Monday, October 11, 2010

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

One of the ways to get to the top of Pikes Peak is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. It's been operating since 1891 and claims to be the highest cog railroad in the world., topping out at 14,110 feet (4.3 km) above sea level.
It climbs grades up to 25%; instead of using the friction of wheels against rails, it uses a cog in the middle of the tracks to climb.
Needless to say, the views are spectacular.
For those who don't want to walk 13 miles and who aren't comfortable driving to the top, this is another great way to get to the top of Pikes Peak, the most visited mountain in North America (and second most visited mountain in the world, behind Mt. Fuji).

This post is for My World Tuesday; for other interesting blog posts visit that meme today!
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26 comments:

  1. Dejemonos sorprenderOctober 11, 2010 at 7:44 AM

    waa. I never saw a train that climbs grades up to 25% .. very interesting! un saludo

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  2. Sylvia KOctober 11, 2010 at 8:44 AM

    This is great and I didn't know about the train! Would love to take it all the way to the top! If I ever get back to Colorado, this will be a must do! Have a wonderful week, Al!

    Sylvia

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  3. GaelynOctober 11, 2010 at 9:13 AM

    I must have driven to the top long ago. Don't remember the train, but do remember the amazing views.

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  4. Random TreasuresOctober 11, 2010 at 11:20 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Random TreasuresOctober 11, 2010 at 11:20 AM

    Taking the train, driving up or hiking Pikes Peak are different experiences. Doesn't matter which one you choose, you will have the memory of a lifetime. Thanks Al, for sharing those amazing views.

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  6. BarbOctober 11, 2010 at 1:17 PM

    Great info, Al, and fabulous shots from the top!

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  7. Roberto Machado AlvesOctober 11, 2010 at 1:44 PM

    The view seems to be spectacular.
    Great shots.

    greetings

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  8. EveOctober 11, 2010 at 1:51 PM

    Such an amazing system!! - And a beautiful location!
    I haven't been up that mountain, but after reading your post, I realize that I must add it to my list of places to visit - if for no other reason than to ride that train! :D

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  9. giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•.October 11, 2010 at 1:59 PM

    Hi Al
    ho cercato in internet, dopo aver visto le tue foto, altre immagini di Pikes Peak... e devo dire che questi posti sono veramente da togliere il fiato.
    Il mondo dei bloggers, รจ veramente una grande finestra per farci conoscere il mondo stando seduti comodamente davanti al nostro pc.
    Buona giornata :)
    Myriam

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  10. AnonymousOctober 11, 2010 at 2:12 PM

    I'd certainly take this going up - and maybe hike down later.

    Did you ride this?

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  11. EbieOctober 11, 2010 at 2:24 PM

    I don't do that long hike and drive that steep, so I will settle for the train ride. The views must be breath taking!

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  12. Tammie LeeOctober 11, 2010 at 3:23 PM

    I had no idea there was a railway up there. What amazing views!

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  13. geminisOctober 11, 2010 at 3:41 PM

    wow quisiera viajar en ese tren!
    besos

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  14. ViolaOctober 11, 2010 at 5:00 PM

    I have never heared nor seen a cog train. Interesting.. Maybe it's safer with a cog, I'm thinking of the hight.... The world 2nd most visited place, wow!!!! It must be great up there, wish I could go there one day..! :)

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  15. MarilynOctober 11, 2010 at 6:44 PM

    I always think I'll do this and never have. It will be on my list for next summer!!♥♫

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  16. UnknownOctober 11, 2010 at 7:37 PM

    I can't help wondering how tough it was to build that railway back in the 19th century.

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  17. SandyCarlsonOctober 11, 2010 at 8:00 PM

    So vast and different. From Connecticut, I see how big and beautiful is our world, thanks to you.

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  18. MaritesOctober 11, 2010 at 9:52 PM

    oh my! and I wanna try that train while going up that mountain. amazing views! My world entry is up too.

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  19. HazelOctober 11, 2010 at 10:56 PM

    Gorgeous! Something in them makes me feel like "Marlboro Country" :)

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  20. SciaradaOctober 12, 2010 at 1:04 AM

    Buongiorno Al I think it's great to give everyone the chance to see a landscape so beautiful!

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  21. JoOctober 12, 2010 at 7:02 AM

    Wow Al, that's amazing climbing. I would also take the train especially for those views. This is my last visit from North Africa. (sadly) I will be online in South Africa in two days' time and blogging again. Blessings from Jo

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  22. Gwendolyn LOctober 12, 2010 at 7:48 AM

    I think it is a wonderful idea to take the rail....that way the driver can enjoy the view also. Thanks for sharing your inspirational photos.

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  23. BraComOctober 12, 2010 at 10:53 AM

    stunning colors and compositions

    Gr, Bram

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  24. ShirleyOctober 12, 2010 at 4:51 PM

    The view is spectacular! Great photos with brilliant colour!

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  25. MaboeOctober 13, 2010 at 2:54 AM

    I like the compositions and the view, so different from Norway!

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  26. KaoriOctober 13, 2010 at 6:01 AM

    Looks like a great way to enjoy the magnificent view! :^D

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