Well-known publication Travel + Leisure has released their top pick for ‘winter trains’ in the United States – and it travels to the top of a 14,115-foot peak in Colorado.
Leaving from a station in the mountain town of Manitou Springs – which neighbors Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway was the publication’s pick for best ‘winter train’ in America. The selection was made after considering numerous factors, such as TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags, and snowfall data. Not only did the Pikes Peak Cog Railway earn the top spot in the United States, it also ranked second-place worldwide.
The Pikes Peak Cog has a lofty 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, best known for taking passengers to a high elevation in a way that can’t be experienced anywhere else in the country. Scenic views are panoramic along the way, featuring rock formations, remote forest, and water. Plus, there’s always a chance to spot wildlife, too.
A ride on this train takes about three hours roundtrip, with a brief stop at the summit of the mountain for a little bit of exploration or a stop at the gift shop and museum (offering a chance to try the famous Pikes Peak donuts).
Tickets for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway can be purchased throughout winter, costing adults between $59 and $71.