A Railway to Reach Rare Heights—14,000 Feet—On its Last Legs

The future of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, in operation on the steep slopes of Pikes Peak since 1891, is under study. Meanwhile, there will be no trips up the mountain.

1 minute read

March 15, 2018, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Pikes Peak, Colorado

RRuntsch / Shutterstock

"After more than a century as one of the area’s premier tourist attractions, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway’s future is in doubt," report Wayne Heilman and Rich Laden.

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway "has shuttled generations of visitors on breathtaking, 8.9-mile trips to the summit of Pikes Peak and back, but after several months of maintenance, the railway's owners, The Broadmoor hotel, are planning to study its fate—not necessarily reopen. According to Heilman and Laden, "hotel officials have determined the railroad - including its aging infrastructure and equipment – 'has run its useful life.'"

The Cog Railway operates in "a special center 'rack' rail that allows the train to climb much steeper grades than traditional trains," according to the article. The Cog Railways is one of only two such systems in the country, the other is in New Hampshire, and 40 in the world.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in The Gazette

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog