![]() 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. Close-up of the cog and rail used on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
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