for a $100 million renovation and resumed service, with 9 miles of newly constructed track and refurbished Swiss cog rail cars, in Spring of 2021. During the ascent, riders can catch a glimpse of the beautiful reservoirs nestled among the peaks of the Front Range.

Many of the Bristlecone pine trees in the area that the track runs are some of the oldest living things on Earth, estimated at over 2,000 years old. The route will take you through Pike National Forest, along Ruxton Creek, by Diamond Rock, within the steep, rocky walls of Englemann Canyon, past stacked boulder formations, a striking waterfall and through Deer Park. Eventually, views get expansive as you move above the timberline. Wildlife like elk, deer, bighorn sheep and yellow-bellied marmots can be spotted.

Book Tickets

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway holds a unique distinction as the highest cog railway in the world. Wonder how this legendary Pikes Peak train came to take visitors to the top of America’s Mountain? One of the tourists who visited the Pikes Peak region in the late 1880s was Zalmon Simmons, inventor and founder of the Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Company. Mr. Simmons rode to the summit of Pikes Peak on a mule. The arduous, two-day trip was the only way to reach the top in those days. Mr. Simmons was awed by the scenery but determined that the views should be experienced in a more civilized and comfortable manner. Thus, the railway was born.

In 1889, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway Company was founded and track construction began. Top wages were 25 cents per hour. This was no easy feat as six workers died in blasting and construction accidents. On the afternoon of June 30th, 1891, the first passenger Pikes Peak train, carrying a church choir from Denver, made it to the summit for the first time. Spencer Penrose, the owner of The Broadmoor Hotel, acquired the Railway in 1925.