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Reaching for the Clouds on the Pike's Peak Cog Railway
By Marilyn J. Carroll

Pikes Peak, the spectacular mountain towering 14,110 feet above sea level, lures visitors to the top year round.

Boarding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from the historic Manitou Springs Depot, sit back and enjoy the scenic ride up the side of the mountain. The conductor will peak your interest with tidbits about this glorious mountain, the surrounding region, and the history of the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway in operation since 1891. Streams tumbling over giant boulders and outcroppings of cliffs will stimulate your imagination about life on this mountain. If you look carefully you might see Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, marmots playing in the meadows, grazing elk and deer, or an occasional bear. As the Cog slowly reaches for the clouds you pass through dense Colorado blue spruce and Ponderosa pine forests towards the delicate alpine tundra covered in places with wildflowers and mosses. Finally you break out above timberline and become aware of the clean crisp air and the faint fragrance of the pine forests below. You could encounter a snowstorm at the top so think twice about bringing a coat.

On a clear day from the summit you can see four states, the Continental Divide, the cities of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek, Victor, and Denver. Enjoy a high altitude donut and cup of steaming coffee in the Summit House. You have about 30 minutes to snap loads of pictures before you descend. Round trip takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. This is an unforgettable adventure and one you will be glad you didn’t miss on your visit to Colorado.

Board the Cog Railway at the Manitou Springs Depot, Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs. Disabled access limited and reservations a must. Price: adults $29, April through June and August through March, children 3-11, $16; adults $31, July and August, children $16.50. For further information call 719-685-5401 or visit www.CogRailway.com.

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