

So during the busier summer months, the engineers use the switch at Minnehaha to allow the downhill train to safely pass the uphill train. Most of the railway to the summit is a single lane. Just after reaching Mike Marker 1, you’ll ride into Artist Glen and then into Minnehaha (elevation 8,332 ft.). The train departs Manitou Springs (elevation 6,570 ft) and follows Ruxton Creek up through Englemann Canyon. So, we’ll let them provide most of the details. The train’s conductors provide an excellent commentary along the way, including sights to see, strangely shaped and named rocks, flora and fauna and a good amount of history, too. That includes 30 to 40 minutes at the summit for eating, shopping or simply looking out at the expansive views. The round trip to the summit of Pikes Peak (8.9 miles in length) takes a little over three hours. The Trip to the Summit of Pikes Peak (when the train is operating) The two outer rails on the Cog Rail are used only to keep the train stable and pointed correctly. This cog and gear system also keeps the train from running away on the way down. So, the Cog Train uses a toothed double rail in the center of the track, which enables the train to “grab” onto something on the way up the mountain.

However, due to the steep incline on this track, normal train wheels would just spin on the rails. The two outer rails on most train tracks are used to transfer power from the locomotive’s engine to the wheels and subsequently to the rails. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway uses a unique cog and gear system to power itself up the steep slopes. Learn more about the Cog.Close-up of the cog and rail used on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway Seating is on a first come, first served basis.Open from late April through November check out the schedule and ticketing options.Address: Base Station Road, Mount Washington, NH 03589.There is an hour to enjoy a snack, explore and take in the spectacular panoramic view, spanning the peaks above the clouds. The mountain-top facility houses restrooms, a cafeteria, gift shop and the Mount Washington Observatory’s Museum. Along the way, lively commentary is given from the brakemen about the many points of visual interest, the history of the railway and the various climate zones passengers will travel through on their journey to the top. One can’t help experience a sense of adventure and history as the train begins the spectacular climb up a 3-mile-long track to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington. The Cog has maintained its historic roots by allowing passengers to take the three-hour round trip riding in a historic coach powered by a vintage coal-fired steam locomotive. Here visitors can learn the story of the “Railway to the Moon” and its great pioneering inventor, Sylvester Marsh.
Cog railway tickets free#
The Cog Railway Museum is open to the public and free for all. Visitors watch train operations from the decks above while enjoying their lunch. The newly renovated Marshfield Base Station buzzes with activity, and is as picturesque as the mountain itself. It was registered as a National Historic Engineering Landmark in 1976.

In operation since 1869, The Cog has a long history of innovation. Just three hours north of Boston, it is close to the main travel routes, but far enough to get away from it all.

Located in the Presidential Mountain Range of New Hampshire, it is just six miles from the historic Mount Washington Resort and Bretton Woods village. “The Cog” as many fondly call it is the first mountain–climbing cog railway in the world.
