Pikes Peak & Cog Railway | Colorado Springs Visitor Guide

Summit elevation14,115 ft

MountainPikes Peak

Visiting Pikes Peak

Build a day around America's Mountain.

Pikes Peak is one of the defining landmarks of the Colorado Springs region. Whether the Cog Railway is the centerpiece of your visit or one stop in a larger Pikes Peak itinerary, planning the surrounding day makes the experience much easier to connect with nearby attractions.

Start in Manitou Springs

The Cog Railway departs from Manitou Springs, making the historic foothills town a natural part of the same day.

Open the Manitou Springs guide →

Plan for elevation

The summit rises above 14,000 feet. Weather and conditions can differ substantially from Colorado Springs, so prepare accordingly.

Official altitude & weather guidance →

Leave schedule room

Mountain conditions, transportation and crowds can affect a Pikes Peak day. Avoid building an itinerary with no flexibility.

Check the official Cog schedule →

Know before you ride

A few details make the Cog day easier.

Allow about four hoursThe railway describes the round trip as roughly three hours and recommends arriving 30 minutes before departure, with extra time around the depot. Prepare for 14,115 feetSummit weather can change quickly. Hydrate, dress in layers and review the railway's current high-altitude guidance. Plan parking before arrivalDepot parking is limited. The railway also provides current Manitou parking and free Route 33 shuttle guidance. Reserve tickets aheadThe railway recommends advance online tickets because walk-up availability and seat selection are not guaranteed.

Cog Railway + Manitou Springs

Make Manitou part of the experience.

Because the Cog Railway begins in Manitou Springs, the town is an easy companion to your Pikes Peak plans. Explore its walkable downtown, mineral springs and foothills atmosphere before or after your mountain experience.

Manitou Springs guide

Add another Colorado Springs icon

Pair Pikes Peak with Garden of the Gods.

If your schedule allows, Garden of the Gods gives the day a completely different kind of scenery and creates a strong west-side Colorado Springs itinerary.

Garden of the Gods guide

Plan the complete trip

From COS Airport to Pikes Peak.

Colorado Springs Airport

Plan your arrival at COS and connect the airport with your vehicle, lodging and first Colorado Springs destination.

Colorado Springs rental cars

Find a vehicle that fits your passengers, luggage and the rest of your Colorado itinerary.

Places to stay

Compare home bases near Manitou Springs, the west side, Downtown and other parts of Colorado Springs.

More Colorado Springs attractions

Keep exploring the Pikes Peak region.

Continue your trip with Cave of the Winds, Old Colorado City, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Seven Falls, Downtown Colorado Springs and more.

Things to do in Colorado Springs

Official Cog Railway information

Check current schedules before you go.

Tickets, schedules, operating conditions and visitor requirements can change. Use the official Cog Railway website when finalizing your trip.

Official Cog Railway site

High-elevation weather and operating conditions can change quickly. Verify current information with official sources before traveling. Springs Airport Rentals is an independent travel marketplace and guide and is not affiliated with the Cog Railway.

Land here. Adventure everywhere.

Put Pikes Peak at the center of your Colorado Springs trip.

Start at COS, choose your rental vehicle and place to stay, then connect Pikes Peak with Manitou Springs and the rest of the region.

Plan your trip