"We have a point on the line there that's called Inspiration Point because the view is just inspiring, and that is really the first time that you get the oohs and ahhs from a lot of the customers that aren't from around here," said Johnston.Ĭloser to the summit, there's a clear view of the Continental Divide on the left side of the train, and Colorado Springs to the right. The real show starts as we climb above treeline just past the 5 mile mark. Downhill, it can only max out at 8.5 mph.Įarly on, we see lush forests, large boulders and beautiful waterfalls. Traveling uphill, the train reaches a top speed of 10.5 mph. It's a surprisingly smooth 1 hour and 10 minute ride to the summit. The train ride to the top of the mountain climbs more than 7,700 vertical feet on nine miles of track. Our adventure begins at the newly renovated depot, elevation 6,320 feet. "We took an 1890s built building and upgraded it with all the modern amenities that customers require now," said Johnston.Īs for the depot, Johnston jokingly says that it's a blend of Bavarian and Victorian style architecture. In addition to new track and new trains, the depot also received some much needed TLC. "It's exciting! It's a bit of a relief, everything that we worked for the last three and a half years to finally have the doors open again, have customers on trains, it's been everything we hoped for and more," said Johnston. Three and a half years later, Johnston tells News 5 that they couldn't be happier to see the trains back in operation. and about 40 in the world," Assistant General Manager Ted Johnston said.Īs you may recall, the train closed down in 2017 to undergo major infrastructure improvements. "Not many 14,000 foot mountains have a railroad going up the side of it, and we're lucky enough to have one here at Pikes Peak. It's the world's highest and longest cog railway. MANITOU SPRINGS - In our exclusive new series Adventures with Alan, we'll travel across Southern Colorado week-by-week to show you thrills and chills, hidden gems and well-known spots.Įntertaining guests since 1891, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience that takes riders from the foothills of Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak.
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