A train from Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak, 14,115 feet up. The ride up takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, you get about 40 minutes at the summit, and the whole trip is about 3 hours. There are no restrooms on the train and it doesn't stop on the way.
Know before you go. The railway doesn't list sensory-friendly rides or a quiet car. Here's what it does say about the ride, the summit and the altitude.
“It takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the summit, with approximately 40 minutes on the top. The full roundtrip is approximately 3 hours.” cograilway.com
Rules
“There are no restrooms on board the train. The only restrooms on the mountain are located at the Depot and at the Pikes Peak Visitor Center at the top.” Once it leaves the depot, the train “will not stop until the summit.” cograilway.com
Temperature
“The train is heated.” “It is always significantly colder at the summit than at the base of Pikes Peak.” At the top, you “can experience a 30-40 degree drop.” cograilway.com
Access
“Children or people with existing health issues and people who cannot communicate their symptoms, should proceed with caution. Young children may not be effectively able to communicate their symptoms.” cograilway.com
Waits
“We maintain a strict schedule, and we cannot hold a train when returning from the summit.” cograilway.com
Rules
“Strollers and Baby Carriers – Unfortunately, we cannot allow any on the train.” Bags “must be able to remain in your lap or underneath your seats.” cograilway.com
“the train does not turn around at the summit. That means if you are facing forward on the way up, you'll be going backward on the way down!”
Our note If riding backward could upset your kid, tell them ahead of time that the seat faces the other way coming down.
Our note The conductor tells stories and may even sing at Inspiration Point. Headphones can help if voices are a lot.
Three things to know
Online reserved seats start at $67 adult and $57 child; walk-up and phone tickets start at $86 and $76. Taxes and fees are extra. Tickets are required for every age.
Refunds or new dates are free more than 7 days ahead. Within 7 days you can reschedule or take store credit for a $20 fee. There are no weather refunds if the train can reach the summit.
Book early: the railway says rides “do sell out quickly.” Parking at the depot is $20; the free Route 33 shuttle runs from the city lots.
Book online and choose your seats. Arrive 30 minutes early and use the depot restrooms, because there are none on the train. The heated train climbs for about 1 hour and 10 minutes without stopping while the conductor tells stories. At the top you have about 40 minutes at the Summit Visitor Center, where it is much colder. The train leaves on time and won't wait. You ride down facing the other way. Change anything.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
