Where is the highest railway in the US?

The Broadmoor's Pikes Peak Cog Railway climbs from an elevation of 6,412 feet in Manitou Springs to 14,115 feet at the summit of Pikes Peak. This 125-year-old railway made its first ascent via steam engine on June 30, 1891.



The highest railway in the United States is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado.

Here are the key details:

  • Location: It ascends Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s famous “fourteener” mountains (peaks over 14,000 feet).
  • Summit Elevation: The railway reaches the summit at 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) above sea level.
  • Type: It is a cog railway (or rack railway), which uses a toothed rack rail between the regular rails to provide traction for the steep climb.
  • Status: After a major multi-year renovation, the railway reopened to the public in May 2021. It operates year-round, offering spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.

Important Distinction: Highest vs. Highest Operating

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the highest operating railway. However, if considering historical and abandoned lines, the title for the highest ever constructed goes to:

  • The Colorado and Southern Railway’s Argentine Central Railway branch. This narrow-gauge line, which operated from 1906 to 1918, reached a staggering 13,894 feet at the Argentine Pass summit. While its peak elevation is slightly lower than Pikes Peak, its trains ran at a higher elevation for a longer continuous distance than any other U.S. railroad. Its roadbed is now a hiking trail.

Other Notable High Railroads in the US:

  • Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Operates at altitudes over 10,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains.
  • Cumbres &

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