Day 1 - South to Pikes Peak

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As we take I-25 south we normally pass multiple freight trains on both the east and west sides of the highway. This trip was no different and we stopped to watch a 120 car coal train head south.

Once we got to Colorado Springs we headed off for the train from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak (14,110 ft) takes 3 hours round trip. We've taken this ride many times on the highest cog railway in the world. The temperature in Manitou was about 80 degrees F when we left and was about 39 degrees F at the summit. We always enjoy warm high altitude donuts at the summit to warm us up a bit. Nothing like a little winter in August. Saw some marmots, 1 deer, beautiful mountains, and a few great rainbows on the way back down the mountain.

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Photos

BNSF Coal Train
First train of the journey. Along I 25 south headed to Colorado Springs.

Enjoying the Scenery
Sean and Mary Ann enjoy the views as we climb the mountain.

For the Rail Guys
A switch at th summit for the cog railway.

Colorado Springs
View from summit of Pikes Peak looking out toward Colorado Springs.

Have a Donut at the Summit
Sean enjoys his donut and Drew tries not to think about the cold weather.

Cog Railway at the Summit
It's definitely cold. Mary Ann and Dean wait to board to head back down the mountain.

Rainbow on our return
Looking out toward Colorado Springs we caught a few of these as we made our way down the mountain.