Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Summit elevation: 14,115 ft · Round trip: ~3 hours · Book tickets online in advance
Last September, with the aspens just starting to hint at gold against the evergreen slopes, we decided it was the perfect time for a bucket-list trip: riding the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Known as "America's Mountain" and the inspiration for America the Beautiful, this wasn't our first visit to Colorado Springs, but skipping the winding drive in favor of the historic red cog train felt like the smarter, more scenic choice — especially after hearing stories of altitude-induced nerves and hairpin turns from friends who'd driven it.
We based ourselves in nearby Manitou Springs, a quirky, historic mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak that perfectly sets the stage for the adventure. The town's Victorian-era buildings, mineral springs (free to taste!), art galleries, and eclectic shops make it an ideal spot to explore before or after your ride. It's also close to other must-sees like Garden of the Gods' dramatic red rock formations, Cave of the Winds, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls — easy add-ons for a full day in the Pikes Peak region.
Parking Tips and Tricks: Arrive Prepared
Parking in Manitou Springs is no joke — there's zero free street parking, and the area sees hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly. We bought our tickets digitally weeks in advance (highly recommended for seat selection and peace of mind), which triggered a handy text alert about parking availability based on our departure time. The Cog Railway's own lot across from the depot costs $20 and is limited — it opens just 30 minutes before your train, and buses, RVs, or trailers aren't allowed. We arrived right on cue, snagged a spot, and were at the depot in two minutes flat.
If you plan to wander Manitou Springs first (and you should — grab coffee or browse the shops), park in one of the city lots like Wichita, Canon, or Smischny (about $10–20) and hop on the free Route 33 Manitou Incline/Cog shuttle, which runs every 15–20 minutes straight to the depot. Pro tip: avoid Ruxton Avenue congestion by not showing up early without a ticket.
The Ride Up: Slow, Scenic, and Spellbinding
Boarding the bright red Swiss-made cog train felt like stepping into a cozy, heated time capsule. The 9-mile journey climbs steadily along Ruxton Creek through Pike National Forest. Our conductor was a natural storyteller, pointing out historic spots like the old Halfway House Hotel ruins while we rolled past towering Colorado blue spruce, ponderosa pines, and ancient bristlecone pines — some over 2,000 years old.
September delivered crisp air and early fall vibes — golden aspens peeking through the evergreens. We spotted bighorn sheep grazing above the timberline, along with marmots and deer. The left-side seats (book them if you can!) offered the best photo ops as the canyon walls gave way to sweeping alpine vistas. The whole ascent took about an hour and ten minutes — smooth, narrated, and far less stomach-churning than driving would have been.
14,115 ft
Summit Elevation
9 miles
Track Length
~70 min
Ascent Time
~40 min
Summit Time
At the Top: Donuts, Views, and a Quick Summit High
Forty minutes at the summit flew by. The brand-new Pikes Peak Summit House is modern, with interactive exhibits, spotless restrooms, a gift shop, and — most importantly — the world-famous high-altitude donuts. These aren't your average treats: a special recipe (passed down since 1916) that only works at 14,115 feet because of the thinner air and lower boiling point. Fresh from the fryer, we got ours tossed in cinnamon-sugar and cocoa. Hot, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect — eaten with panoramic views of the Collegiate and Sangre de Cristo ranges, Cripple Creek, and even Denver's skyline on a clear day. One bite and you understand why they're legendary.
It was chilly (about 30–40 degrees cooler than Manitou Springs) and windy, so we layered up and sipped hot chocolate while snapping photos. The thin air can definitely make itself felt — altitude affected a few people lightly on our train. Pro tip: If you're not sure how you'll handle the altitude, it's a safe and modest investment to grab a can of supplemental oxygen at the station before heading up. We live at 8,500 feet, so we knew we'd be fine, but it would be a shame to ruin a great trip over just a few bucks. Hydrate like crazy beforehand too — the combination of thin air and effort makes everything feel a bit more electric.
Why the Cog Train? Our Honest Take
We went in September for milder crowds than summer and those first hints of fall color — perfect timing. The train felt safe, relaxing, and completely family-friendly. The ride down was equally magical, with different light on the landscape and more wildlife spotting. Total round-trip: about three hours of pure mountain magic.
The consensus from everyone we've talked to is clear: book the cog if you want the journey to be part of the joy. The views, the narration, the wildlife, the comfort — it beats driving the switchbacks every single time. Book early, pack layers and water, and save room for those summit donuts. America's Mountain delivered.
Our Tips Before You Go
- 1.Book tickets online weeks in advance — popular departure times sell out fast, especially in summer and fall.
- 2.Request left-side seats when booking for the best photo opportunities on the way up.
- 3.Dress in layers — it can be 30–40°F colder at the summit than at the depot, even in September.
- 4.Hydrate well the day before and morning of — altitude hits differently at 14,115 feet.
- 5.Plan to explore Manitou Springs before or after — the mineral springs, shops, and cafes are worth at least an hour.
- 6.Don't skip the summit donuts. Eat them immediately — they don't travel well.
While You're in the Area: Garden of the Gods
Don't miss the stunning red rock formations at Garden of the Gods — it pairs perfectly with a Pikes Peak day and makes for an unforgettable full Colorado Springs itinerary. Check out our full blog post on that incredible spot for tips, photos, and everything you need to know.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is one of those rare experiences that lives up to every bit of the hype. The scenery is jaw-dropping, the narration is genuinely engaging, the donuts are legendary, and standing at 14,115 feet with your family looking out over the entire state of Colorado is something you simply don't forget. We left feeling on top of the world — literally — and already plotting our next trip to Manitou Springs.