I visited The Broadmoor Manitou and took the 1: 30 pm Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and it was the best…read moreexperience. I booked my tickets in advance, and it was a Friday. Our conductor, Jim, was the funniest yet most informative person. He made sure the trip was smooth and on time, along with the person he called the "coach engineer," or the train's driver. The entire trip lasted 3 hours, 1 hour each way to and from the summit, plus exactly 45 minutes at the top. The train has large windows that let you soak in the stunning scenic views. The sights are breathtaking, with a variety of rocks, some rugged mountains, diverse vegetation depending on the altitude, and snow- capped peaks. When we reached the summit, we were given clear instructions that the train only waits for 45 minutes, and it is very important to stick to that. The summit features a viewpoint, a gift shop, and a food court. Since the summit is at an elevation of 14,000 feet, feeling lightheaded is quite normal. The food court offered donuts, soups, hot chocolate, and many packaged foods. We tried the famous cinnamon donuts and broccoli cheddar soup. The donuts were delicious, and the warm soup helped combat the effects of the altitude. The gift shop also had a good selection of souvenirs, and we picked up some magnets. The summit had a good amount of snow, and it was extremely windy. 45 minutes didn't feel like enough time to fully take in the views because it passed so quickly. Still, we made wonderful memories and took some fantastic photos. The mood on the way back was quite different; most people were tired but happy. Overall, it was a beautiful experience and worth the money, in my opinion. Pro tip: The route is very steep at some points. While choosing the seats when booking, it's important to pick the right direction to avoid motion sickness. The summit can get very cold and windy due to the altitude, so dress appropriately. Outside food is strictly prohibited on the train, but do carry water bottles because staying hydrated helps prevent lightheadedness at the summit.

On New Year's Eve, I decided to drive to Manitou Springs and ride the Cog Railway, and it…read moreabsolutely did not disappoint. From start to finish, it was a beautiful and memorable experience. Tip: Sit on the left side of the train if you can. That side has the best views of the mountains, lakes, and scenery. The right side is mostly the mountain itself, so the views don't really open up until you get higher up. The conductor was very knowledgeable and shared interesting facts along the way, which made the ride even more enjoyable. The train ride itself was smooth, scenic, and relaxing. At the top, there's plenty to do--food, souvenirs, and historical displays where you can read about the railway and its history. We even spotted some goats, which was a fun bonus. Overall, this was a fun, beautiful ride and well worth the trip. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

We had so much fun on our tour last weekend! Scott was an amazing tour guide, with so much to say…read moreabout the history of the area and especially the geology and fossils. Our jeep was covered with a cloth roof, bit it gets mighty dusty and hot inside, so plan accordingly and bring hats, sunscreen and water. Since it is a 4wd tour, it is very jostling, so be prepared. This was definitely an excellent tour and we will try one of their other options next tine we're in Canon City.

Great staff! Very organized! Great ride . Drivers are…read morewonderful . It's nice to be driven around and enjoy the views.