Women’s group gets surprise at the top of Pikes Peak

A women’s retreat took a trip up America’s Mountain to quite the surprise.

Some 200 women boarded the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, knowing they were going to the top, but weren’t aware of what the surprise would be.

Camp Experience is a retreat offering women’s educational, inspirational lessons and networking opportunities to attendees.

Friday, the camp surprised its members with a special visit by U.S. Olympic athletes including Sarah Beard, Brigetta Barrett, Samantha Achterberg and Melanie Schwartz.

Those women who came for the camp said they do it because it’s charity work while building relationships with other women.

“It’s to celebrate sisterhood and giving back to the community,” said Monica Smiley.

“I’m just so grateful to be alive, grateful to be a woman, and I’m grateful to experience this with all of these beautiful women,” said Cindy Charlton.

In the last 10 years, the camp has raised $281,000 for charity.