Cave of the Winds Colorado is one of the largest caves in the United States. Located in the Pikes Peak, in the region of Colorado, just west of the town of Colorado Springs, this cave attracts every day tourists from all around America. The cave can be visited during a complex tour, which is organized every hour for tourists.
The Cave of the Winds is located in the Pikes Peak
No matter if you are just passing through Colorado, or you stay there for several days, you need to visit the Cave of the Winds Colorado. It is one of the longest caves in the United States, with unique formations. The most famous one is the Silent Splendor room, which was discovered in 1984. The room contains extremely rare rocks, called crystalline speleothems, but not the access is restricted in order to maintain its special environment. However, a tour of the cave will allow you to admire different similar formations, and to enjoy spending an hour in an underground maze.
Entering Cave of the Winds Colorado
How to visit Cave of the Winds Colorado
The Cave of the Winds Colorado was discovered in 1869 by Arthur B. Love. Since 1881, the cave is open to the public, who can admire its special fauna and flora. The temperature in the cave is constant all year long, and it is around 12 Celsius degrees. It is important to have a jacket with you, and you can bring your own flashlight if you think it may help you. Most important, do not forget your camera, because you will see incredible and unique things.
Admire the beautiful formations of Cave of the Winds Colorado
Nowadays, there are three ways of visiting the Cave of the Winds Colorado:
- The discovery tour is perfect for exploring the cave for the first time. You will have a tour guide which will explain everything to you, show you the most important spots of the cave, and tell you the stories and legends behind different formations. This tour is perfect for families and beginners, because it is easy and it takes about one hour. It is also the cheapest one – it costs $20. It is also the tour we have chosen, because we never explored a cave before. However, it was challenging enough, we were able to explore the cave, and I strongly recommend it to everybody.
- The lantern tour is pretty much the same with the discovering tour, but you get some equipment, including lanterns, flashlights, ropes, and many other useful things in a cave. It is recommended to adventurous tourists. It costs $30.
- The third option is the caving tour, which is an introduction to caving. I promised to myself to try it next time, because it takes two hours, and it involves crawling into the cave, getting muddy, and experiencing the real explorer’s life. It is highly recommended to bring changing clothes, special shoes, and a head lamp. This tour costs $45.
Unique formations inside the Cave of the Winds Colorado
A tour of Cave of the Winds Colorado
The cave is unique and extensive, so be prepared for it. The tour is quite challenging, and you will have to walk a lot, to climb, and sometimes to squeeze between formations. The rock formations here are the most interesting in the United States, because it took them hundreds of thousands years to materialize. Some of the rooms are in total darkness, while other are brightly light. The paths are natural most of the times, so pay attention where you step. Try to stick with your group, because it is easy to get lost. Most important, do not touch the rock formation, because you can alter their developing process.
The tour of Cave of the Winds is considered to be the second most interesting tour in the entire country.
Stalagmites and stalactites inside the Cave of the Winds Colorado
Other things to do at Cave of the Winds Colorado
Visiting the Cave of the Winds Colorado could be even more interesting, because there are many other things to do in the park around it. I highly recommend you to visit the observation deck, which gives tourists overlooks over the Williams Canyon and the Pikes Peak. Also, if you are brave enough, you can climb the Wind Walker Challenge Course, which is balancing on the rim of the Williams Canyon. Do not worry; you will be secured with a body harness. Another way of having fun is to zip along the canyon of the Bat-A-Pult ride, which gives you incredible views.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Just ten minutes away from the Cave of the Winds Colorado, you can visit another interesting tourist attraction: The Manitou Cliff Dwellings, which will offer you a walk through the history of Colorado. I highly recommend it! The cliff dwellings will allow you to admire the unique architecture of the ancient Anasazi. There are also two museums there, which will show you cultural display of the Anasazi tribe life style, but also pieces of history of the historic town Manitou Springs. It is the perfect place if you want to explore the Native American culture.