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Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

• Directions 100 Cave of the Winds Road, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
• Call 719.685.5444
• Website www.caveofthewinds.com

Cave of the Winds (1:59)

From mild to wild, exploring and soaring, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park has adventures for everyone in your group. Not only do they offer three unique cave tours, but they also have an outdoor park loaded with adrenaline-packed fun for all ages!

What you can do

• 3 Unique Cave Tours
• Gold Panning
• Terror-Dactyl
• Restaurant & Snack bar
• Science & History

Get into the details

Exploring the mysteries of underground caverns is an exciting adventure, and  Cave of the Winds  takes show caves to a whole new level. Discovered in 1881, this must-see Colorado Springs attraction has been thrilling travelers for more than a century. They’re one of the premiere show caves in the United States — and, at 7,000 feet, they’re also one of the highest! You might say they’ve elevated the caving experience.

Conveniently located near Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds offers three unique cave tours , the Discovery Tour offers an easy and fun look at all the coolest cave features, a spooky Lantern Tour with ghost stories and folklore and a Caving 101 Tour that takes you in the undeveloped, behind-the-scenes sections of the caverns. Whatever tour you choose, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites and underground geological features, plus learn tons of cool science facts and history.

On the surface, you’ll find an outdoor park loaded with adrenaline-packed fun, surrounded by some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Colorado. What do they mean by adrenaline-packed? How about flying through Williams Canyon at 100 miles per hour on the  Terror-Dactyl  or taking a (slightly) gentler leap on the round-trip aerial  Bat-a-Pult ? Bring your bravest friends so you don’t have to go it alone!

For slightly less speedy fun, the Cliffhanger Climbing Wall, Wind Walker Challenge Course, Geronimo’s Leap and the Stalactykes Adventure Side allow you to climb, jump, run and test your inner champion in a variety of ways that are a little more laid back. Or, if athletics and accelerated heart rates aren’t your thing, you can chill out and pan for gemstones with your feet planted firmly on the ground, grab a snack at Caver’s Café (hello, ice cream!) and shop for cool souvenirs like geodes, crystals and jewelry.

From mild to wild, exploring and soaring, they’re the perfect Colorado experience inside the mountain and out! Reservations recommended. Buy your tickets  here !

Things to know

• Reservations are required for all Cave Tours.
• Even in the heat of a Colorado summer, the temperature in these Colorado caves are 54 degrees, so bring a light jacket for your tour.

From $28 / adult

Discovery Tour: Adult: $28 | Child (4-12): $18

Haunted Lantern Tour: Adult: $34 | Child (8-12): $24

Expedition Tour: Adult (13+): $99

Pioneer Package: $25

Terror-dactyl: $35

Zip Lines: $99

Via Ferrata: $159

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily

Exertion level, attraction type.

• Family, Thrilling, Outdoors, Indoors

Wear comfortable clothing: jeans, shorts, or even a comfortable skirt will do. Make sure your shoes have good traction – sneakers or hiking boots are ideal. Bring a light jacket – even in the heat of a Colorado summer, the temperature in these Colorado caves is a pleasant 54 degrees.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is an exciting Colorado natural attraction that can be enjoyed by everyone in your family, from toddlers to grandparents. Cave tours are not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart or respiratory problems. All family members can enjoy our visitor center, gift shop, and the lovely views of Williams Canyon.

They are open every day except Christmas Day. On Memorial Day and July 4th, they are open 9 a.m..-9 p.m. On Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, they are open from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. (last tour at 1 p.m). On New Year’s Day, Easter and Labor Day, they are open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Check out their Deals & Events page for a full list of available discounts.

Yes! They encourage cameras and camcorders in the cave.

Yes, in their Caver’s Cafe.

Parking is free at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park!

Reservations for tours are accepted for groups of 15 or more. For reservations and group rates, call 719-685-5444, ext. 5056 or email them at [email protected]

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Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Cave of the Winds has a full day of inside and outside adventure for everyone! Enjoy the perfect combination of relaxation, recreation, history and natural beauty; created for a mountain of good times and great memories! Choose from three cave tours or enjoy their Outdoor Attractions.

Most popular, and great for all ages, the Discovery Tour tells of the history and discovery of Cave of the Winds. For the more adventurous, the Lantern Tour takes you to the darkest parts of the cave with only a candle lit lantern to guide the way. Learn of ghost stories, frightening folklore, and background history. The Caving 101 tour, explores undeveloped sections of the Manitou Grand Caverns; climb and crawl through passageways lit only by flashlight. Knowledgeable guides provide groups with 2 hours of good clean, yet muddy fun underground!

There's plenty to do above ground, too! From mild to wild, try out our zip lines totalling over ¼ mile long and 80’ above the canyon floor or experience our Via Ferrata, an exhilarating climbing activity through spectacular mountain terrain for about two hours under the close supervision of our experienced guides. Don't forget to journey into a virtual world in our Magic Lantern Virtual Reality Theatre or the brave at heart can climb the Wind Walker Challenge Course, fly accross the canyon on the Bat-A-Pult or ride the TERROR-dactyl, the first of its kind anywhere in the world! The TERROR-dactyl ride sits on the edge of a 200-foot cliff in Williams Canyon. Those brave enough to ride will be launched 200 feet into the canyon at nearly 100 miles per hour!

There is lots to do for the little ones too, check out the panning for gold and cave crawl! Visit, and see why spending a day at Cave of the Winds is something families have enjoyed for decades!

Purchase your tickets online now to reserve your tour!

Reservations: Reservations Recommended

• Bus/RV Parking
• Free Parking
• Restaurant(s) On Site
• Corporate Rates
• Family/Kid Friendly
• Group Discount
• Group Friendly
• Military Discount
• Concessions/Snacks

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Places to Play » Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds

ADVENTURE, INSIDE AND OUT!

Cave tours, spectacular scenery, rides and attractions from mild to wild atop breathtaking Williams Canyon. You will explore and soar and keep the whole family busy and happy all day long! So much more than just a cave!

Discovered in 1881, Cave of the Winds has been a must-see Colorado Springs attraction for travelers for more than a century. We’re one of the premiere show caves in the United States – and, at 7,000 feet, we’re also one of the highest!  Book your tour today and see why we were voted one of the Best of the Springs 2024.

100 Cave of the Winds Rd Manitou Springs, CO 80829

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How to Visit Cave of the Winds: An EPIC CO Mountain Park

This website may contain affiliate links and we may be compensated (at no cost to you!).

Discovered in 1881, Colorado’s own Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is one of the longest continuous running tourist attractions in the state. And these historic caves were carved out millions of years ago! 

This Colorado cave is one of the premier caves in the United States and at 7,000 feet in elevation it’s also one of the highest.

As someone who was born and raised in Colorado Springs, I’ve enjoyed visiting Cave of the Winds since I was a kid. And it’s still a fun and interesting activity for me to this day.

If you’re wondering what it’s like to visit Cave of the Winds Mountain Park as a local, keep reading.

What is Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs?

Well known for its system of premiere show caves open for public tours, Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs is a mountain-top park with a variety of activities. 

It offers cave tours and a plethora of above-ground activities for kids and adults of all ages. 

Some of the best activities include a fun challenge course, catapult aerial adventure, cliffhanger climbing wall, and the Terror-Dactyl ride. 

Not to mention there is panning for gold or gems, the cave crawl challenge, wind walker challenge course, and an adventure slide.

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is located in Colorado Springs and is considered a historic national landmark. Open year-round, this is one of the region’s original attractions and is a great adventure for the whole family.

Cave of the Winds in Colorado offers multiple types of tours from crawling and spelunking to haunted lantern tours.

Types of Tours at Cave of the Winds

The most popular underground cave tours at Cave of the Winds is the Discovery Tour. This is perfect for young kids and adults since it explores well-lit parts of the cave where there’s electricity and lasts approx. 45 minutes.

The Lantern Tour is better for guests over the age of 8 years old as it includes dark narrow tunnels and lasts for about 90 minutes. 

Join a knowledgeable guide as you explore a part of the cave that is completely dark and does not have lights, except for your candle-lit lanterns authentic to how the cave was explored back in the 1800s.

And during certain times of year, this turns into a HAUNTED Lantern Tour for everyone to enjoy.

This is the tour we went on recently and really enjoyed the dark cave tour with scary stories and even a few signs of hauntings! 

The rustic lanterns really add to the mystique of the tour as well as getting to hear the history of early settlers in the area and the finding of the cave system 

Depending on the time of year, you can also explore the wild undeveloped depths of Cave of the Winds with a 3-hour guided expedition crawling and spelunking tour.

This is not recommended for anyone under the age of 13, if you’re not in fairly good physical shape and OR especially if you are not a fan of confined spaces.

The Pioneer Package is another awesome 2-3 hour adventure for kids to explore the above ground activities like the climbing wall, high walker challenge course, and the aerial adventure.

Other Activities at Cave of the Winds in Colorado

Once you’ve finished with your tour, or spent time on some of the other challenge rides and adventure activities, take a break for a yummy lunch. 

Cave of the Winds offers two spots to eat, including the Canyon Rim Grill , so you can grab a filling bite of food before getting back out there. 

Some local favorites include the Bison burger and fried pickles, as well as ice cream for kids and even beer for adults.

Or stop in the gift shop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember this epic experience at this mountain park in Colorado Springs. Plus, enjoy the spectacular scenery from the viewing decks near the gift shop.

How to get to Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

For anyone looking to book a cave tour or adventure day at Cave of the Winds, it’s located in the heart of the Manitou Grand Caverns near the small town of Manitou Springs.

From Interstate 25 you’ll take Exit 141 then go west on Highway 24 for about six miles. Keep an eye out for Cave of the Winds Road and the entrance to Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is on the right, just past the large sign. 

You’ll follow along the winding road up to the top of the Cave of the Winds parking lot. 

Feel free to stop at several of the pull-offs for one-of-a-kind views of the city below. This tourist attraction at the top of the mountain has it all. Plus, parking is free!

Cave of the Winds is open all year-round with summer hours differing from their winter hours, but most of the time they’re open daily from 10am – 5pm. 

Above ground attractions are usually open from 11am – 4pm daily, weather permitting.

You can check out their website for the exact hours of operation depending on the month of the year. 

Visiting Cave of the Winds in Colorado

When visiting Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs, it’s important to know that the location is 7,000 feet above sea level. So if you’re not used to the high altitude , this might be a tough activity. 

In addition, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

It can also be chilly inside the large chambers in the caves (even during summer) as the temperature can differ quite a bit from outside temperature. So we recommend bringing a light jacket or sweatshirt.

Hats, backpacks, and strollers are allowed but there are certain areas of the caves where it becomes very narrow and they may not be permitted.

Cave of the Winds is a must-see Colorado Springs attraction that features historic caves, epic adventures, and fun for the whole family. 

The history of the cave dates back to 1881 and it has been in continuous operation ever since. It’s a local favorite whether you’re a young kid or just young at heart.

For updated hours of operation and ticket prices, check out caveofthewinds.com to book your tickets online or in advance.

Colorado Native & Personal Chef

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.

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We are Closed today

Due to High Winds

Your Entrance to the Park

Your adventure begins with the only way to get to the Park—a scenic gondola ride on the new Glenwood Gondola!

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The Missing Link Band – Music on the Mountain

Octoberfest.

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With so many things to do, Glenwood Springs is a premier Colorado destination for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

Historic Fairy Cave Tour

Home / Caves / Historic Fairy Caves Tour

Fairy Caves

The Historic Fairy Cave Tour  is a 40-minute guided walking tour that is appropriate for most fitness levels. This tour leads you on a quarter-mile-long underground stroll through narrow, winding passages, to natural water features and includes a stop at Exclamation Point—a viewing balcony with magnificent panoramas.

What to expect.  While there is no need to bend or stoop on this tour, some visitors may feel claustrophobic by the narrowness and low ceiling in places. Though tempting, visitors may not touch the walls or cave formations. This is to protect the living cave environment. Also, there are 19 steps, with a stop at the half-way point. Once the tour has started, plan to follow your guide to the end as the lights behind you are turned off as you progress through the tour. See more details below.

A little history.  Named by C.W. Darrow who began giving tours in April 1896, the Fairy Caves was one of the first caves in the U.S. to have electric lighting installed. Today’s cave tour includes a historic lighting section called History Lane, which is illuminated with replica Edison and Marconi-style light bulbs. On your tour, you will experience a portion of the Fairy Cave just as a visitor would have viewed it over 100 years ago.

Darrow had hoped his venture would be a huge commercial success, drawing visitors from nearby Glenwood Springs. To reach the cave entrance, customers had to climb a steep trail to the mountaintop. Ahead of his time, Darrow proposed an electric tram to take people more efficiently to the attraction. Unfortunately, the town leaders were not as enthusiastic and refused to fund it; his project floundered and tours ceased in the mid-1910s.

With special permission from the Darrow family, caving groups continued exploring and mapping the extensive caverns. Over the years, new discoveries were made including areas not previously accessible except to a few hardy cavers willing to crawl and wiggle through them. The property remained in the Darrow family until 1961 when Peter Prebble and his partners bought it.

The current route of the Historic Fairy Cave Tour was two years in the making with close to 1,000 tons of rocky debris removed by hand with buckets and in wheelbarrows. Thankfully visitors don’t have to inch their way through tight spots anymore to appreciate the beauty of the caverns.

We were honored to have  Rocky Mountain PBS  film a  Colorado Experience  special of the Historic Fairy Caves at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Descend into the magical Fairy Caves – dubbed “The 8th Wonder of the World.”

Highlights of the tour include:

• The Cloud Room with a subaqueous calcite ceiling.
• 40-minute walking cave tour. Cave tour times are posted at the Glenwood Gondola ticket counter and the customer service gazebo in the Plaza.
• A  souvenir snapshot  of your group in the cave right at the beginning of the tour, available to purchase afterwards. 
• The Head Office, where deeply penetrating tree roots are visible.
• The Eternal Towers underground canyon.
• A trip through the Darrow Tunnel, which took three years to build, starting in 1897.
• Briefly exit the tunnel to visit Exclamation Point, with panoramic views of Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River.
• The Pendant Room with its bulbous formations, carved by air and water.
• History Lane historical lighting section, with lighting design based upon Glenwood Springs Historical Society archival photographs.
• A candle-lit side trip into the Back Passage Room.
• The magnificent Register Room with it’s brilliantly-rich saturated colors created by interaction with hot springs waters.
• The Reflection Room with formation-reflecting pools reflecting stalactites, stalagmites and soda straw formations.
• Views of Jam Crack Passage with rich colors, popcorn-covered stalactites, and beautiful flowstone.

Learn more about Cave Science and History >

Accessibility:

• This is a walking tour designed for persons wearing regular street clothing and street shoes. As in our other cave tour, flip-flops are not recommended
• The packed fine pea-gravel floors are generally level, though there is one very gradual short slope with a handrail
• There is one short section containing two sets of 9 steps with a connecting level platform
• Passageways between cave rooms average approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide
• There are three narrow sections (smallest = 25 inch or 63 centimeters, only at shoulder height) which take only a brief second to step through
• There is one reduced headroom of 5.5 feet (1.7 meters) portion which is well-lit and requires briefly ducking your head underneath it
• 80+ year old visitors with canes have walked this tour without difficulties
• Our apologies, this cave tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Join Us for Octoberfest!

On Saturdays, September 28th, October 5th and October 12th from 11am to 6pm.

Savor the flavor of authentic German cuisine, sway to the rhythm of our oompah band, and participate in our traditional contests like the stein-holding contest and keg bowling – all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Colorado mountains.

King’s Row

The most highly decorated cave room in Colorado! This is a 40 minute walking tour.

Fairy Caves 

40 min guided walking tour suitable for most fitness levels.

For those seeking an authentic cave adventure.

Cave History

Learn more about the rich history of our caves!

Save with a Combo Ticket

(online price $30)

Gondola/ Caves

(online price $50)

(online price $79)

Win an Annual Thrill Pass! Learn More >

Lantern Tour

Sub-group header, activity title, haunted lantern tour e-ticket.

Regular Tour Prices:

Adults: $34  Child 8-12: $24

Children 7 and under are not permitted on the Lantern Tour.

Military Personnel will receive 10% off. Use code MILITARY24 during checkout to receive your discount.

Please keep in mind your shoes may get muddy while on this tour.

Please Note: Please be ready to present a valid U.S. Military ID when using the Military Discount. If you are purchasing tickets online, please be sure to bring your U.S. Military ID to show at the Ticket Office before going on tour. If you do not present a valid U.S. Military ID you will be charged full price for your ticket(s)

There will be a Service Fee of $3 per ticket when purchasing your tickets online, unless a Promo Code is used .

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Price & Hours

• Facilities 3.0
• Atmosphere 4.0

Though these limestone caverns began forming 70 million years ago when ancient seas receded, they only became a tourist attraction in the late 19th century after two intrepid brothers investigated wind blowing from a rocky crevice in Williams Canyon (just north of Manitou Springs ). Since 1881, visitors have flocked to tour the craggy caves to admire crystalized stalactites and stalagmites. More recently, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park has added other fun activities, including an obstacle course, zip lines, climbing wall, gemstone panning, twisty adventure slide and a 40-mph aerial ride across the canyon.  

Recent visitors recommend wearing sturdy shoes for the tours, as treks involve multiple sets of stairs and walking over uneven ground; you'll be crouching under rock formations, too. Adventurous kiddos are entertained for hours with the outdoor attractions, but keep in mind that past travelers say lines can move slowly in peak summer months. Many say an especially fun way to visit is to walk the caves by lantern with engaging and animated guides who tell spooky ghost stories while sharing details about the caverns' history.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is located about 10 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs; it's 2 miles north of Manitou Springs and 3 miles north of Red Rock Canyon Open Space . It's open every day of the year but Christmas. Specific hours vary depending on the season and attraction. Family-friendly Discovery Cave Tours cost $27 for visitors 13 and older and $18 for children between the ages of 4 to 12. The Haunted Lantern Tour is only for travelers 8 and older; tickets cost $34 for those 13 and older and $24 for ages 8 to 12. Pioneer Packages include one entry or ride on each of the above-ground attractions and cost $25 per person (however, panning for gems is not included in the package).

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#1 Garden of the Gods

U.S. News Insider Tip: Since the park is free to enter, consider exploring Garden of the Gods multiple times during your stay to see the rock formations at different times of day. The light just after sunrise and before sunset makes them especially striking and photogenic. – Kara Williams

It's easy to see how this natural landmark earned such an ethereal title: These magnificent red rock formations look as though deities could've carved them. However, the sandstone pillars are, in fact, the work of geological activity and erosion over millennia. You can learn about the garden's formations at the Visitor and Nature Center, which houses numerous informative displays and hosts daily presentations. You are welcome to explore the park on your own time (either on foot or by bike) or take a guided nature walk from the visitor center for a fee. The park partners with Adventures Out West to provide Jeep, trolley and Segway tours; it works with Amp'd Adventures for guided electric bike tours. (Note: Tour prices vary by vehicle and tour length.) Or, if you're looking for a more authentic Wild West experience, you can reserve your spot on a guided horseback tour offered by Academy Riding Stables .

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Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park

Published By Jennifer Bourn on September 10, 2018

When we’re road tripping, we like to see as many things as possible and have as many new experiences as possible, which means we’re often on the go from early in the morning to well into the evening, and our visit to Colorado Springs wasn’t any different. Our first day in the Pike’s Peak region began with hiking and scrambling over giant rock formations at Garden Of The Gods Park , then after a picnic lunch, we explored the Manitou Springs Cave Dwellings — an incredible experience we all highly recommend. Finally, mid-afternoonish, we headed over to Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park.

We’ve explored several caves and caverns near us in California — Moaning Cavern , California Caverns , Black Chasm Cavern , , and Shasta Caverns , as well as Bear Gulch Cave and Balconies Cave at Pinnacles State Park — and were excited to check out a cave system in Colorado and see how it compares.

Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park in Manitou Springs, Colorado offers underground cave adventures that explore 20 different rooms and two miles of caverns, as well as a bevy of above ground adventures like zip lining, rappelling, or traversing an awesome ropes course on the rim of Williams Canyon.

We bought the kids wristbands for the above ground activities and the whole family tickets for the Discovery Tour of the caves. Our tour began right on time with about 16 people in our group. Our tour guide was Samantha and she was awesome. She told jokes and kept our whole group engaged — even when forcing you to get a posed photo taken in the cave that they later tried to sell you.

In terms of comparing this cave system with other caves and caverns we have visited:

• Colorado’s Cave Of The Winds is definitely bigger, with more tunnels and stairs. The walls are much smoother with more curving depressions, protrusions, and holes, and there are far fewer formations.
• The caverns in California have way more formations, and not just more stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, but entire walls of flowstone, huge draperies, and stunning examples of helictites across the ceilings, as well as other formations like soda straws, cave bacon, and cave popcorn.

We all really enjoyed the Discovery Cave Tour, but my one complaint is that is was very rushed.

We moved from room to room very quickly with no time to just look around and absorb what we were seeing. The minute our tour guide was done sharing the facts for a room, we were on our way to the next room, and she wouldn’t begin the talk for the next room until everyone was present. This meant that we had almost no time to enjoy the caves or take photos, even if we stayed at the back of the line.

What was even weirder was that few people in our group had a camera or phone out for photos. At first, I thought maybe we weren’t supposed to take photos, but when I asked, our tour guides said I could take as many as I wanted. Unfortunately, with the tour being so rushed, I hardly had time, and I refused to be that jerk who takes flash photos in front of other people’s faces even if it meant I got better photos.

After our underground cave tour, the kids did the rock climbing, Geronimo’s Leap, and Wind Walker Challenge Course. They had a blast on the ropes course, but eventually called it quits when our of nowhere, it began to rain… and not just a little rain, but an insane amount of rain that was pouring down upon us. We ran all the way to the truck and by the time we climbed inside we all were soaked and cracking up!

Underground Adventures

Conveniently located in Manitou Springs, near Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs, Cave Of The Winds is one of the premiere show caves in the United States, and at 7,000 feet elevation, it is also one of the highest . Cave Of The Winds began offering public tours in 1881 and today offers three underground cave tours that feature stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, draperies, columns, soda straws, and many other amazing underground geological features and formations.

• Discovery Tour: On this 45-60 minute guided walking tour, you’ll explore the electrically lit portion of Cave of the Winds, which includes 15 rooms, 0.5 miles of concrete walkways, and 196 stairs. You’ll also learn about the history and geology of the cave while being shown some of its most beautiful formations.
• Lantern Tour: This 90-minute guided walking tour travels through almost a mile of the unimproved Manitou Grand Caverns in pitch black darkness with only candles to light the way. On this tour, you’ll navigate dark narrow tunnels, low passageways, uneven stairs, and rooms with muddy, original floors. You’ll also learn the history of Cave of the Winds and hear frightening folklore and scary ghost stories.
• Caving 101: On this 2-2.5 hour guided tour through the wild, undeveloped depths of the Manitou Grand Caverns, you’ll becrawling, climbing, and walking through wet and muddy passages of various sizes for nearly a mile while learning basic spelunking skills and the history and geology of the cave.

Above Ground Adventures

Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park offers so much more than underground cave tours and cavern tours. There is also a variety of fun, challenging, and thrilling above ground activities for the whole family. While we skipped the Terror-Dactyl, a ride that drops you 150 feet into Williams Canyon at 100 miles an hour (CRAZY!) , we did get to try out several of the other attractions.

If you’re not into the crazy rides like our family, here are the things to do above ground at Cave Of The Winds that we recommend:

• Stop by the Josephine Snider Nature Center to learn about the history of Cave of the Winds and its discovery.
• Try your hand panning for gemstones just like a Colorado miner panning for gold during.
• Choose your own adventure of the Wind Walker Challenge Course, a maze of steel beams, ropes and ladders sitting on the rim of a 600 foot drop into Williams Canyon.
• Zip line over Williams Canyon on the Bat-a-Pult, an epic 1200-foot aerial attraction that sends our down the line and pulls you right back!
• Try your hand at rock climbing on the Cliffhanger Climbing Wall.
• Test your balance by climbing Geronimo’s Leap and actually leaping off the top for an exciting ride back to the ground.
• Give your muscles a workout by climbing up and sliding down the Stalactykes Adventure Side.

Natalie and I did the Bat-a-Pult before our cave tour and woah… it was weird! Normally gravity carries you down a zip line, but this isn’t a true zip line. This ride is motorized, so it shoots you down the line, jerks to a hard stop, then pulls you backwards up the line to where you started. Riding zip line backward was a very strange experience, one I’m not sure I ever want to do again.

Cave Of The Winds History

The discovery of Cave Of The Winds is marred with controversy , with multiple people claiming credit and battling each other for the title of founder, but the official story from Cave Of The Winds is as follows:

While the caves at Colorado’s Cave of the Winds are millions of years old, and legends from over a thousand years ago tell of a cave at Manitou Springs where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided, the cave network wasn’t officially “discovered” until the late 1800s.

In 1869, Arthur B. Love noticed a thin cleft in the western wall of Williams Canyon. It was a dramatic limestone archway and cave entrance. Nothing really happened with the caves after this discovery, but in 1880, two brothers named George and John Pickett went exploring with their Boys Exploring Association for new caves in Williams Canyon. During their hunt, they found the same limestone archway. As the story goes, at the cave entrance, their candles flickered in the wind coming from a nearby crevice. Of course, they had to see where the wind was coming from and when they crawled through the limestone archway, they discovered a large chamber unlike anything they had ever seen before.

Later that year, the exploration into Cave Of The Winds continued. During the excavation of several passages in the spectacular Williams Canyon caves, George Washington Snyder uncovered the incredible Canopy Hall, a large room nearly 200 feet long containing thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. This discovery inspired Snyder to continue to excavate the cave system and begin to offer guided tours in 1881. That same year, on an adjacent piece of property he purchased, Snyder discovered the Manitou Grand Caverns which were eventually connected to Cave Of The Winds by ongoing excavation.

Twenty-six years later, in 1907, electricity was brought into parts of the Colorado caves, making it even easier to offer guided tours. Tour operations have continued at Cave of the Winds since February 1881, making it one of Colorado’s oldest and most famous attractions. Over the years, the Mountain Park has expanded to offer guests a visitor center, snack bar, gift shop, and a large variety of above ground rides and activities for the whole family.

Know Before You Go

• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is located off Colorado Highway 24 at 100 Cave of the Winds Road, Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829 near the Manitou Cliff Dwellings in El Paso County and the Pikes Peak region.
• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is open every day except Christmas Day. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the hours are 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. From September to May, the hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hours may vary on holidays.
• Parking is free.
• Discounts are available.
• Wear comfortable clothing and make sure your shoes have good traction if going on a cave tour. Consider bringing a light jacket, even in the summer, because the temperature in these Colorado caves is always 54 degrees.
• The caves have narrow, short passageways with over 200 stairs, so strollers and baby backpacks are not allowed, but front baby carriers are allowed.
• The nature center, pavilion, cafe, gift shop, and restrooms are all accessible. Cave of the Winds is not accessible due to its narrow passageways and stairs. Wheelchair-bound guests receive a complimentary visit to the Canopy Hall, the first room in the Cave, which highlights beautiful formations.
• The onsite Canyon Rim Grill offers visitors water and drinks, popcorn, snacks, ice cream, and other yummy food items.
• Established in 1881, Pickett’s Mercantile Gift Shop is the place to go for souvenirs, apparel, geodes, crystals, jewelry, knives, glassware, toys, artwork, and unique gifts.
• Pets are not allowed at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park.
• All of the activities and advenures at Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park require the purchase of an individual ticket or a package deal. We purchased both kids an unlimited wristband so they could do most of the activities as many times as they wanted and I just got a Bat-a-Pult ticket so I could zip line with Natalie.
• Most of the cave formations are made of limestone formed by millions of years of seashells being pressed together.

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Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park – Manitou Springs

Cave of the Winds is one of America’s favorite show caves, located at the base of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs. On top of cave tours, they offer a slew of mountain activities, including a via ferrata, zip line and Terror-Dactyl among their most known attractions.

There are two ways to explore the cave: a simple walking tour, and a move adventures lantern tour. Strollers, baby backpacks, and wheelchairs are not allowed on cave tours. Children 5 and under are not permitted on Lantern Tours

Cave Discovery Tour

This main walking tour runs 45-60 minutes and is perfect for families and others looking for an educational and fun experience. It winds through nearly a mile of complex caverns and takes visitors into 15 rooms and on 196 stairs. See some of the amazing rock formations inside the cave, and learn about the history and geology of the caverns.

Cave Lantern Tour

A truly unique way to explore the caverns is through lantern light. All participants carry their own lanterns through these rugged caverns just as early explorers did. It’s ideal for the more daring visitors. The tour runs for 1.5 hours. Along the tour, the spooky ghost stories and history of the caverns are told, and visitors learn about the mysterious phenomena of the Manitou Grands.

Via Ferrata

Take a memorable Colorado tour like no other with a trek on the mountainous paths above the canyon and along the limestone cliffs with this Via Ferrata adventure. It’s an outdoor activity that combines rock climbing, grappling, and hiking all into one. No rock climbing experience is required, as the equipment that you’ll be set up with on this course is designed for beginners to do this type of sport.

The expert tour guides will be with you every step of making sure everyone feels safe and capable of enjoying the unique and beautiful views along the journey. The trip ends with some ziplining, which is sure to scratch anyone’s itch for a thrilling time.

Even though this tour is perfectly acceptable for people without any experience of this nature, it’s still important to dress for this kind of activity accordingly. A helmet, harness system, and gloves will be provided, but wearing appropriate and sturdy footwear is necessary.

Participants must also weigh between 90 and 250 lbs, be at least 48 inches tall, and a minimum age of 12 years old. An adult must accompany visitors between the ages of 12-17.

Terror-dactyl

The Terror-dactyl ride at Cave of the Winds isn’t for those with a weak stomach. This thrill-seeking adventure activity has participants get strapped into a swing-seat and sit on the edge of a cliff, looking down about 200 feet into Williams Canyon.

Then, the sitters get launched about 150 feet into the canyon at 100 mile-per-hour, followed by a free-fall and getting swung back and forth over the canyon floor. Not only will you get to feel the effects of G-Force on the Terror-dactyl, but you’ll get one of the best adrenaline rushes in the world and see some impressive views of Colorado nature from an exciting point of view.

Riders of the Terror-dactyl must be between 100-250lbs and 48” tall to be able to do the experience. The ride is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day between 9 am-9 pm in the summer. It’s available from Labor Day to Memorial Day between 10 am-5 pm during the winter.

Frontier Zip Lines

The Frontier Zip Lines are in the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park and are made up of two zip lines. They give riders a bird’s eye view of Pikes Peak and the surrounding area. Visitors take a short ½ mile hike to the starting point after getting all the necessary equipment on at the Gear Shack by Frontier Canyon, so you won’t be wasting any time getting suited up where you clip on the line.

The two lines total over a quarter-mile and 80 feet, an activity that is sure to be both thrilling and memorable. This zip line is also a part of the Via Ferrata tour, but it can be purchased separately.

All riders need to be between 90 and 250lbs and at least 12 years old. Minors aged between 12-17 need to be accompanied by an adult. While appointments aren’t necessary, they are recommended to ensure that you get to zipline on the day of your visit.

Other Activities

• Wind Walker Challenge Course – A 3-story obstacle course balanced on the rim of a 600-foot drop over Williams Canyon. Participants are strapped in a full-body harness and have the opportunity to navigate a maze of steel beams, ropes and ladders. Open March through September.
• Cliffhanger Climbing Wall
• Geronimo’s Leap
• Magic Lantern Theatre
• Panning for Gemstones
• Axe Throwing
• Stalactykes Adventure Slide
• Caver’s Crawl
• Visitor Center & Gift Card
• Williams Canyon Overlook

Address: 100 Cave Of The Winds Rd, Manitou Springs , CO

Phone: 719-685-5444

Season: Year round

Hours – Summer 9am-9pm, Winter 10am-5pm

Website: caveofthewinds.com

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