FAQ

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Maybe you can’t find what you’re looking for. Maybe you came straight here looking for a direct answer. Take a look at the most common questions we get. Still can’t find the answer?

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1. how Are seats assigned?

Passengers are able to choose their own seating with Reserved Admission. We cannot guarantee your group will be seated together if tickets are not purchased in advance. Please see our Rates Page for current prices.

2. is the train wheelchair accessible?

Yes, if you require a wheelchair or walker on the train, please call the Ticket Office at 719-685-5401 to reserve space. Please note that our ADA accessible seating is limited, and we may not be able to accommodate the specific time or date requested.

3. Are there any age restrictions?

Tickets are required for all passengers, regardless of age. The Cog Railway is not recommended for infants under the age of six months or anyone with a history of cardiac or respiratory problems. Consult your physician prior to your visit if you have concerns.

4. Will i feel the effects of the altitude?

Manitou Springs sits at an altitude of 6,320 feet, with our journey to the top of Pikes Peak taking us up to a towering 14,115 feet. If you’re not acclimated or have any preexisting health conditions, you may feel the effects of high altitude. The best way to avoid these effects is to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water prior to your trip!

5. where are you located?

We’re located in the Pikes Peak Region in Manitou Springs, just six miles west of Colorado Springs. Visit our Maps Page for directions to 515 Ruxton Ave.

6. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BLUE AND THE ORANGE SQUARES on the purchase tickets page?

The Cog Railway utilizes two different units of trains. The blue square indicates our 3-Car trains. The orange square indicates our 2-Car trains. The 2-Car trains have a rear windshield while the 3-Car does not. See our Cog History Page to learn more.

7. ARE THERE RESTROOMS ON BOARD THE TRAIN?

There are no restrooms on board the train. The only restrooms on the mountain are located at the Depot and at the Pikes Peak Visitor Center at the top.

8. how far in advance should i reserve my trip?

While there’s no hard and fast rule, Cog Railway journeys do sell out quickly, so we encourage people to book as far in advance as possible. See our Purchase Tickets Page to see the current schedule.

We require full payment in order to hold reservations. Please have a valid credit or debit card when making your reservation.

9. what is the cancellation policy?

Tickets may be rescheduled or refunded if your request is made more than 7 days prior to departure, without penalty.

Within 7 days of departure, you may either reschedule your reservation or request a Store Credit for a $20 fee ($20 fee will apply to the entire reservation). Store Credit will be valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. To make changes to your reservation, contact us at [email protected] or 719-685-5401.

Feel free to see all our Ticket Purchase Terms.

10. is there any free parking around the depot?

There is no free parking in Manitou Springs. The Railway charges $20 for our parking lot and on street parking. We encourage those who wish to enjoy Manitou Springs, either before or after visiting the Cog, to utilize one of the City’s four parking lots and ride the free Route 33 shuttle to the Railway. For more information and restrictions, see our Parking Page.

11. what items are not allowed on the train?

Bikes, Scooters, and Skateboards – These are not permitted on the train. However, you can book with Broadmoor Outfitters to ride the train up and bike down the Pikes Peak Highway. Please see our Biking Page.

Pets – No, we cannot allow pets on board the train. Please refer to our Service Animal Policy for service animal questions.

Strollers and Baby Carriers – Unfortunately, we cannot allow any on the train.

Outside Food or Drinks – Other than water, please do not bring any open containers or unsealed drinks. Any spills or messes will flow downhill and cause discomfort for other guests. See our Food and Drink Page to know what snacks we offer.

12. What items are allowed on the train?

Water – Guests are welcome to bring their own water on board. We also offer unique souvenir water bottles for purchase in our Retail Gift Shop.

Backpacks – Please remember that space on the train is limited. Any bags must be able to remain in your lap or underneath your seats.

Warm Clothing – Please dress in layers. The mountain often experiences windy or snowy conditions. See our Weather Page for current temperatures.

13. How long does it take to reach the Summit?

It takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the summit, with approximately 40 minutes on the top. The full roundtrip is approximately 3 hours. Learn more about the Route, the Wildlife, and the Summit Visitor Center.

14. Does the train turn around at the summit and face a different direction on the way back to the depot?

No, the train does not turn around at the summit. That means if you are facing forward on the way up, you’ll be going backward on the way down!

15. Will the train still operate if it is raining or snowing?

Weather in Colorado (and particularly at the summit of Pikes Peak) is unpredictable and can change rapidly. We do not issue refunds due to weather if trains are able to reach the summit. In addition, severe weather or excessive snow may limit our ability to reach the summit. We will attempt to notify passengers ahead of time if we cannot reach the summit, however, rapidly changing weather conditions may cause trains enroute to the summit to be directed not to continue to the summit.

16. Does the train stop and let people get off and explore?

No, once the train leaves the depot it will not stop until the summit. We recommend you use the restroom at the depot before boarding!

17. Can I buy a one-way ticket?

We may occasionally offer one-way tickets for individuals who choose to reach the summit on their own and only wish to ride the Cog Railway down to the base. However, these one-way tickets are extremely limited, and we do not guarantee that any one-way tickets will be available on any given day. One-way tickets may only be purchased from authorized Cog Railway personnel at the summit (for a one-way ride down to the base). Guests who wish to ride up and return to the base via another method must purchase a round trip ticket and notify our ticket office prior to departing.

18. Does the train operate year round?

Yes! While tickets are made available for purchase a few months in advance, the train does run all year. If you don’t see the dates that you’re interested in, sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know when the schedule is extended.

19. Does the train have heat and air conditioning?

The train is heated. While it does not have air conditioning, the windows do open to let in a breeze. It is always significantly colder at the summit than at the base of Pikes Peak, so we recommend that you bring a jacket or dress in layers.

20. Is there a way I can spend more time at the summit?

We maintain a strict schedule, and we cannot hold a train when returning from the summit. If you are scheduled for the last departure from the summit and miss your train, you are solely responsible for arranging passage back to Manitou Springs.