Colorado — Blog — Thomas Chen Photography

Pikes Peak and the Cog Railway

Located in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in the United States. The Cog Railway has been in operation since 1891 and is the world’s highest cog railroad that takes visitors up to the summit of Pikes Peak. On the way up, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the beautiful scenery surrounding Pikes Peak.

pikes peak cog railway manitou springs colorado

The views from Pikes Peak are absolutely stunning, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Cog Railway provides a unique perspective of the mountain and surrounding landscapes as it slowly makes its way up to the summit.

When you get to the top, there’s a visitor’s center where you can warm up and grab some snacks.

Manitou Springs, CO

Maintou Springs is a charming mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak. It’s filled with galleries, studios, and boutiques showing the works of the local artists. We walked around the town and grabbed a bite to eat. There’s lots of eclectic shops for souvenirs shopping, or simply just taking a leisurely stroll down the main street to soak up the atmosphere.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a world-renowned natural landmark known for its massive red rock formations. You can either explore the trails by foot or by bike with over 15 miles of trails to choose from. The red rock formations are some of the most stunning and unique rock formations in the world. The towering spires and steep cliffs create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape that is sure to take your breath away.

Denver Union Station

Union Station is a historic landmark right in downtown Denver. The train station was completely renovated and is home to restaurants, bars, boutique shops and a hotel.

Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a stunning public garden and cultural center. It spans 24 acres and has a wide variety of themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, a desert garden, and a water garden. When coming to Denver, it is a must visit for nature lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful escape from the city.

Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Game House - Denver, CO

We stayed at the Hotel Inverness and this beer garden is located on the ground floor of the hotel. We stopped by here to grab a quick drink and a snack before heading back to our room for the night. It had great atmosphere with tons of pub games like shuffleboard, darts, and pool. We weren’t anticipating the nachos to be so HUGE so you definitely get your money’s worth.