A cave park above Manitou Springs. The family tour is the Discovery Tour: 45 to 60 minutes with a guide, on lit walkways with 196 stairs, in a cave that stays 54 degrees all year. Thrill rides run on the canyon edge outside.
The Discovery Tour is “a walking tour through more than a dozen passages, half a mile of lit walkways, and 196 stairs.”
“The cave stays a pleasant 54°F (12°C) year-round no matter what the weather outside is up to, so bring a light jacket or sweater.”
Discovery Tour: “45-60 min · All ages.” Tickets are good for the time you booked, “so please arrive 20 to 30 minutes early.”
“Front carriers are allowed on the Discovery Tour only. Strollers and backpack carriers can't be accommodated.” The cave has low ceilings and narrow passageways.
The Haunted Lantern Tour is for ages 8 and up: “No electric lights on this one. Just you, a lantern, and a guide.”
On the Frontier Zip Lines, 80 feet above the canyon: “Good luck not screaming.” The Terror-Dactyl drops riders about 140 feet into the canyon.
The Discovery Tour is the one with lights on. The lantern tour is dark on purpose and starts at age 8.
Discovery Tour: $30 adult, $20 child 4 to 12, “Child 3 & Under free (Ticket required).” A $1 online fee per ticket is included.
You can reschedule or ask for a refund online up to one hour before your tour; after that, tickets are non-refundable. If the park closes for weather, you get a refund or a new date.
For a good choice of tour times, the park suggests booking 1 to 2 days ahead.
Louder or darker
Terror-Dactyl and Frontier Zip Lines (thrill rides over the canyon; riders scream)not stated
Haunted Lantern Tour (dark on purpose, ages 8 and up)not stated
Quieter
The cave isn't wheelchair accessible, but Canopy Hall, the first room, is open at no charge so you can still see formations. The nature center, pavilion, grill, gift shop and restrooms are accessible.
Pets aren't allowed in the park. Service animals are welcome.
From November to February, the above-ground rides are closed Tuesday and Wednesday except holiday weeks, and run weather permitting.
Phone 719-685-5444 ext 5 (10 am to 5 pm daily), info@caveofthewinds.com. Parking is free.
