Beware: You should never explore wild caves alone or without proper gear. Consider getting in touch with a Grotto of the National Speleological Society at www.caves.org or a qualified cave club. These groups are skilled and will train you. Without sufficient knowledge, preparation, and equipment, cave exploring can lead to serious injury or death.
Travelers interested in exploring the great outdoors often flock to Colorado to enjoy the state’s renowned beauty. However, what you’ll find beneath the surface is just as stunning. Colorado is home to a wide range of caves and some of them are worth checking out on your next trip.
Colorado’s grottos, caverns, and caves feature stunning natural beauty that will astound you. Each of its caves offers something unique, whether you’re searching for a challenging climb before you reach your destination or a peaceful place to unwind once you get there. Listed below are caves in Colorado that you should check out.
Cave of the Winds
Manitou Springs is home to Cave of the Winds. History buffs will find that Cave of the Winds does not disappoint. Starting in 1881, it is one of Colorado’s longest-running tourist destinations.
Further evidence suggests that the Apaches held this site in high esteem for hundreds of years. There are three different excursions available at this cave near Manitou Springs, and each one will take you to a different area with breathtaking scenery.
After you’re done here, you might want to check out some of the local sights. The Wind Walker Challenge Course features thrilling rides like the Terror-Dactyl and Bat-A-Pult, which launch you over the canyon’s edge in front of breathtaking scenery. Perhaps you’d enjoy the Via Ferrata climbing wall or the Frontier Zipline.
Fault Cave
The off-the-beaten-path Fault Cave could be perfect for you. If you’re a seasoned caver and don’t mind exploring a cave with a bit of history, this is one of the caves in Colorado just for you. A sequence of faults caused the formation of these caverns, resulting in a tight and (at times) claustrophobic tunnel.
This isn’t your typical cave tour, but that’s not always bad. You should also prepare by reading up on the area before you go, as the cave entrance is not always obvious.
Fulford Cave
White River National Forest is home to Fulford Cave. Fulford Cave is a great place to start if you’ve never been in cave exploration before. The highest temperature in the cave is a chilly 42 degrees, and it can get a little damp there, so dress appropriately. Fulford Cave is a popular destination for explorers during the summer months since it provides a welcome respite from the heat after a day spent on the trail.
Glenwood Caverns
You can visit the Glenwood Caverns in Glenwood Springs. In the 1950s, it was found that the Glenwood Caverns had previously only been open to a small group of dedicated cavers. Visitors exploring the caves had to be prepared to crawl and wriggle through tight spaces.
In the 1890s, visitors flocked to the Fairy Caves. As a result of Charles W. Darrow allowing access to the public, they became popular tourist destinations. Researchers then estimated that the cave extended for no more than 800 feet. Modern exploration equipment will enable visitors to Glenwood Caverns to explore more than 16,000 previously undiscovered feet of caves.
There were only three methods for tourists to reach the Fairy Caves when they initially opened: by foot, on horseback, or in a horse-drawn carriage. Today, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park guests can ride the Iron Mountain Tramway’s picturesque gondola to the famous Fairy Caves.
Groaning Cave
By a margin of nearly 12 miles, Groaning Cave is Colorado’s longest cave. The limestone canyon there is believed to be breathtaking, but access is so difficult, and the area is so inaccessible that only the most skilled spelunkers ever make it there. Since the cave is home to numerous bat colonies, visitors can only enter between April 16 and August 14.
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Exploring the depths of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is a chance to witness the blending of nature and history. One of the best Colorado caves to take the kids to, this old mine is entertaining and instructive. The tour group descends a vertical mining shaft of 1,000 feet.
Down below, put on your hard hat and enter the world of a gold miner from the Wild West. Experience riding a train through the underground, seeing displays of mining equipment, and viewing real gold veins.
Rifle Mountain Park
Some of the best limestone sport rock climbing in all of North America can be found in Rifle. Some of these caverns host a thriving bat population and are well worth exploring.
During the winter, the waterfall and canyon walls freeze, forming a beautiful ice structure that includes huge icicles, making for a delightful visit.
Spring Cave
To find Spring Cave, go to the White River National Forest (1.2 miles there and back trail close to Meeker). One of the state’s greatest underground tunnels, “Thunder Road,” can be found near Spring Cave, along with a network of underground tunnels.
The route begins in a remote area populated by aspen and blue spruce trees near Meeker. Please be aware that this is a more advanced caving expedition.
Vapor Caves
In Glenwood Springs, the famous Vapor Caves. Compared to the other places recommended, Vapor Caves is in a league of its own. Some of you may be relieved to learn that you won’t have to do any hiking because the caves contain a spa where visitors can soak in natural underground hot springs.
Warm temperatures, always around 110 to 112 degrees, make for a relaxing steam bath. There is chilly water above ground that you can soak in if the heat becomes too intense.
Conclusion
Visiting any of the caves in Colorado should be an experience. The caves on this list will surely be memorable for you and your loved ones. Plenty of exciting sights await you.
Also, while visiting some of them, you get to see some of the additional attractions such as the various theme parks and more.
When you’re looking for the next spot to go exploring, consider some of the states on Colorado’s borders:
Nebraska Caves
New Mexico Caves
Oklahoma Caves
Utah Caves