See the Best Fall Foliage in the U.S. From 14,000 Feet on this Magical Train Ride

The crisp autumn air is finally starting to settle in at higher altitudes around the United States, which means the dazzling display of fall foliage isn’t far behind. And there’s perhaps no better way to experience it than hopping on the rails for a ride through Colorado with the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. 

The train is far from your average locomotive. Rather, it’s a cog railway, which means it uses a large gear — or cog — that, as Railfan describes, “interlinks with the teeth of a rack rail laid between the running rails. The result is that the locomotives have extreme traction even on steep slopes, where conventional wheels on rails would slip backward.” 

And that cog mechanism certainly comes in handy, as this train climbs more than 14,000 feet, making it the nation’s highest railway. It’s also one of only two cog railways in the U.S., so it is an ultra-rare experience. The nine-mile ride takes you through some of the most pristine natural spaces in the nation, including Pike National Forest, which turns a gorgeous shade of golden yellow and red thanks to the Rocky Mountain maples and the Aspens that stand out against the emerald pine trees, including bristlecone pine, some of which are more than 2,000 years old. 

The route then continues through Ruxton Creek, before starting the steep climb up the walls of Engelmann Canyon. However, it’s not just the plant life that’s on display. According to the train company, “visitors frequently see elk, deer, and yellow-bellied marmot en route, plus Pikes Peak is home to one of Colorado’s largest bighorn sheep herds.” 

At the top, guests can disembark, take in the magnificent view, and then explore the new visitor center to learn about the mountain and the train’s history. And while you certainly can ride the train back to the bottom, the railway’s website notes that those feeling adventurous can also hike or bike the 13-mile Barr Trail.

And just in case you needed any more proof that the region is drop-dead beautiful, consider this: it’s the place that inspired the song “American the Beautiful,” so if it can inspire a masterpiece like that, we’re sure it will take your breath away too. 

Several rides are available throughout the day, beginning at $59 per ticket for adults and $49 for children. Find your perfect seat and book it now at cograilway.com.