You’ve heard of riding into the sunset. How about riding up and into the sunrise? There’s a new way to see the sunrise on top of Pikes Peak. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway will be taking its first-ever sunrise train to the top of America’s Mountain.
After its inaugural sunrise train on July 21 for National Parks and Recreation Day, the Cog Railway has added these dates:
Aug. 1: Colorado Day, benefitting Manitou’s Mineral Springs Foundation
Sept. 11: 9/11 benefitting Manitou Springs First Responders
Oct. 9: Indigenous People’s Day, benefitting Manitou Springs School District 14
Watching the sun peek over the horizon and break through the clouds is an exhilarating way to start the day, especially standing at 14,115 feet. It definitely gives you a jolt of those good-to-be-alive vibes. Good thing since you have to wake up early to get there. The cog ride leaves the Manitou Springs station at 4:45 a.m. Only water is allowed on the cog railway, so you have to drink your coffee before boarding or wait to get a cup at the Summit Visitor Center on top.
You do have the option of driving to the summit of Pikes Peak on those same dates. The Pikes Peak Highway is open for sunrise mornings for a few days this summer too. You can read about those here. Both are a great way to greet the day, but you’ll get a unique and comfortable experience on the historic Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
The railway was originally built in 1891, and it has been owned and operated by The Broadmoor since 1925. The iconic railway reopened in 2021 after a three-year closure for a $100-million renovation of its tracks, cog railcars and depot. This historic railway is the highest railroad in America and the highest cog railway in the world. It is loved by train aficionados, but you don’t have to be a train fanatic to enjoy it. The scenery, wildlife sightings and rare experience of reaching the summit of a 14er by train make it a favorite of Colorado locals and visitors.
As with all Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway rides, this 3-hour trip begins its journey at the Manitou Depot where it departs on a scenic 9-mile journey to the 14,115 foot National Historic Landmark of Pikes Peak. At the summit, you can enjoy the Summit Visitor Center and get that much needed cup of coffee, plus a freshly baked doughnut — or a dozen.
The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway says it will consider continuing the sunrise trains after this season For now, this is your year to ride the rails into a lofty sunrise.
You can get more info and tickets at cograilway.com.
Read More
Insider Tips: Ride the Cog Railway to the Pikes Peak Summit
How to Watch Sunrise on Pikes Peak
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