We missed riding the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway during our visit to Colorado Springs in September 2018 because it was closed for renovation. Instead, we made it to the top by driving about halfway up the mountain and taking a shuttle the rest of the way.
So, on our way back to California in May 2023, we made a point to stop and ride the brand-new train and allow a couple days to acclimate to the higher altitude. We arrived at Pike’s Peak RV Park in Manitou Springs on May 2, 2023. Dinner at the Cliff House Hotel was a good idea after our long drive. The salmon and trout were delicious entrees accompanied by the tastiest rosemary bread I’ve eaten and the peach cobbler was the perfect choice for dessert.
We booked reservations at The Miramont Castle for the next day where we enjoyed high tea at the Queen’s Parlour Tea Room. They serve up mouthwatering sweet and savory bites that satisfy the taste buds, along with several varieties of teas.
City of Manitou
After stuffing ourselves, we needed a walk along the streets of Manitou. We hadn’t taken the time to wander the streets the last time and were surprised to find the colorful buildings, spring water fountains, and art pieces along the sidewalks.
We stopped at the Stratton and Cheyenne Springs for photo opportunities. In all, there are eight carbonated springs that flow under the town.
For anyone wanting to take a tasting tour of the springs, stop by the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau to pick up a map and collapsible souvenir cups for $2.00.
In front of the Armadillo Ranch Bar, Restaurant, and Live Music Venue is where the guitar sculpture “Comforting Melody” by Flaminio Antonio was installed in September 2022 under a one-year contract.
On January 30, 2024, Creative Alliance Manitou Springs began a campaign to raise $6,000 to purchase the scrap metal sculpture for a permanent installation. As of March 11, 2024, they have collected $4,525 toward the purchase. To learn more or to donate, visit Here.
Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
We have Zalmon G. Simmons to thank for the creation of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. In 1888, after a two-day trip by mule up Pikes Peak while surveying Englemann Canyon for telegraph lines, Simmons wanted a mode of transportation that was a quicker and more comfortable ride to the summit. Fortunately he had the means and the will to fund the construction of a railway. Construction began in 1889, limited service opened in 1890, and by 1891, the trains reached the top of Pikes Peak.
We boarded the train, excited to see what changes had been made at the visitor center. In a word, it was ‘awesome’. Where the cramped shed-like building commanded the top spot, a sprawling multi-story building with glass walls took its place. The views from inside the building were as spectacular as those outside.
Steam locomotives were the first workhorses, then diesel in 1938, followed by self-propelled railcars purchased from Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works in 1964.
To accommodate the increase in tourism in the 1970s, two passing sidings were built at Minnehaha and at Windy Point to allow trains to pass on the hill. This allowed the railway to operate eight trains per day instead of only three. And business boomed.
While preparing for a major maintenance project in the fall of 2017, the work crew realized the maintenance project would not be sufficient. A complete overhaul was required. In March 2018, the railway was closed indefinitely.
The owners, Anschutz Corporation, and the City of Manitou Springs signed an agreement in November 2018 to fund the estimated $36 million renovation through tax breaks over a 50-year period. The project consisted of replacing the track infrastructure; rebuilding the visitor center, depot, other facilities, and older railcars; and purchasing three new trainsets. Work began in March 2019 and reopened on May 20, 2021.
It’s interesting that the railway took three years to build initially, and 138 years later, it took a little over two years to completely rebuild the world’s highest and longest cog railroad in the Northern Hemisphere.
All interior and external areas surrounding the visitor center are ADA compliant. Inside, guests will find a snack bar, interactive and interpretive exhibits, and a gift shop. And the 1,500 pound donut machine has returned to the delight of previous travelers to the mountain.
Although we enjoyed the ride up and down the mountain, we found that one day was not sufficient to acclimate to conditions at the peak. Within minutes, Jon’s altitude sickness attacked him so badly that he returned to the railcar.
I ignored the awful feeling the best I could and walked slowly on the ice and snow while taking photos. I wanted to enjoy the views as much as I could since I figured we’d never make it to the top again. The air is too thin at fourteen thousand feet for our bodies to function properly.
We recommend riding the Broadmoor and Pikes Peak Cog Railway when traveling near Colorado Springs. Just be aware that altitude sickness is real, especially for those of us who live near sea level. More days of acclimating and staying hydrated can help reduce symptoms, but they may not eliminate them.
If interested in reading about our trip to Colorado Springs in 2018, go here.
Next Up: We continue west toward Arches National Park
Safe Travels
The Traveling Todds 