There Is A Good Reason Why This Colorado Peak Is Called America’s Mountain
Donuts. Train rides. History galore. What do all of these seemingly random things have in common? They are all part of Pike’s Peak, AKA America’s Mountain! Sure, the United States has plenty of beautiful mountains, so what makes Pike’s Peak the crème de la crème? We are glad you asked:
Located along the Front Range near Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak is the region's highest and most prominent peak at a whopping 14,115 feet!
Named for American explorer Zebulon Pike (who, ironically, never quite reached the summit of the mighty 14er), Pikes Peak was the longtime home of the Uncompahgre Ute before becoming a famous mining district and, finally, one of the state's most popular attractions.
While there may no longer be any "gold in them thar hills," there is still plenty to see and do along America's Mountain, beginning with a ride on the one-of-a-kind Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Billed as the world's highest cog railroad, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a c.1891 train that takes visitors straight up (and back down) the mountain via a scenic and comfortable 3-hour ride.
No time for a train ride? No problem, as you can also drive up the mountain!
