Up the cog railway to the top of Pike's Peak
View from the top of Pike's Peak
Top of the train that takes you up to Pike's Peak. A beautiful cog railway that is really just for tourists, but totally worth it. It is packed, so get a reservation ahead of time, otherwise you might have to drive up, which seems like a terrible idea. Or the even worse idea of hiking up the stairs. Though if you hike up the railway will bring you down for free!
There has been a tourist railway since 1891! It is recently renovated and quite pleasant.
On the trip you get to see the mountains up close, hear about the history, and see wildlife (marmots!)
We were almost to the top when we hit the cloud layer. I've never been in anyplace else like it. We came out of the clouds at the top, but it is all depends on the weather of the day.
There is a huge information center that was packed with people. The food court sells these doughnuts that people go crazy for, though we didn't try them. There is info about the geology, the animals, and the history.
This penny machine took credit, which is great because who carries around change anymore?
You just can't beat the views.
Even though it was mid August, temps at the top were cold!
On the way back down, seeing the bottom of the clouds layer.
The trip back down is a good time for a nap.
Or trade seats with your friends so you get a slightly different view.
I would come back in the spring to see the wildflowers!
