going UP

History: Zebulon Pike, the early explorer of the Southwest for whom Pikes Peak is named, first sighted what he referred to as the "Great Peak" in the fall of 1806. He attempted to climb it with a small band of men a few days later, but heavy snows around 10,000 feet forced his party to head back.

About 80 years later, Zalmon Simmons, founder of the Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Co., trekked to the top of the summit by mule and was enchanted by the glorious views -- but was exasperated after riding that mule for two days.

While relaxing in the mineral springs in Manitou Springs, Simmons discussed the idea of a railway to the summit and jumped wholeheartedly into the endeavor.

The Manitou & Pikes Peak Railway Co. was founded, and construction began in 1889. The first passenger train arrived at the summit June 30, 1891.

Our favorite part: Although the spectacular views are amazing, they are to be expected, but the antics of the yellow-bellied marmot provide unexpected comic relief on the trip.

This critter usually is seen above timberline, searching for food. Some marmots seem intrigued with the cog railcars and stand on their hind legs and watch as the cars pass, while others catch a glimpse of the train and scurry away frantically as if their tails were on fire.

Marmots live in colonies, so you might even see a few interacting.

Bet you didn't know: Some trees viewed from the railway are among the oldest living creatures on Earth. Bristlecone pines, some older than 2,000 years, are scattered across the subalpine zone -- 10,000 to 11,500 feet -- of the mountain. The inhospitable environment these trees grow in contributes to their longevity and characteristics.

The subalpine zone offers a 45-day growing season for bristlecone pines. This makes the trees grow very slowly, adding 1 inch of girth in 100 years. This slow growth causes their wood to be dense and resinous, and therefore resistant to disease and rot.

Kids will love: The corny jokes served up by the conductors. While heading uphill, the conductors keep the trip humorous by telling the occasional joke, such as the conductor's explanation of the emergency braking system -- two springs at the bottom of the mountain to stop any runaway trains.

Special occasions: The Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs vintage equipment a few days a year. Check the Web site -- www.cograilway.com -- and click on the "Special Events" link for information.

Dress for the occasion: The temperature shift from the train station to the summit is significant, so plan ahead. On average, the temperature will drop 3 to 5 degrees for every 1,000 feet of ascension, so the summit of Pikes Peak is generally at least 30 degrees lower than at the station. Wearing pants and taking a light jacket are a good idea, even in the summer.

Busiest days: The Pikes

Peak Cog Railway is packed with visitors for the summer months. Holidays and weekends also tend to be busy.

Best time to visit: Early June, late August and October are the slowest months, and the first and last train of the day should be the least crowded.

The morning train will provide the best lighting for photography, but the last train of the day offers the best opportunity to view wildlife. The many mountain animals -- bighorn sheep, yellow- bellied marmots, black bears, elk and deer -- prefer cool evening air.

Plan ahead: The round-trip can take more than three hours, and you'll need to be at the train station about 30 minutes before departure, so allow a halfday for your trip.

Mind your health: The summit is more than 14,100 feet above sea level. Visitors may feel the effects of altitude sickness -- dizziness, headaches and nausea. Drinking water before your trip and being rested may lessen the effects.

Souvenirs and snacks: The Pikes Peak Summit House has almost every tourist good -- T-shirts to shot glasses -- emblazoned with the name Pikes Peak.

The Summit House also has a variety of food. At the top you can indulge in fudge or a high-altitude doughnut.

details

PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY

Hours: The Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs every 80 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. until Aug. 14, when the hours are restricted. Check the Web site -- www.cograilway.com -- for a detailed explanation of hours.

Cost: Tickets cost $29 for adults and $17 for children ages 3 to 12 through Aug. 21; children 2 and younger are free if they can ride in an adult's lap. All ticket prices decrease by $1 after Aug. 21.

Discounts: The Pikes Peak Cog Railway Web site features monthly coupons. Click on "Coupon" at the left side of the home page.

Phone: 685-5401

Web site: www.cograilway.com

Reservations: Reservations are necessary because trains sell out quickly in the summer months. You can make your reservation online with five days notice, or you can call.

Location: 515 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs. Take U.S. Highway 24 (Cimarron Street) west. Take the Manitou Avenue (Manitou Springs) exit and go west 1.5 miles to Ruxton Avenue. Turn left and head uphill to the station.

Parking: The Pikes Peak Cog Railway station has ample parking. Once you approach the rail station, parking spots will line both sides of the road and there will be lots to your right.

Handicapped-friendly: Yes, but let the railway know in advance because each train can accommodate only a few wheelchairs. The summit is rocky, so wheelchair mobility can be an issue, but they are easily maneuvered from the Summit House onto the viewing platforms.

Pet-friendly: No

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Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.