Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking caves and caverns in the country, offering a perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. Whether you're a seasoned spelunker or a beginner looking for an exciting day out, these caves in Colorado have something for everyone. From mysterious underground rivers to colorful rock formations, the state’s caves provide unique experiences for visitors. Many of these caves are open for year-round exploration, while others require a bit of extra preparation and skill. Get ready to dive into some of the most fascinating caves in Colorado!
6 Best Caves in Colorado
Cave of the Winds – Manitou Springs
Cave of the Winds, located at the base of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs, is a popular show cave known for its stunning rock formations and exciting tours. Visitors can choose from the Cave Discovery Tour, which explores nearly a mile of caverns, or the more adventurous Lantern Tour, where you carry your own lantern and hear spooky ghost stories. In addition to the cave, the park offers thrilling activities like ziplining and the Terror-Dactyl ride, making it a great destination for both nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park – Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Caverns is home to Colorado’s largest show cave and offers an unforgettable underground experience. Visitors can explore the caverns on a walking tour or choose the Wild Tour, which requires crawling through narrow, dark passageways. Outside the cave, the Adventure Park offers exciting activities such as the world’s highest roller coaster, a giant canyon swing, and an alpine coaster, providing something for every kind of adventurer.
Fulford Cave – Eagle
For experienced cavers, Fulford Cave in Eagle is a must-see destination. This cave, first recorded in 1874, offers a challenging exploration experience with its tight spaces and hidden nooks. Visitors need to follow strict decontamination procedures to protect local bat populations from White Nose Syndrome. Fulford Cave is open from mid-April to mid-October, and a permit is required for entry, making it an exclusive adventure for those seeking a true spelunking challenge.
Spring Cave – Meeker
Located in the South Fork River Valley near Meeker, Spring Cave is an expansive, little-explored cave system shaped by an underground river. Spelunkers brave enough to explore the cave will encounter damp conditions, with the river sometimes rising near the cave entrance. Spring Cave is open to experienced explorers from mid-April to mid-August, but it’s important to check weather conditions, as flash floods can make it dangerous. It’s also home to bats that need protection, so visitors must follow strict decontamination procedures.
Grottos Trail to Ice Caves – Aspen
The Grottos Trail in Aspen is a beautiful hike that passes waterfalls and grottos, with ice formations filling the caves during the winter months. It’s a popular destination year-round, as the trail is easy to navigate and offers a unique winter experience. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the cool water and stunning scenery, while winter visitors will find themselves surrounded by snow-covered grottos and ice caves. The trail is also dog-friendly, making it a great family outing.
Yampah Spa & Salon – Glenwood Springs
For a more relaxing cave experience, Yampah Spa & Salon in Glenwood Springs offers a unique underground experience with natural vapor caves. These hot mineral steam caves, heated by the area’s hot springs, are the only known vapor caves in North America. The Ute Indians used these caves for rejuvenation, and today visitors can enjoy the relaxing benefits of steam therapy. The temperature inside the caves averages 110°F to 112°F, providing the perfect environment for unwinding. The spa also offers additional wellness services like massages, facials, and private hot baths.
Essential Preparation Tips for Cave Exploration
Exploring caves in Colorado requires careful preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Before heading out, it’s important to research the cave you plan to visit, as some may require special permits or have specific entry restrictions. Be sure to check the weather forecast, especially for caves located near rivers or in areas prone to flooding, as conditions can change quickly and affect your safety. Pack the right gear, including a helmet, headlamp, and appropriate footwear for rough, slippery terrain. If you plan on visiting remote caves or more difficult ones, ensure you have extra batteries, a map, and enough water and snacks for your trip.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with the cave’s rules and regulations. Many caves in Colorado, particularly those that are home to sensitive wildlife, require visitors to follow specific protocols to avoid disturbing the ecosystem. For example, caves like Fulford and Spring Cave are home to bats that are at risk of White Nose Syndrome, so decontaminating your gear is a must. Always travel with a buddy when spelunking in remote areas, as it is easy to get lost or injured in the dark, confined spaces. Being well-prepared helps ensure that your cave exploration is not only fun but also safe for both you and the environment.
Key Safety Guidelines for Cave Exploration
When exploring caves in Colorado, safety should be your top priority. One of the most important safety tips is to always use proper lighting. Headlamps or flashlights are essential, and you should always carry extra batteries in case your light source fails. Caves can be extremely dark, and the ability to see is crucial for avoiding obstacles and navigating tricky paths. Additionally, make sure to stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost, especially in caves like those at Glenwood Caverns or Cave of the Winds, which can be vast and winding. If you find yourself in a more rugged cave, such as Fulford Cave, be prepared to crawl through tight spots and move carefully to avoid injury.
Another key safety tip is to dress appropriately for the conditions inside the cave. The temperature in many Colorado caves remains cool year-round, so it’s wise to bring a jacket or layers, particularly when visiting places like Glenwood Caverns, where the temperature hovers around 52°F. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes to prevent slipping on wet or uneven surfaces. Always make sure to follow any posted warnings or cave-specific guidelines, as some caves may have dangerous features such as sharp rocks, steep drop-offs, or unstable passages. And finally, never go cave exploring alone; having a buddy ensures that someone can assist in case of an emergency.
Why You Should Explore Caves with a Tour Guide
Exploring caves in Colorado with a tour guide offers several advantages, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with the terrain. Tour guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the cave systems, helping visitors navigate safely through complex passageways. They can provide important historical and geological insights that enhance the exploration experience, turning a simple cave tour into an educational adventure. Guided tours, such as those offered at Cave of the Winds or Glenwood Caverns, often include safety briefings and provide access to areas that may not be easily reachable without expert guidance.
In addition to the educational benefits, a tour guide ensures that visitors are well-prepared for any challenges encountered within the cave. Guides are trained to identify potential hazards, such as unstable rock formations or dangerous flooding conditions, and can quickly respond in case of emergencies. They also help maintain proper etiquette, such as keeping noise levels down to avoid disturbing the fragile ecosystems inside the cave. With a guide leading the way, you can focus on enjoying the natural beauty of the caves in Colorado without worrying about getting lost or missing important features.
Conclusion: Uncover the Hidden of Caves in Colorado
Exploring caves in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to discover the state's stunning underground landscapes and rich history. Whether you're seeking a thrilling adventure through narrow passages or a relaxing experience in mineral-rich steam caves, Colorado's diverse cave system has something for everyone. From the family-friendly tours at Glenwood Caverns to the rejuvenating mineral baths at Yampah Spa, there's no shortage of ways to explore and enjoy these natural wonders. So, gather your gear, plan your trip, and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of caves in Colorado.
