When it comes to breathtaking winter train journeys, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs, Colorado, is officially a world-class experience. According to a study commissioned by JR Pass—a rail pass provider for overseas travelers in Japan—the scenic route ranked number two globally and number one in the U.S. The ranking was based on factors like TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram buzz and snowfall data.
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Known as “The Cog,” this historic railway has been chugging up Pikes Peak—one of Colorado’s tallest mountains—since 1891. The journey climbs over 14,000 feet, treating passengers to panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. Along the way, the train cuts through a national forest, winds past a waterfall and skirts dramatic rock formations. Along the way, you can see wildlife, including elk, deer, and one of Colorado’s largest bighorn sheep herds.
What makes The Cog a standout? JR Pass highlighted its 5-star TripAdvisor rating and its strong presence on Instagram. It earned an impressive index score of 8.28 out of 10, tying with Japan’s Stove Winter Train and coming in just behind Canadian Rockies Snow Train (which scored 8.94).
As the highest cog railway in the world, this high-altitude adventure is powered by a fleet of bright red trains. The round-trip experience lasts about three hours—one hour up, 40 minutes at the summit and a little over an hour down.
Other U.S. train rides making JR Pass’s winter list include Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train and the Polar Express with Adirondack Railroad in Utica, New York.