Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs

Discovered in 1869 and opened to public tours in 1881, Cave of the Winds has been a place for visitors to explore the underground world for 130 years. But the history of the caves goes back even further – it’s millions of years old!

Early legends of the Jicarilla Apaches, who migrated through the Pikes Peak region around 1000 AD, told of a cave in the Manitou Springs area where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided.

 

In 1869, a recent settler to Williams Canyon named Arthur B. Love became intrigued by a cleft in the canyon’s western wall. When he investigated the opening, he discovered a large limestone archway and a cave entrance that would later become Cave of the Winds Colorado Springs.

 

The modern era of Cave of the Winds began when brothers John and George Pickett went looking for new caves on a scouting trip in Williams Canyon in 1880. They discovered a small shelter cave near the limestone archway. When they lit their candles, they noticed that the flames flickered in the wind that blew from a nearby crevice. When they crawled through the passageway, they emerged into a large chamber that promised a world of exploration.

 

That world of exploration was opened up by George Washington Snider, a stonecutter from Ohio who traveled to Colorado seeking fame and fortune. In the fall of 1880, Snider excavated passages from the Williams Canyon caves and discovered Canopy Hall. Snider continued to excavate and began preparations for guided tours. Cave of the Winds Colorado Springs has been in continuous operation since February 1881 – making it one of Colorado’s original visitor attractions! Electrical lights were switched on in the caves on July 4, 1907, and visitors began traveling to Cave of the Winds in great numbers – first by carriage and railroad, and now by car and SUV!

 

Two different types of tours are offered at Cave of the Winds. Please make sure to check ahead for availability and pricing as details are subject to change.

Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend:Daily from 9 am – 9 pm. Tours leave every 15-30 minutes. Last tour leaves at 8:30 pm. Due to popularity, summer guests may experience a wait of approx. 30-45 minutes between ticket purchase and the start of an available tour.

Winter (September-May): Daily, 10 am-5 pm. Tours leave every 30 minutes. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.

Adults: $18
Children Ages 6-11: $9
Children 5 Years & Younger are FREE

 

Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend: Daily from 10 am – 5 pm. Tours leave on the hour. Call (719) 685-5444 for more information.

Winter Hours: Tours available Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.

 

Adults: $24
Children Ages 6-11: $14
Children 5 & Under are Not Permitted

 

Cave of the Winds has recently added the Wind Walker Challenge Course. Located on the rim of a 600-foot drop into Williams Canyon, thrill-seekers of all ages can navigate a challenging maze of steel beams, swinging ropes and ladders, wearing a specially designed harness. Safe & fun for the whole family!

Wind Walker Challenge Course Information
Tickets: $15 per person
Height Requirements: Must be 48″ tall to participate

 

Source: www.caveofthewinds.com