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Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Pikes Peak, Co / May 2023 / RWH

simmons_inset german t was the late 1880s when a tourist named Zalmon Simmons, inventor and founder of the Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Company, visited the Pikes Peak Region. Wanting to check up on one of his inventions, an insulator for the telegraph wires that ran to the Army Signal Station on the Summit, he reached the top of Pikes Peak the only way back in those days: an arduous, two-day trip on a mule. Mr. Simmons was in awe of the scenery but determined that the views should be experienced in a more civilized and comfortable manner, and aren’t we all grateful for that? Word has it he was relaxing in one of Manitou Springs’ mineral baths after his return, when the owner of his hotel mentioned the idea of a railway to the top, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

ppc_state egyptian he Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, also known as the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, is a cog railway system that ascends one of the most iconic mountains in the United States, Pikes Peak in central Colorado. The base station for the cog climb is in Manitou Springs, a village west of Colorado Springs. Construction on the line was started in 1889 and the first train reached the summit in June of 1891. Although cog railways are common in mountainous region of Europe, the Pikes Peak Cog is one of only three such lines remaining in the United States, including the older Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire. Originally powered by a fleet of 6 diminutive Baldwin-built compound steam locomotives, the Pikes Peak line later switched over to diesel-powered locomotives and self-propelled railcars. Today the fleet is anchored with three modern trainsets built by Stadler Rail of Switzerland. The route includes two stations, runs 8.9 miles in length, tops out at 14,115 feet in elevation, and averages a 12% grade with a peak of 25%. Between 2017 and 2021, the entire line was closed for a complete refurbishment that included the replacement of the track infrastructure, the rebuild of older railcars, and the purchase of the three Stadler trainsets. The city of Colorado Springs operates the nearby Pikes Peak Highway, and maintains the visitor center at the summit.

Click to see the Pikes Peak Cog Railway lower station plotted on a Google Maps page

Pikes Peak, Co / Jun 1959 / JCH

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at a glance

construction	1889 to 1891
total in USA	1 of 3 remaining
elevation max	14,115 feet
elevation gain	7,795 feet climb
grade average	12%
grade steepest	25%
line length	8.9 miles
track gauge	4' 8.5" standard
rack type	“Strub” rack system

Manitou Springs, Co / May 2023 / RWH

Manitou Springs, Co / May 2023 / RWH

1980 tourist train guide ad / collection

2013 tourist train guide ad / collection

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ppc_logo We have seen many modern developments over the years, most recently, taking three years to rebuild and bring the Cog Railway into the 21st century by rebuilding the journey from the track up for the most modern, up-to-date experience. We’re upgrading to state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure: three new trains from Stadler in Switzerland, a new Strub single rail cog system, upgraded depot and gift shop and a new Pikes Peak Visitor Center at the top. And, of course, an exciting new adventure.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Cog Stations

Cog Equipment

Cog Climb

Cog Survivors

Mt Washington Cog

Garden of the Gods view

Colorado Springs, Co / May 2023 / RWH

garden_inset german n 1909, Charles Perkins‘ children, knowing their father’s feeling for the Garden of the Gods, conveyed his four-hundred eighty acres to the City of Colorado Springs. It would be known forever as the Garden of the Gods, “where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.” Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark featuring dramatic views. Come admire the 300′ sandstone rock formations against the backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.