About half the group chose this optional tour for $39.00. The other half
checked out the quaint town of Manitou Springs with it's nine mineral springs.
The Pikes Peak cog railway is an 8,000' ascent to the top of 14,110' tall Pikes
Peak. We started out with sun shine as you can see ... but it changed quickly to
rainy mist. Due to the very high altitude everyone keeps pushing fluids so
you don't come down with altitude sickness. But .. there are no bathroom breaks
on this train that goes 8mph up 25% grades and takes an hour and a half.
The grade is too steep for a restroom on board I would agree .. the rear of the
100' car is 25' lower than the front of it .. But I can't believe they don't at
least have a half way rest stop!
This is one ride you might want to do once just to say you did it, but .. that
depends .. in fact bring your adult depends! (really). When we arrived at the top
there was one adult and one child ill and being attended by paramedics that they
keep on hand along with oxygen, etc. If you have any health problems at all you
should not take this trip.
You also might bring a small cushion to sit on .. hard wood, cramped & bumpy
ride.
You also will want to try some of their famous donuts and coffee .. just inside
the front door ... don't go thru the cafe line for them or your coffee.
I guess when there is a clear day the view is fantastic though ... can see all the way
to Kansas they say! We were in the clouds and rain at the top on this trip. But we
did see a lot of Big Horned sheep on the way.
