Colorado is a vast state known for its exciting ski towns, marvelous mountain vistas and multiple national parks. Nature lovers are bound to love this state, which offers some of the best landscapes today. The state is home to 78 of the 100 highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains (also known as the Rockies) - a 3,000 km (1,900 miles) mountain range located in the western part of the United States. This vast landscape hosts multiple ecosystems, micro-climates, natural wonders and modern attractions.
One of the most underrated parts of Colorado’s geological marvels is the caves and caverns located across the different mountains. These caves were discovered decades ago and are still continually explored today. Those curious to walk through these caves can do so using the multiple tours available at the locations while experienced spelunkers can always self-discover. Read below to find out about the caving adventures in Colorado.
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1. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
A great mix of thrill and exploration await visitors at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The Park, once known as Fairy Cave, was opened to the public in 1999 by landowners Steve and Jeanne Beckley. They also added an amusement park, which has since been expanded and enhanced significantly. It is America’s only mountaintop theme park, having been built at an elevation of 7,100 feet (2160 meters) of elevation. Cave explorers (spelunkers) and curious tourists can take multiple tours at the caves, including the Historic Fairy Cave Tour, the Kings Row Tour, and the Wild Caves Tour. The last of these tours is open by reservation only and is suited for experienced spelunkers rather than beginners. The cave is known to have 3 miles (4.8 km) of passageway currently although experts believe that the cave has much more - around 10 miles (16 km) in total.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Address: 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, United States
Website: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Opening hours: Sun & Mon: 10am - 5pm; Fri & Sat: 10am - 9pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
2. Fulford Cave
Located in the White River National Forest, the Fulford Cave was discovered in the late 1800s by adventurers. It has since become a popular location for beginner and experienced spelunkers alike. The cave is believed to have been formed by melting glaciers and features a mesmerizing cavernous ceiling along with a flowing creek underground. Proper gear and a map are a must while exploring this cave, but the journey is definitely worth the work. Explorers need to register with the Forest Service to be able to explore a cave - a move that was made to protect the local bat population. There is a campground close to the cave, which acts as a basecamp. Fulford Cave is closed from October 15th to April 15th every year so a visit in the spring and summer is advised.
Fulford Cave
Address: Forest Rd 415, Basalt, CO 81621, United States
Website: United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service
3. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is located in Manitou Springs and it is one of the oldest continuing attractions in Colorado. This cave is steeped in centuries of history and is known to have been a sacred location for Apaches. It was discovered in 1880 and was open to the public a year after. The Cave of the Winds Mountain Park features both the cavernous attraction as well as above-ground entertainment.
Visitors to the Cave of the Winds can choose among three tours - the Discovery Tour, Lantern Tour, and Caving 101 Tour. The Discovery Tour is a family-friendly hour-long tour that allows visitors to walk through 15 rooms in the cave on well-lit concrete paths. Discover the “Manitou Grand Caverns”, during a 90-minute Lantern Tour that sees guests walk through tiny passageways, uneven stairs, small tunnels, and muddy, original floors. Those who are keen on getting a taste of spelunking can opt for the Caving 101 Tour.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Address: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, United States
Website: Cave of the Winds
4. Rifle Mountain Park
Spelunkers that love to explore ice caves can do so in Rifle Mountain Park at certain times of the year. Rifle Mountain Park was created on October 21, 1921, and is located in the northwest section of Colorado. While the park is known for its rock climbing amenities - over 250 bolted climbing routes - and camping sites, there is a unique attraction open to experienced spelunkers. Every year as the falls freeze over, explorers can move through caves whose floor and walls are covered in mesmerizing, crystalline blue ice. These stunning caves give spelunkers the chance to walk behind two frozen waterfalls. There are 2 main ice caves, named as the Ice Palace (Lower Cave) and the Final Curtain (Upper Cave), located along the Koper’s Trail.
Rifle Mountain Park
Address: 13885 Co Rd 217, Rifle, CO 81650, United States
Website: The City of Rifle Colorado
Colorado Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Yampah Vapor Caves
Want a cave experience that is relaxing, leisurely and perfect for all types of visitors? Then Yampah Vapor Caves is your answer. Located at a mountain getaway in Glenwood Springs, this is the best place to relax after a long day of hiking and exploring. This property hosts three cave rooms, all of which are kept at a warm 110-112 degrees Fahrenheit (43-44 degree celsius) thanks to the steaming hot mineral waters that flow underneath the structure. Visitors can pay for entry, which starts around USD 17 for adults, and head on over to one of the three cave rooms wth stone benches to sweat it out. There are also cooling rooms close by so you can cool off and go back to the caves.
Yampah Vapor Caves
Address: 709 E. Sixth St., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Website: Yampah Spa
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
6. Rifle Falls State Park
Just about 3 miles (4.8 km) away from Rifle Mountain Park, the Rifle Falls State Park offers traditional caving experiences. The State Park is most famous for its triple waterfall and nature trails, that are ideal for both visitors, beginners and experienced adventurers. The main attraction - Rifle Falls is located very close to the parking area while there are steep, rocky paths that lead up and around the hill. The park’s lesser-known attraction are the two limestone caves it hosts, located shortly away from the Falls, off of the Coyote Trail.
Rifle Falls State Park
Address: 5775 Hwy 325 Rifle, CO 81650
Website: Colorado
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Visit the caves in Colorado
Colorado is nothing short of awe-inspiring when it comes to natural wonders. While ski towns like Aspen are more well-known by tourists, the nature parks are definitely worth a visit. Caves and caverns might not be on some people’s vacation planning list but exploring these geological structures - developed over centuries - is a must for nature lovers, spelunkers and those who have a taste for adventure.
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