A - California
B - Washington
C - Colorado
D - Alaska
Answer: C - Colorado
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the highest altitude railroad ever built in the USA. Completed in 1891 and still operating today, the railway reaches an elevation of 14,110 feet above sea level at the summit of Pikes Peak.
The highest railway in America was built by an unlikely person: the inventor of Simmons Beautyrest Mattresses, Zalmon Simmons. He didn't enjoy climbing Colorado's Pikes Peak on a mule, so he commissioned the railway, which opened in 1891. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs ascends to an elevation of 14,115 feet and is the highest railway ever built in the U.S. Along the 70-minute journey, the train meanders through the Pike National Forest, alongside waterfalls and granite boulders, before reaching the summit. There, riders are treated to panoramic views of Garden of the Gods in the north, the continental divide to the west, and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the south. The train was closed in 2017 for repairs, reopened to the public in May 2021.after a $100 million renovation.
After a full and complete renovation period covering a span of nearly 3 and a half years, public passenger service returned to the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway on May 20th, 2021. Yours truly had been fortunate enough to score a ticket on the first day's 2:40 PM departure to the summit. The railway now has an option online where you are able to choose your desired seat aboard the train of your choice, for an added price. It was a no-brainer for me to choose a seat directly up front, next to the engineer.
In this video, we view the completely updated station area of Manitou, where some of the brand new railway equipment sit on Depot Track 2. The 10:40 passenger train returns from the summit, discharges passengers, and runs up to the shop area for servicing. Newly-restored M&PP Unit 24 then drops back down onto Track 1, where we load up and depart on our uphill journey. During the trip, we pass 2 separate trains, take in the magnificent views, and observe the new operation in motion; complete with DTMF siding switches and track that is now in immaculate condition. I once resided as an engineer for the railway from 2014-2017, so this trip was a heartfelt throwback that I am fortunate to have not missed. Engineer Dylin, Conductor Adam, and Conductor Dave did a spectacular job getting us to the summit and back again. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to book your ride on The Broadmoor's Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway TODAY! ENJOY!!!
Copyright: Nick Valdez Railroad Photography 2021.
Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway Grand Reopening 2021[/i]
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