Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, located in Colorado Springs, is a historic natural landmark filled with amazing formations just waiting to be discovered by you.
This is one of the region’s original attractions and is a great year-round choice for family fun and adventure.
Hours & Tickets
Park Hours
The Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is open daily, year-round, with the exception of some holidays. The last tours of the day are approximately one hour prior to closing. Above ground attractions are open daily, weather permitting.
- Memorial Day to Labor Day – Park Hours: 9am - 6pm | Above Ground Attractions: 10am - 5pm
- September to May – Park Hours: 10 am - 5pm | Above Ground Attractions: 11am - 4pm
Tickets
- Discovery Tour – Ages 13 & Up: $28 | Ages 4-12: $18 | Age 0-3: Free
- Lantern Tour – Ages 13 & Up: $34 | Ages 8-12: $24
- Expedition Tour – $99
- Pioneer Package – $25
- Terror-dactyl – $35
- Zip Line – $159
- Via Ferrata – $159
Things to Do
Discovery Tour
The Discovery Tour is a 45-60 minute family-friendly journey through Cave of the Winds. This electrically lit tour showcases stunning formations while unveiling the cave's rich history and geological wonders.
- Requirements: Perfect for all ages and first-time cave explorers.
Lantern Tour
The Lantern Tour is available to guests ages 8 and over, and is a more adventurous tour lasting 90 minutes. Navigate dark, narrow tunnels and uneven terrain by lantern light while learning about the cave's history, local folklore, eerie ghost stories, and unexplained phenomena of the Manitou Grands.
- Requirements: Children under the age of 8 are not permitted. Not recommended for those with mobility issues or those who are easily frightened.
Expedition Tour
Challenge yourself on this 2.5-3 hour guided adventure into the undeveloped parts of Cave of the Winds. Crawl, climb, and navigate through wet and muddy passages while learning caving skills, geology, zoology, and cave history.
- Requirements: Children 13 and older only. This tour is not recommended for guests who are or may be pregnant, have heart or respiratory problems, or have mobility issues.
After touring the caves, experience William Canyon’s dramatic beauty with fun and interactive adventures including the Wind Walker Challenge Course,Terror-Dactyl, and Via Ferrata.
The Wind Walker Challenge Course
The Wind Walker Challenge Course is 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 while wearing a specially designed harness. Then, take to the skies on the Bat-a-Pult, a 1200-foot round-trip aerial ride that uniquely returns riders to the launch point, unlike traditional zip lines.
- Requirements: Must be 48″ tall to participate.
Terror-Dactyl
The first of its kind anywhere in the world, the Terror-Dactyl sits on the edge of a 200-foot cliff in the Williams Canyon in Manitou Springs. Those brave enough to ride will be launched 200 feet into the canyon at nearly 100 miles per hour! Watch the ladies from the Today Show ride the ride in the video below!
- Requirements: Must be 48" tall. Recommended weight between 100-250 lbs.
Watch the Today Show as they ride the Terror-Dactyl at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park!
Via Ferrata
Italian for "Iron Road," Via Ferrata is based off of the WWI soldiers who traversed the front line of Austria, Hungary and Italy. This attraction offers visitors the chance to traverse high above the canyon on limestone cliffs. A two hour guided tour offers visitors an experience of a lifetime with specialized equipment and knowledgeable guides that allow both experienced and inexperienced climbers a chance to experience Colorado's rugged beauty.
- Requirements: Participants must be between 48″ and 82" tall and weigh between 90lbs & 250lbs and must be ages 12 and up. Guests 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park History
In 1880, brothers John and George Pickett scouted for new caves in Williams Canyon. They discovered a small cave near the limestone archway. They noticed that the flames on their lit candles flickered in the wind coming from somewhere within the cave. They crawled through a small opening and emerged into a large chamber that promised an amazing world of exploration.
That world was structurally opened by George Washington Snider, a stonecutter from Ohio. Soon after the cave’s initial discovery, Snider excavated passages and found Canopy Hall. He continued to excavate and soon was giving guided tours. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in Colorado Springs has been in continuous operation since February 1881 – it is one of Colorado’s original visitor attractions!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you spend at Cave of the Winds, Colorado Springs?
Visitors typically spend between 60 to 90 minutes at Cave of the Winds, depending on the chosen tour. Give yourself extra time to enjoy the various above ground attractions after your tour.
How long is the Discovery Tour at Cave of the Winds?
The Discovery Tour at Cave of the Winds lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
What should I wear to Cave of the Winds?
For your visit to Cave of the Winds, it's recommended that you wear comfortable clothing such as jeans, shorts, or a comfortable skirt, shoes with good traction, and a light jacket.
Do you need reservations for Cave of the Winds, Colorado?
To make a reservation for a specific time, tickets must be purchased online. Discovery Tour and Lantern Tour tickets sold at the Ticket Office are sold on a first come first serve basis, and sell out quickly. Advanced reservations are required for the Expedition Tour.
What's the temperature inside a cave?
The temperature inside the caves at Cave of the Winds remains a pleasant 54 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, even during the heat of a Colorado summer.
More information on all Cave of the Winds Mountain Park tours and activities can be found at www.caveofthewinds.com.
Looking for more attractions and activities in Colorado Springs? Check out our Things to Do page and don't forget to order your FREE Vacation Planner!
