COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Got the gas tank filled? If you do, you can take a tour of the mountains -- some so close up you can practically touch them. And some so far off you need to take a train. And not just any train.

At the Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, you could be out in the middle of nowhere. But even though you're surrounded by huge red rock formations, you're just a couple of miles from civilization.

In some respects, Garden of the Gods is a lot like Red Rocks. It's a city park, owned by the city of Colorado Springs. There's no amphitheater here but there is definitely a view.

It's a million-dollar view but admission's free.

If you drive around the corner, you're in Manitou Springs. There's an awful lot about Manitou Springs that says touristy, but a few blocks off the main drag you'll find the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway.

Using a simple gear and center rail system, these European-built self-powered cars literally clawed their way up the mountain.

It just simply not a visit to Colorado without doing the Cog Rail.

It's about 90 minutes to the top of Pike's Peak -- about an 8,000 foot climb -- and up there the temperature is about 30 degrees cooler.

So bring a sweater and some bottled water. It's a good idea if you do drink water on the way up to prevent altitude sickness.

The cog railway moves slowly, but once on top you see things from left to right and from top to bottom.

Bill's Travel Notes:

The drive through the Garden of the Gods is free.

Garden of the Gods is certainly one of the most spectacular freebies in the state. The roads are well paved, but they're two-lane. And there are plenty of turnouts and scenic vistas.

Remember, there are also several Colorado Springs-based tour companies that can show you the Garden and some of the other scenic beauties around Colorado Springs.

Access is easy. From Interstate 25 take the Garden of the Gods Road exit and when you're done there, just drop down to Manitou Springs. It's right next door.

Beneath all the "painted lady" kitsch that decorates most of Manitou, there beats a city with a heart of gold. Some great restaurants, excellent hotels, and, of course, the waters from the springs which you can sample at a number of fountains.

Getting to the Cog Railway is a bit of a chore. It's a soft left turn off Manitou Avenue at Ruxton, but there are no signs. I guess someone decided that one sign would be just one too many.

The railway runs through December, weather permitting, and the European-built self-propelled cars can handle it. But this time of the year, it's hot and dry at the bottom end, and cold and dry at the top. And there are no rest rooms along the way. Bring a bottle or two of water, and make sure you're topped off at the trackside station fountain before going up. Also, be sure and bring along that sweater. It's 30 degrees cooler up top.

First train leaves at 8 a.m., the last one at 5:20 p.m., with departures every hour and 20 minutes. The round trip is 3 1/2 hours. Seats are assigned by computer so there's not much likelihood you'll get that front seat next to the engineer. But it doesn't hurt to ask, does it?

The Cog Railway runs eight times a day from Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak. Tickets are $26 for adults, $14 for kids up to age 11.

More Information:

Garden of the Gods
Cog Railway