A few feet behind this vantage point is a crash barrier with steel girders attached to the tracks. This is how the rails end beyond the barrier--with the last few feet, including wooden ties, dangling from 14,110 feet up.

Way out in the distance, that round line is the horizon. From this altitude you can see the Earth's curvature.

The mechanism in the middle of the tracks is a cog. The Swiss-made train uses a ratcheting gear to climb the steep grade. Normal friction of steel wheels on steel track would not be enough.

There's also snow and ice to contend with on the rails much of the year. This shot was taken in June! Down below, Colorado Springs and vicinity were basking in late Spring weather. But up here the wind-chill was zero.

This is one of North America's prime scenic railroad adventures. The only drawback is that time at the top is limited. A toll road is also available.