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Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a historic cave and adventure park located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, just west of Colorado Springs.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in Manitou Springs, CO

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a geological and adventure attraction centered around a complex of limestone caves. Discovered in the late 1800s, these caves feature a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations, formed over millions of years. The park has expanded to include adventure activities like ziplining, climbing, and a massive canyon swing, offering both a scientific exploration of the cave’s wonders and outdoor thrills above ground.

Known for its incredible limestone cave formations, Cave of the Winds has attracted visitors for over a century. The park offers both educational cave tours and thrilling outdoor attractions, making it a unique mix of natural history and adventure.

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Schedule a Tour

Schedule a Tour at the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in Manitou Springs, CO.

Frequently Asked Questions

The park offers a range of activities suited to families, thrill-seekers, and history enthusiasts:

  • Cave Tours:
    • Discovery Tour: A family-friendly, one-hour tour that takes visitors through well-lit sections of the cave, showcasing beautiful formations and explaining the cave’s history and geology.
    • Haunted Lantern Tour: This spooky, candle-lit tour delves into the darker history of the caves, sharing ghost stories and legends. This tour is popular with those interested in the supernatural.
  • Outdoor Attractions:
    • Bat-A-Pult: A seated, two-person zipline that sends riders speeding over the canyon with great views of Williams Canyon.
    • Wind Walker Challenge Course: A daring three-story ropes course suspended over the edge of a canyon, offering a thrilling challenge with panoramic views.
    • Terror-Dactyl: A giant canyon swing that drops riders 150 feet into the canyon at high speeds, offering an intense adrenaline rush and a unique view of the canyon.
  • Climbing and Fossil Panning: Kids and families can enjoy rock climbing and try their hand at panning for gemstones and fossils, providing a hands-on way to learn about geology.

Cave of the Winds is situated near several popular attractions in the Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs area:

  • Garden of the Gods: A free public park with stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic vistas. It’s just a short drive away and offers a fantastic outdoor experience.
  • Manitou Springs: This historic town features unique shops, art galleries, and mineral springs. Manitou Springs also has a variety of local restaurants and cafés.
  • Pikes Peak: Visitors can explore Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous mountains, by driving, hiking, or taking the historic cog railway to the summit.
  • Manitou Cliff Dwellings: A reconstructed Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling site that visitors can explore. The dwellings are authentic structures that were relocated from southwest Colorado and provide insight into ancient cultures.
  • Red Rock Canyon Open Space: This open space offers beautiful hiking trails and views similar to Garden of the Gods but with fewer crowds, making it a peaceful alternative for nature enthusiasts.

The Cave of the Winds was discovered in 1881 by two brothers, John and George Pickett, who entered through a narrow opening and found a cave filled with unique formations. Word of the cave quickly spread, and it became one of Colorado’s first tourist attractions. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cave of the Winds had become a popular destination for travelers, thanks to its impressive rock formations and mysterious ambiance.

In the 20th century, the cave was further developed for public access with better lighting and guided tours. Cave of the Winds has since evolved to include a variety of adventure attractions that enhance its appeal as a family-friendly park. The cave’s natural beauty and the thrill of exploring underground formations have kept it a beloved destination for more than a century.

No, the caves are accessible only through guided tours to protect the delicate formations and ensure visitor safety. To schedule a tour or find out more information call (719) 685-5444.

While walk-ins are welcome, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance during peak season, weekends, and holidays to secure your preferred tour times.

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