Jett's Day 13: Reaching the Peak

Today we went to Manitou Springs and caught the Pike's Peak Cog Railroad all the way to the top! It was about an 1 hr., 10 minute ride. We had a good view of scenes but we also got caught in some clouds and a short, light snowstorm. 

Manitou Springs is really just a "suburb" of Colorado Springs. There are several hot springs in this city and was one of the first tourist spots in Colorado for its healing waters.

The depot.

One of the cars.

Passing very close to rocks. The original train was opened in the late 1800s.

One of three waterfalls near the tracks.

There used to be a lodge here (late 19th century) but it burned down.

A little creek and a reflected rainbow! (Jett's sweater)

This is a hydroelectric plant It was the first in the area, and is still in use.

There is a caretaker for the plant. This used to be the caretaker's house, but a new one has been built further down. The current caretaker is a man who has a wife and two kids.

This is called the caretaker's driveway -- it is 60 miles long!!

Adjacent mountain.

Clouds roll in. Uh oh

A reservoir that supplies Colorado Springs with drinking water.

We got occasional views.

Getting above the tree line.

Passing through snow ... and a short snow storm.

Marmots were hiding in the rocks.

Tundra

A railcar on its way down.

You can see the cog train rail's path.

Another reservoir.

This is the road on which you can drive up to the summit.

They have a race up it (Andretti, Unser, etc. have driven in it). There are at least 162 curves in the road. The record owner made it in just over 7 minutes! Aaaagh!!!

We finally reached the top and went into the visitors' center. I immediately headed for the cafe and got Jett hot chocolate and a snack, and got myself the famous Pike's Peak doughnuts.

It took us so long to even get into the visitor's center from the car that we had less than 30 minutes. I managed to spend about 10 minutes in the gift shop and got a Christmas ornament and a sticker.

The line going in. We were in the last car.

What a view!!!

Ice/snow on the sill.

Snow piled up by the entrance.

I borrowed Jett's Funko Roger Taylor to take this photo.

Headed back to the train.

The original summit house.

Getting a last look at the snow.

Headed to our car.

On the way down!

Bottom right corner -- my marmot picture! LOL.  

Bet there's a bear hibernating in this cave!

This family sat across from us on the way up and down. They were from Cleveland. The younger son was attending a summer program at the Air Force Academy and they were there to visit. 

Bye to the station.

Downtown Manitou Springs.

Turkeys were across the road from where we ate lunch!

Since we were in the area, we decided to drive through the Garden of the Gods.

There is no charge to enter.

The first stop is the HUGE trading post. 

I think these people were Mennonite.

Oops -- he caught me even though I was trying to be discreet.

My feather, stone and bird.

Jett's feather, stone and bird.

Such a cute salt and pepper set!

Well, hello deer!

The peak? I think so.

Deer about in the middle of the photo.

Lots of deer!

Checking out the flowers.

Tiny cones

There's a doggo up there!

Drive between the rocks.

Nope, not climbing up there. 

Actually loooks cooler from the other side!

Good night, America's mountain.

Well, that's about it. I think we're going to go by the Air Force Academy tomorrow and then head for Denver. We'll be home Thursday evening. It's been fun but I'm looking forward to getting home!