Colorado Vacations and The Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Enjoy your Colorado vacation in the winter in Manitou Springs, Colorado and take a breathtaking ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Some history regarding the Cog -- Zalmon Simmons, inventor and founder of the Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Company visited the Pikes Peak region in the late 1880's. Mr. Simmons rode to the summit of Pike's Peak on a mule. The grueling two day trip on a mule was the only way to reach the top in those days. Mr. Simmons was awed by the scenery but determined that the views should be experienced with more comfort in mind. He was relaxing in one of Manitou Springs' mineral baths after his return, when the owner of his Hotel mentioned the idea of a railway to the top. Mr. Simmons agreed with the concept and set out to raise the necessary capital needed to fund the venture.

On June 30th, 1891, the first train made it to the summit  carrying a church choir from Denver. A scheduled group of dignitaries had been turned back earlier by a rock slide around 12,000 feet. The railway was now operating.

Pikes Peak is one of Colorado's most famous mountains, where the song "America the Beautiful", was inspired from. Pikes Peak is at an elevation of 14,110 feet and one of the most accessible mountain peaks in the state of Colorado.

Spencer Penrose, the owner of The Broadmoor Hotel acquired the Railway in 1925 and efforts were started to build a compact, self-contained railcar, which could carry fewer passengers during the slow parts of the season and during the winter.


Today, hundreds of people board the train daily and make the summit to Pikes Peak. It's one of the "don't miss while you're here" activities to do. At the top you can see 360 degrees for hundreds of miles in all directions.

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is only 5 blocks from 1892 Victoria's Keep Bed and Breakfast.  A Queen Ann Victorian with a wrap around porch with modern day ameneties.  Relax, rejuvenate and restore youselves in one of our unique suites complete with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs for two.  Enjoy your Colorado vacation just minutes from a variety of activities, shopping, dining and galleries.

Visit our website at www.victoriaskeep.com or call us for details at 800-905-5337 and begin your holiday today.