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I’d go to Pikes Peak Cog Railway for the views.

From unique urban sights to enormous canyons and sand dunes with snowy peaks as their backdrop – Colorado is here to impress. And if you time your trip for the fall foliage like we did, it will blow your minds too!

Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the world's highest cog railway, climbing from Manitou Springs at 6,571 feet to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak via a 9-mile rack-and-pinion track through some of the most dramatic alpine terrain in Colorado. First built in 1891, the railway was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2021 with new Swiss-engineered trains that offer panoramic windows and a smooth, whisper-quiet ride.

The journey takes about 80 minutes each way and passes through alpine meadows, forests, granite boulders, and barren tundra before arriving at the modern summit house with its cafe and views stretching hundreds of miles across the plains and mountains. It's a remarkably relaxed way to access a genuine 14,000-foot summit.

The cog railway is particularly special for those who want the summit experience without the physical demands of hiking or driving anxiety on the steep toll road.

TIP: Reserve tickets well in advance, especially for summer weekends — the railway books out days ahead.

TIP: Take a morning departure for the clearest views; the summit is frequently socked in by early afternoon thunderstorms in summer.

TIP: Dress warmly — summit temperatures average 34°F even in July, regardless of conditions below.

Official website

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Drive all around Colorado and experience everything it has to offer.

Colorado Adventure

Explore Denver, Colorado Springs, Rockies, Aspen, and Grand Sand Dunes.

Colorado Highlights

Explore Denver and blow your mind with the majesty of the Rockies.

Denver & Rockies Escape

The gateway to natural wonders like the Garden of the Gods with its iconic red rock formations, and Pikes Peak, which inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” A visit here is a journey through the heart of Colorado's scenic beauty.

Colorado Springs

Cliff House at Pikes Peak is a grand Victorian inn in Manitou Springs, built in 1873 and one of the oldest and most elegantly restored historic hotels in Colorado. Positioned at the foot of Pikes Peak in the charming spa town of Manitou Springs, it combines genuine historic character with modern luxury amenities.

The hotel features 55 uniquely decorated rooms and suites — many with fireplaces and soaking tubs — a fine dining restaurant with an excellent wine cellar, and a cozy bar. The wraparound porch and Victorian common rooms are beautifully preserved. There's no pool, but the setting compensates.

Manitou Springs itself is a quirky, walkable destination with natural mineral springs, independent shops, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway depot just a short walk away — making Cliff House an ideal base for exploring without a car.

The hotel suits travelers who appreciate historic character over modern minimalism — couples especially, and anyone who wants a more intimate alternative to the larger Colorado Springs hotels. It's one of the rare places where the building itself is worth experiencing.

Cliff House at Pikes Peak

Garden of the Gods Resort is a luxury resort perched on the rim above the Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs, with some of the most dramatic views of any hotel in Colorado — red sandstone formations in the foreground, Pikes Peak behind, and the plains stretching to the horizon. It's one of those rare properties where the setting itself justifies the stay.

The resort features two outdoor pools, a full-service spa, the acclaimed Pikes Peak Dining Room with floor-to-ceiling views, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a wide range of room types from garden-view rooms to large suites and private cottages. Activities including rock climbing instruction, yoga, and guided hikes can be arranged on-site.

The resort occupies land adjacent to the park, meaning guests have private access to trails and viewpoints that are otherwise inaccessible. The history of the site goes back to the 1910s, when it operated as a sanitarium — the main building retains its original Mission Revival architecture.

Garden of the Gods Resort suits travelers who want genuine luxury in a spectacular natural setting — it's particularly strong for couples, milestone celebrations, and anyone for whom the Colorado Springs area is a destination rather than a stopover.

Garden of the Gods Resort

Holden House 1902 is a celebrated Victorian bed and breakfast in Colorado Springs' historic Alamo neighborhood, occupying a beautifully maintained 1902 foursquare home and carriage house. One of Colorado's most award-winning B&Bs, it has been recognized repeatedly for exceptional hospitality and the quality of its breakfast, which is a genuine multi-course affair rather than a continental afterthought.

The inn has five suites, each named after Colorado mining towns and decorated with antiques and local memorabilia. All feature fireplaces, private baths with soaking tubs, and thoughtful amenities. The wraparound veranda and parlor are beautiful common spaces.

The innkeepers have operated Holden House for decades and have refined the B&B experience to a degree that's rare — guests frequently cite the personal attention and knowledge of the area as the highlight of their stay.

Holden House is ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, travelers who love historic architecture and personal hospitality, and anyone who finds standard hotels impersonal. It's among the finest B&B experiences in Colorado.

Holden House 1902

Kinship Landing is a modern hostel and hotel hybrid in Colorado Springs, designed around the outdoor adventurer community with a communal ethos and a strong sense of place. It's the most socially oriented lodging option in the city — private rooms alongside dormitory bunks, shared kitchen and living spaces, and regular events connecting guests with local guides and outdoor enthusiasts.

Private rooms are smartly designed and comfortable; bunk rooms are well-managed with quality bedding and individual privacy features. The communal kitchen, lounge, and rooftop terrace are social anchors. The building is in the Shooks Run neighborhood, walkable to Colorado Springs' independent dining scene.

Kinship Landing was conceived specifically around the outdoor recreation culture of the Pikes Peak region — it organizes group trips, gear rentals, and local knowledge sharing in a way that traditional hotels don't.

It's ideal for solo travelers and younger adventurers who want to meet people and tap into local expertise, as well as budget-conscious travelers who don't want a generic chain experience. Not suited for those seeking quiet or privacy.

Kinship Landing

The St. Mary's Inn is a well-regarded bed and breakfast in Colorado Springs, occupying a lovingly maintained Victorian home in the Old North End neighborhood — a quiet, tree-lined residential area that feels genuinely removed from the highway commercial strip. It's among the most charming small lodging options in the city.

The inn has a handful of individually decorated rooms and suites, each with its own character, quality bedding, and private bathrooms. A full made-to-order breakfast is the social heart of the stay, served in the original dining room. Common areas with fireplaces and a wraparound porch add to the residential warmth.

The Old North End is a walkable historic district with mature elms and Victorian architecture — a pleasant contrast to the more touristy parts of Colorado Springs, and a short drive from Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.

St. Mary's suits couples, solo travelers, and anyone who prefers personal hospitality over hotel anonymity. It's particularly appealing for travelers who find standard hotels impersonal and appreciate being treated as a guest in someone's home rather than a room number.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

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Curated stays in Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods Resort

The St. Mary's Inn

Kinship Landing

Cliff House at Pikes Peak

Holden House 1902