The cafeteria serves up sandwiches, burgers and soup, but their homemade doughnuts are a must on any Pikes Peak adventure. There’s level access to the visitor center which includes a variety of interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, a cafeteria and accessible restrooms. This not only makes the area accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers, but it also helps folks that tire at higher altitudes. There’s barrier-free access from the train to the main building, and all of the pathways are designed with gradual elevation changes and resting areas. The 1960s-era Summit House has been replaced with the new Pikes Peak Summit Complex, which contains the Visitor Center, a utilities facility and a High Altitude Research Laboratory. There are lots of new improvements up at the summit too. Enjoy the View The view from the Pikes Peak Summit Complex And remember to take some extra water and hydrate frequently at the higher altitude. Additionally it’s considerably cooler at 14,000 feet than it is at the Manitou Springs Depot, so bring along a wrap. Plan ahead though, as there are no restrooms on the train. As you near the top you’ll pass Windy Point, where winds of 100 mph are not unusual, before you pull into the mountain-top station at 14,115 feet. Previously the trains had to stop on the way to manually change tracks so that other trains could pass, but the new system is automated and safer for everyone. Along the ride you’ll be treated to hidden waterfalls, spectacular rock formations and maybe even a bit of snow late in the season. The average grade on the way to the top is 16%, however the steepest grade - Son of a Gun Hill which is 25% - is near the bottom. The 8.9 mile journey to the top takes about an hour, and there’s some spectacular scenery along the way. The track includes a toothed center rail that engages with a cogwheel under the locomotive and provides traction so the train to climb the steep slope. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is more than just transportation to the top of Pikes Peak - the journey up is an experience by itself. Accessible seating on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway All Aboard That said, if you do need accessible seating, call the ticket office (71) instead of booking online. Best of all, the railway staff will work with you to make sure your seating arrangements work best for your abilities. And the new upholstered seats are much more comfortable than the wooden seats in the old cars. There are no tie downs on the cars, but it’s a slow climb to the top. Wheelchair-users can transfer to a fixed seat or stay in their own wheelchair and lock the breaks. The two accessible seating sections each include four fold-down seats. The accessible seats are located near the doorway, and they can be configured in a variety of different ways. The wheelchair-accessible cars are clearly marked, and include ramp access for boarding. Additionally there’s a large accessible restroom in the building at the end of the track. There’s plenty of room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scooter around the depot, with benches for slow walkers to sit and wait for the train. There’s also ramp access up to the gift shop, and excellent pathway access on both sides of the tracks. Today there’s level access from the parking lot to the depot, and elevator access down to the track level.ĭownstairs there’s level access to the waiting room, which includes an accessible restroom. Previously wheelchair-users had to navigate a steep street from the parking lot, in order to board the train. The access upgrades begin at the Manitou Springs Depot, which is just across the street from the parking lot. Major Access Upgrades Manitou Springs Depot Even better - access was a top priority during the renovation, and as a result this iconic rail journey is an excellent choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. That’s not the end of the story though, as the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in 2021, with upgraded tracks, railcars and visitor facilities. Sadly the railway closed its doors in 2017, after a detailed evaluation of the equipment and infrastructure. It was later acquired by Spencer Penrose, the owner of the Broadmoor Hotel, and subsequently underwent numerous upgrades and additions over the years. Located in Manitou Springs, the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway ( made its first trip to the summit back in 1891, when it carried a church choir from Denver to the top of “America’s Mountain”. Boarding the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |