Pikes Peak Colorado

[rangerben]

The summer plans are made at last. The wife wants to visit Pikes Peak , She has mentioned riding the Cog Train, that is not a problem other than you only have about a thirty min. layover at the top and then return. The other option is to drive to the top . I'm just wondering if the thirty min. lay over at the top is enough time to enjoy the time spent. I'm sure the trip would be great either option. I would like info from those that have been both routes. I'm driving an F250 not a large motorhome.

Thanks Ben

[Chickadee]

rangerben: G'morning. We parked our MH at Garden of the Gods RV Park (Manitou Springs) and took the cog railway to the top of Pikes Peak last May. We didn't drive up this time but have driven up many years ago. We sure think that the allowed time at the top when taking the cog is plenty long enough, but everyone is different so it's hard to say. The cog is a relaxing way to go and kind of a fun experience though. Have a great time. Steve & Lynette

[GaryKD]

Hi Ben,
We went up the Peak two years ago. We drove up. The reason is we like to travel at our own pace. 30 minutes is not long enough, for us. We had a lunch at the snack bar, climbed all over the rocks, did the picture thing and spent time in the gift shop. Total time was a couple of hours.

For the trip down, I put the toad in second gear and let the driver train do the work. I hardly touched the service brakes.

[Jim Stewart]

Take the Cog, when you have spent 30 minutes at the top in a mental fog, euphoric and dizzy from the lack of oxygen at that altitude, you will be glad you didn't make the trip in your car. The leisurely trip back down on the narrated train ride is a relief.

[rangerben]

Thanks all for the info. I was considering the altitude, that might be a problem for those of us that live at 70 feet elevation. The train trip might be the way to go. We will be staying at Garden of the Gods all so.

Thanks Ben

[Jim Stewart]

Ben,

We lived in Colorado for several years and had a house that was at 10,000 ft elevation, here are a few hints. Stay at the Cities 4,000 ft level for several days to acclimate before you go to the higher altitude. Drink lots of fluids and you may want to take and Advil or aspirin every day for a few days prior to the trip up.

Many people make lite of the altitude, but it can affect older people or people with medical conditions. Don't be overly alarmed and enjoy it.

[D in Davie]

Ranger Ben.
The cog train is the only way to go. 30 minutes at the top is more than this flatlander could take. Bring lots of water with you. They say it helps with the altitude but I think it just gives you something to do to keep your mind off the not breathing thing. Its a great ride and worth the narration and sights. Hummingbirds were all around the station.

[6x5er]

Don't forget to take a jacket on the cog. It gets cool even in June or July! We enjoyed the train and 30 minutes at top in a major fog event was plenty of time. It was late June and we bought hot chocolate and blankets for the trip down. We have a wonderful memory but no view from the top.

We stayed at Mueller State Park. Our site looked out to Pikes Peak. It was beautiful.

Enjoy your trip!

[jhughd]

We have been both ways and, for us, the cog is the way to go. I don't believe we were limited to 30 mins at the top but, if we were, it was enough. Just got back from the Rockies, and the altitude had a much greater effect this trip than it did 40 years ago. Take your time and drink plenty of water.

JD

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Unless they've changed the turn around time at the top, at least it used to be closer to 45 minutes to an hour.

Also, the elevation at Colorado Springs is 6,000 feet not 4,000, that is if your planning to use Colorado Springs as your base.

[Art D]

Well, I went to the top on the Cog 2 years ago and didn't have any problems with the altitude. I was 63 at the time and live at 17 feet elevation. Maybe we just move slow here in the South and consume oxygen at a low rate. Ha!
We are going back to Col Springs in 3 weeks and this time we will drive to the top.

[mrschwarz]

We stayed at Mueller State Park. The campground is quite a bit higher than Colorado Springs. We drove up Pikes Peak and it was snowing at the top. This was in the middle of July!