Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Explore ancient caverns and experience thrilling rides at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, offering adventure for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient caverns and experience thrilling rides at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, offering adventure for all ages.
"Guides like Regan and Stephanie are highly praised for making tours engaging and fun!"
Book Online for Savings
Save money and secure your spot by booking tours and activities in advance on their website.
Wear Layers & Bring a Change
Cave is 60°F. Expedition Tour gets muddy! Bring a jacket & extra clothes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Discovery Tour
Cave Interior
Explore the illuminated caverns with fascinating rock formations and learn about the cave's history from engaging guides.
Expedition Tour
Cave Interior
Get hands-on with a more adventurous caving experience, including crawling and tight squeezes. Prepare to get dirty!
Terror-dactyl Ride
Above Ground
Experience a thrilling free-fall swing that launches you 150 feet into the air for an adrenaline rush.
Ropes Course
Above Ground
Test your agility and balance on a challenging ropes course with various obstacles and heights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Dress for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Online for Savings
Save money and secure your spot by booking tours and activities in advance on their website.
Wear Layers & Bring a Change
Cave is 60°F. Expedition Tour gets muddy! Bring a jacket & extra clothes.
Ask for Your Favorite Guide
Guides like Regan and Stephanie are highly praised for making tours engaging and fun!
Consider the Pioneer Pack
Bundle cave tours and activities like the ropes course for a great value.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Online for Savings
Save money and secure your spot by booking tours and activities in advance on their website.
Wear Layers & Bring a Change
Cave is 60°F. Expedition Tour gets muddy! Bring a jacket & extra clothes.
Ask for Your Favorite Guide
Guides like Regan and Stephanie are highly praised for making tours engaging and fun!
Consider the Pioneer Pack
Bundle cave tours and activities like the ropes course for a great value.
Uber/Lyft is an Option
If you don't have a car, rideshares are a viable way to get to the park from Colorado Springs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the engaging and knowledgeable tour guides, with many highlighting specific individuals for making their experience exceptional. The variety of activities, from educational cave tours to thrilling rides, is a major draw. However, some find the Discovery Tour a bit short for the price, and the Expedition Tour can be quite messy, requiring preparation.
"Hour long "discovery tour" brings you through lit areas of the cave. Pathway is somewhat narrow, includes multiple sets of stairs with handrails, and is a chilly 60 degrees. Guide was very good about keeping group together and having us mind our heads on low passages. It wasn't one of the more majestic looking caves I've been in in terms of rooms or formations, but was a fun and easy tour."
Nikki Levy
"We had the best experience at Cave of the Winds thanks to our tour guide, Regan! She was extremely knowledgeable, super funny, and kept the whole tour engaging from start to finish. She really went above and beyond to make sure our experience was memorable and enjoyable. Highly recommend asking for Regan if you visit—you won’t be disappointed!"
Kelsey Sargent
"Took the first tour of the day so it was nice and no wait. Enjoyed the caved and different rock formations. Lance did a good job with the tour. We also have the pioneer pack and enjoyed all the activities, rope courses are the favorites."
Christine S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus to Manitou Springs and then use Uber or Lyft to reach the park. This is a common strategy for visitors without personal vehicles.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the park.
While direct public transport to the park is limited, you can reach Manitou Springs by bus and then take a rideshare.
The address is 100 Cave of Winds Road, Manitou Springs, CO.
The Discovery Tour has paved pathways and handrails, but some areas may be narrow. The Expedition Tour is not wheelchair accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center on-site or conveniently online through the official Cave of the Winds website. Booking in advance is recommended.
The park operates year-round from morning to evening. It's best to check their official website for specific daily hours as they can vary seasonally.
Prices vary depending on the tour package and age group. The 'Pioneer Pack' offers a bundle of activities at a discounted rate. Check their website for current pricing.
Yes, they offer the Discovery Tour (illuminated), the Expedition Tour (adventurous caving), and seasonal Lantern Tours.
Refund policies typically depend on the booking terms and how far in advance you cancel. It's advisable to review the cancellation policy on their website before purchasing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wear layers as the cave is a constant 60°F (16°C). For the Expedition Tour, wear old clothes you don't mind getting muddy and wet. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for all tours and activities.
The Terror-dactyl ride has specific height and weight requirements. The Expedition Tour also has age and physical ability recommendations due to its adventurous nature. Check the park's website for details.
The Discovery Tour is about an hour long. The Expedition Tour's duration can vary but is generally a solid beginner-friendly caving experience.
Photography is generally allowed on the Discovery Tour, but flash photography might be restricted to protect formations. Check with your guide for specific rules.
Beyond cave tours, you can enjoy the thrilling Terror-dactyl ride, a challenging ropes course, and a zip line.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are typically concessions or a cafe on-site offering snacks and light meals for visitors.
Outside food and drinks are usually permitted in designated picnic areas, but it's always best to check the park's specific policy.
Expect typical park fare like sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
Options may be limited, so it's a good idea to inquire directly or pack your own if you have specific dietary needs.
Manitou Springs, located just a short drive away, offers a variety of restaurants and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the Discovery Tour, but flash may be restricted. Always ask your guide for the most up-to-date rules.
Besides the unique cave formations, the views from the Terror-dactyl launch point and the ropes course offer great photo opportunities.
Tripods are usually not allowed inside the caves due to space constraints and to avoid obstructing other visitors.
A camera with good low-light performance and the ability to adjust ISO is helpful. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing formations.
Drone usage is typically prohibited within the park and especially inside the caves for safety and preservation reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For older children and teens seeking more excitement, the Terror-dactyl ride and the ropes course provide thrilling adventures. The park's variety ensures there's something to capture the interest of every family member, making it a memorable outing. Remember to pack layers and potentially a change of clothes for the more adventurous tours.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
While there are food options available, packing your own snacks and drinks can help reduce costs. For transportation, utilizing rideshare services strategically or exploring public transport options to Manitou Springs can be more economical than renting a car if you're not planning extensive travel elsewhere.
❤️ Couples & Adventure Seekers
Consider booking a Lantern Tour for a more intimate and atmospheric experience, adding a touch of romance and mystery to your underground exploration. The stunning views from the park's higher points also offer romantic photo opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Cave Adventure
For the more adventurous, the Expedition Tour is a must-try. This tour involves crawling, squeezing through tight passages, and navigating muddy terrain, offering a truly immersive caving experience. It's recommended to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting wet and dirty, and a change of clothes is a wise addition. This tour is ideal for those seeking a hands-on, thrilling encounter with the subterranean world.
Seasonal Lantern Tours add a unique, atmospheric twist, allowing visitors to explore the cave by the dim glow of a lantern, evoking a sense of historical exploration. These tours are often described as spooky and memorable, providing a different perspective on the cave's natural beauty.
Beyond the Caves: Thrills and Views
For those who prefer a challenge that tests agility and balance, the ropes course offers a series of obstacles suspended at various heights. Navigating through the course provides a fun and engaging way to enjoy the mountain park's scenery. Many visitors, including families, find this activity to be a highlight of their visit.
These above-ground adventures, combined with the diverse cave tours, make Cave of the Winds Mountain Park a comprehensive destination for adventure and natural wonder. The park consistently receives praise for its friendly staff and the variety of experiences offered.
Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips
Booking tours and activities in advance, especially online, is a smart move to secure your preferred time slots and potentially save money. This is particularly true for popular tours that can sell out. The park also offers a 'Pioneer Pack' which bundles various activities, providing excellent value for those wanting to experience multiple attractions.
For visitors without personal transportation, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a viable option to get to the park from Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs. While direct public transport might be limited, these services make the park accessible.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit