After the snow bank stopped our trek to the summit, we passed back through Windy Point and started down "The Hill".
We dropped down the grade, passing through the cut of deep snow.
Lake Moraine visible below.
Dropping down along the snow-covered slope.
The trees returned as we went below the tree line.
A fantastic view looking down at Colorado Springs and beyond.
This is a true "Railway to the Sky".
As we descended between the trees.
The views were outstanding!
Rounding another curve as we continued to descend.
A very cold place without the sunshine.
The viewing continued to be very interesting.
Our train rounded a series of curves that returned us to the longest straight track on the railway.
Straight as it can be!
You could see the summit of Pikes Peak where the wind must have really been blowing as we all watched the snow being blown off.
We descended to Four Mile Siding and had a brief layover for a rest stop with a pair of bathrooms and time for some pictures.
Our train at rest at Four Mile Siding.
Chris Parker outside at Four Mile.
The map of our route.
Passengers returned from their rest break.
The view towards the peak.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway 18.
Looking back after we departed.
Another section of straight track.
The summit ridge line came into complete view before our next turn.
After we rounded that curve.
A waterfall coming out of a pipe just before Ruxton Park.
The next curve brought Pilot's Knob into view.
Rounding a tight curve as we continued to descend.
The train started down "Son of a Gun Hill".
This run was absolutely fantastic.
Travelling down through Minnehaha.
I love snow on trees!
Stunning!
Our train made another curve.
The grade is visible.
Still descending.
Passing the sign leaving the Pikes Peak National Forest.
We passed the first of the shop buildings before running between them.
Our train arrived back in the station.
I walked down to the other end to catch the train on its way to the shop.
Manitou & Pike's Peak 5 on display at the depot. Chris was inside buying his souvenirs from the gift shop and I looked around one final time then met Chris at the car and we departed Manitou Springs after a fantastic trip, driving back to Interstate 25 south back to Walsenburg. An accident in Pueblo slowed us down a bit but we soon exited into Walsenburg and took US 160 west out of town.
We pulled off US 160 for a sunset picture then crossed La Veta Pass, dropped down to Fort Garland and Blanca before arriving in Alamosa and checking into the Best Western Alamosa Inn for the next two nights. I walked next door to KFC for some dinner, then drove Chris to Wendy's for his and stopped at a store before returning to the hotel.
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