There are a few ways to make it to the top of Pike's Peak. You can drive, hike, or take the cog railroad. The railroad is the easiest and the least scary. The Barr trail starts in Manitou Springs and travels over 21 miles with an elevation gain of 7500 feet. This hike is not for everyone and if the weather changes this route can prove to be very dangerous. Or you may drive up to the top of Pike's Peak but the road contains no guardrails.
On my trip I took the cog railway to the summit. At 14,110 feet, Pike's Peak is one of the "fourteens" of Colorado. If you have not experienced high altitude you may feel nauseous or light headed at the top. If you feel this way it is advised to eat light snacks, drink plenty of water and rest.
A cog railway is a train that is able to travel at very steep grades, as much as 25%. The track has three rails and uses a Abt rack system and cog wheels in order to climb the steep grade.
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abt_rack_system#Abt )
The railway operates year round (though there may be times when it will only proceed to the halfway point due to snow and unfavorable conditions at the summit) and only closes to extreme weather. Often it is the wind and not the snow that causes the railway not to operate. Winds of 100 mph or more can occur at the summit. I visited the summit in April and the road was closed due to icy and snowy conditions, but the railway was open and we made it to the top.
The temperature at the top of Pike's Peak was only 15 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -5. Your experience may vary but it goes without saying that warm clothes and proper attire are highly recommended, even in the summertime.
The view is beautiful and amazing and on a clear day you can see the Rockies and the Great Plains. Visit the Camping Fantastic Facebook page to view more pictures and video of my Colorado adventure.
Manitou & Pike's Peak Cog Railway
http://cograilway.com/alongroute.htm
On my trip I took the cog railway to the summit. At 14,110 feet, Pike's Peak is one of the "fourteens" of Colorado. If you have not experienced high altitude you may feel nauseous or light headed at the top. If you feel this way it is advised to eat light snacks, drink plenty of water and rest.
A cog railway is a train that is able to travel at very steep grades, as much as 25%. The track has three rails and uses a Abt rack system and cog wheels in order to climb the steep grade.
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abt_rack_system#Abt )
The railway operates year round (though there may be times when it will only proceed to the halfway point due to snow and unfavorable conditions at the summit) and only closes to extreme weather. Often it is the wind and not the snow that causes the railway not to operate. Winds of 100 mph or more can occur at the summit. I visited the summit in April and the road was closed due to icy and snowy conditions, but the railway was open and we made it to the top.
The temperature at the top of Pike's Peak was only 15 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -5. Your experience may vary but it goes without saying that warm clothes and proper attire are highly recommended, even in the summertime.
The view is beautiful and amazing and on a clear day you can see the Rockies and the Great Plains. Visit the Camping Fantastic Facebook page to view more pictures and video of my Colorado adventure.
Manitou & Pike's Peak Cog Railway
http://cograilway.com/alongroute.htm
RSS Feed
