The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Train, also known as The Mountaineer, was a miniature cog train that operated from the Broadmoor Hotel to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo from 1950 to 1974. This unique transportation system was built by Spencer Penrose, the founder of the Broadmoor Hotel and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, to provide resort guests with a convenient and scenic way to access the zoo.
The History of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Train
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Train was modeled after the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, utilizing the same type of cog track to navigate the steep terrain of Cheyenne Mountain. The original train resembled the steam engines of the cog railway, but in the 1950s, a modern custom engine was built by Cadillac specifically for this ride.
The train station was located on the north end of the Broadmoor Lake, near the hotel’s playground and outdoor swimming pool. The remnants of the two passenger cars, including their fiberglass vista-domes, were on display at the Colorado Springs Trolley Museum until recently, but they have since been scrapped due to deterioration.
The Restored Cadillac Engine
The restored Cadillac engine used on the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Train is still on display at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, resting on the original rails with the tunnel entrance hidden in the bushes behind it. This iconic piece of history serves as a reminder of the unique transportation system that once carried visitors up the mountain to the zoo.
The Sky Ride at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Today, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a chairlift-style, open-air Sky Ride that provides spectacular views of the zoo, Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, and the Eastern Plains. The Sky Ride is available for an additional fee and can be purchased at the zoo’s front entry gate or at the Sky Ride ticket booth once inside the zoo. Combo packages are offered with Zoo admission, and Zoo members receive a discount on Sky Ride Day Passes.
The Mission and Vision of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a non-profit public trust dedicated to providing recreation, education, conservation, and scientific facilities in the field of zoology and related subjects. The zoo’s mission is to connect people with wildlife and wild places through experiences that inspire action, and its vision is to provide every kid, of any age, with an experience for a lifetime with every visit. The zoo continuously evolves and creates exciting new and updated exhibits to encourage an appreciation and respect for the dignity and intrinsic value of all living things.
Unique Features of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Train
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Train had several unique features that set it apart from other transportation systems:
- Cog Track: The train used the same type of cog track as the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, allowing it to navigate the steep terrain of Cheyenne Mountain.
- Custom Engine: In the 1950s, a modern custom engine was built by Cadillac specifically for this ride, replacing the original steam-powered engines.
- Vista-Domes: The two passenger cars of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Train featured fiberglass vista-domes, providing passengers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Scenic Route: The train ride offered visitors a unique and scenic way to access the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, with stunning views of the mountain, Colorado Springs, and the Eastern Plains.
Conclusion
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Train was a beloved and iconic part of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo experience for over two decades. While the train is no longer in operation, the restored Cadillac engine and the Sky Ride continue to provide visitors with a thrilling and scenic way to explore the zoo and its stunning natural surroundings. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s commitment to education, conservation, and inspiring action through wildlife experiences is a testament to the enduring legacy of this unique transportation system.