Pikes Peak Road Rest Stop - Cascade

First the good news….the view was great. Frigid on top, but visitors center was comfortable with great views from inside. The rides up and back were very uncomfortable…..way too crowded. About masks…we were told mask use was required and there was stern warnings to use masks at the beginning. After we left the station, lots of people took off their masks and staff said nothing. The biggest problem was getting to the station. We counted on the shuttle from Hiawatha Gardens. We got there and paid for our parking and got on the bus and after a very long delay was told that the bus couldn’t get up Ruxton because of construction and there most likely no parking up there. We got back in our car and drove up Ruxton (saw maybe 4 traffic cones and no construction) and got the last parking space. Very frustrating and added a lot of tension to our day. The Achilles heel of the whole PP Cog Railway is getting to the station and park your car. I’m not at all sure I can recommend this experience.

We took this 1 hour railway to Pikes Peak. Is a lovely train ride up. I am note giving this a better rating but it was TOO CROWDED and the row facing us had 4 people for 2 seats (children on the laps of parents). There is not enough room for this and they should not be allowed to do this. The views were fantastic. Even with mandated masks there were too many people too close together (given covid). Saw arctic gull and mule deer during the ride. Conductor gave us details about the area, train history and the views.

We couldn’t go to the top the day we went. It was a nice view but nothing special. I would give it three stars but we paid $30 for not much.

The ride up the mountains was amazing. Such beautiful views among the way. The only thing that disappointed us was all the construction going on at the top of the mountain. They are making a new cafe/store. I feel like they should of kept the old one open until the née one was built because I am one of those people that like to get souvenirs to save for memories . Over all it was a great experience.

Food only gets 3 stars cause they didn't have much. Not their fault since they were hit with a natural disaster. The Buffalo chicken wrap we ended up eating was tasteless without the ranch.