The easy way up Pike’s Peak – Manitou Springs, Colorado

Pikes Peak; image from flickr by Toby and Tai Shan

Bill and Shannon on Pikes Peak

Let’s see, how do we get up to the top? Behind door #1 is a switch backing, dirt road without guard rails; door #2, an exhausting, all day, or for those slower afoot, overnight hike; or door #3, a cog rail train?  Door #3 it is!!

 What we did:

 She said:

I have lived in Colorado about 13 years and had never been to Pikes Peak.  So when Bill thought of this trip as something to do (when his daughters were visiting), I thought it was a wonderful idea.  We boarded the cog railwayand started our accent.  I’ve never been this high “geographically” and was not prepared for the dizziness and shortness of breath I felt at the top of the mountain.  And when they say you are at the top of the mountain, you are at the tippy top of the mountain.  It was a little foggy so that you could not see as far as if it were clear, and I often wonder how many clear days you have when you are so high that you are up in the clouds.  It’s was the end of July and we were so cold we actually needed jackets and mittens.  If you go, be prepared.

He said:

The cog rail train is, for all but the most hearty hikers or thrill seeking drivers, a great way to get to the top of perhaps the most famous of Colorado’s fifty-four “14ers” (mountains with summits above 14,000 feet). Trains depart regularly from Manitou Springs – a town quaint enough to justify a visit in itself. Reservations are highly recommended as trains usually are filled to the max. The ride up is highlighted by an informative and entertaining dialog from the trains “conductor”. (Did you know America the Beautiful was inspired by the views from a spot aptly named Inspiration Point?)

On top, the views are stunning and, quite honestly, a bit scary. There are many areas without guard rails and only one’s timidity prevents potential disasters. In addition to dramatic photo-ops (too bad we had mostly fog), the proverbial gift shop offers food, drink and, of course, souvenirs. Make sure to try the chocolate donuts – they’re great!! But you must eat them at the top since the ingredients are adjusted to compensate for the altitude and they shrivel up if you try to take them back to the station! The round trip takes 3+ hours, so plan accordingly.          

Manitou Springs; image from flickr by Hugo90

Category: Manitou Springs,Colorado, United States, West, what we didTags: Cograil Train, Manitou Springs, Pike's Peak |