The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

"A historic cog railway in Colorado, USA, offering stunning views of Pikes Peak and its surrounding snowy landscapes." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'

"The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway offers a unique experience through Colorado's fall foliage. As one of only two cog railways in the U.S., it climbs more than 14,000 feet, providing extreme traction with its cog mechanism. The nine-mile journey traverses the scenic Pike National Forest, known for its golden yellow and red hues from the Rocky Mountain maples and Aspens, against the backdrop of ancient bristlecone pine trees. The ride also offers wildlife sightings, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. At the summit, a new visitor center provides insights into the mountain and railway history. Tickets start at $59 for adults, available at cograilway.com." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the world’s highest and longest cog railroad. Since 1891, this train has carried travelers to the summit of Pikes Peak while highlighting the changing leaves and gorgeous scenery below. The three-hour round-trip journey culminates at the 14,115-foot peak of “America's Mountain.” At the top, stop at the Pikes Peak Summit House to grab one of its famously fresh doughnuts and admire the sweeping 360-degree views." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"First installed in 1891 by Simmons Beautyrest mattress inventor Zalmon Simmons, this historic attraction that climbs to 14,115 feet (the highest railway in the country) was shuttered in 2017 following an infrastructure evaluation. After $100 million and three years of renovation, it has now reopened. The main depot retains its original 19th-century mining town aesthetic with a fresh coat of bright blue paint, but a second train platform, an overhead walkway, and remodeled bathrooms and gift shop are now part of the depot, too. Tracks were relaid, and the ride now features a single steel cog rail, with refurbished trains offering upholstered, cushioned seating. The 70-minute-ish journey into Pike National Forest and up to the summit is full of sights, from giant eons-old quartz boulders to canopies of trees and meandering waterfalls. A round-trip ticket costs $58 with a $10 upcharge for seat selection, offering 360-degree views at the summit including the Garden of the Gods, Cripple Creek, the continental divide, and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The new visitor center should open June 2021."