This Historic Railway In Colorado Offers The Best Views From Atop This World Famous Mountain

Standing over 14,000-feet-tall, Pikes Peak in Colorado will (literally) leave you breathless! If the elevation and thinner air don’t do you in, the stunning scenery will certainly leave you gasping for words to describe this wondrous place.

David Cooper Photography

Visitors to the summit often stop to strike a pose to record the occasion – as they should! It’s a long way to the top, but you can get there via train or using the rocky dirt roads. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb auto and motorcycle race (also known as "The Race to the Clouds") is held on this road, and this race has attracted many famous racing drivers over the years, including members of the legendary Unser family. The race has taken place annually since 1916!

David Cooper Photography

If you choose to journey by train, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway gently brings you to the top for spectacular views for miles around.

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David Cooper Photography

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David Cooper Photography

The cog railway technology is a European import to Pikes Peak. It is so reliable that the train even operates successfully in the brutal mountain winters experienced here!

David Cooper Photography

The ride on the train affords many scenic surprises. While you are sitting comfortably, the grandeur of Pikes Peak reveals a fantastic alpine environment.

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David Cooper Photography

Along the way, you travel through hillsides rich in beautiful green ground cover and wildflowers.

David Cooper Photography

Even at this high altitude, some wildlife has still found a home here. You can see several species of small mammals browsing for food on the railroad tracks and among the steep mountain terrain.

David Cooper Photography

Rocky hillsides above the tree line can give you a glimpse of the geology of the mountain, which is largely composed of pink granite. This unusual type of rock has even been named Pikes Peak granite! Cripple Creek Mine is located nearby and is still in active operation. Gold and turquoise are specialties here!

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David Cooper Photography

Old, original buildings have survived the elements and remain in place to this day. Somewhat the worse for wear, they stand as testaments of the astounding engineering feats that went into the creation of the railroad.

David Cooper Photography

Reaching the summit is quite an accomplishment, no matter which pathway you choose. Prepare to be chilly, even in summer. Harsh winters and a slow transition of seasons in spring can make this journey even more difficult. Stormy skies can limit the expansive views, so we suggest making the trip mid to late summer or early fall. Altitude sickness is also common at these heights; pack plenty of water and walk slowly – take your time to enjoy the incredible scenery along the way!

Photographer David Cooper travels across the western states to capture the incredible beauty all around us. Check out his adventures hiking through Tent Rocks and the Chaco Canyon ruins in New Mexico, exploring Bryce Canyon in Utah, and his visit to this incredible Viking Castle at Lake Tahoe!