Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Glenwood Caverns is part cave tour, part mountaintop amusement park—and unlike anything else in Colorado. The park sits on Iron Mountain, 1,300 feet above Glenwood Springs, accessible only by gondola. Ancient caves filled with stunning formations. Thrill rides with canyon views. Colorado's first underground drop ride. It's a strange and wonderful combination.

The caves have been here for millions of years. The adventure park opened in 1999, adding rides that take advantage of the dramatic setting. Where else can you swing out over a 1,300-foot canyon or drop into an underground mine shaft?

Cave Tours

The caves are the original attraction and still the star. Two main tours are available, both showcasing formations that took millions of years to develop.

Fairy Caves Tour (45 min): The classic cave experience. Walk through chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and formations with names like "Exclamation Point" and "The Chandelier." Well-lit paths make it accessible for most visitors. This is the must-do if you only have time for one tour.

King's Row Tour (1.5 hrs): The deeper experience. More challenging terrain, tighter passages, and formations that fewer visitors see. You'll climb ladders and squeeze through narrow spots. Not for claustrophobes, but unforgettable for adventurous visitors.

Wild Tour (2.5 hrs): The real caving experience. Helmets, headlamps, and crawling through undeveloped passages. Limited availability and advance booking required. For serious cave enthusiasts only.

Thrill Rides

The adventure park has grown into a full collection of rides, all with spectacular views of Glenwood Canyon and the surrounding mountains.

Giant Canyon Swing: The signature ride. You swing out over a 1,300-foot drop into Glenwood Canyon. The view is terrifying in the best way. This one draws screams from even seasoned thrill-seekers.

Haunted Mine Drop: Colorado's first underground drop ride. You descend into a mine shaft, experience a haunted narrative, then drop in the dark. The combination of theme park storytelling and genuine drop tower makes it unique.

Alpine Coaster: A bobsled-style coaster on rails, winding down the mountain. You control your speed, so it works for kids and adults alike. Great views, fun ride, no waiting in dark enclosed spaces.

Cliffhanger Roller Coaster: A spinning coaster that hangs over the canyon edge. Shorter than traditional coasters but the setting makes it memorable.

Giant Zip Line: Soar across the canyon on one of the longest zip lines in the region. Less scary than the swing, but still delivers mountain views and that flying sensation.

Visitor Tips

Buy tickets online. Skip the line at the gondola station by purchasing in advance. Combo packages that include cave tours and ride passes offer the best value.

Start with the caves. Cave tours run on schedules, so book your tour time first, then fit rides around it. Cave temperatures stay around 52°F—bring a layer even in summer.

Allow half a day. A cave tour plus 3-4 rides takes 3-5 hours. If you want to do everything, plan for a full day.

Eat at the top. The mountaintop restaurant has great views. Pack a picnic or grab lunch up there rather than rushing back down.

Know your limits. The Giant Canyon Swing is intense. If you're nervous about heights, start with the alpine coaster or zip line to warm up.

Practical Info

Hours: Open year-round, but hours vary by season. Summer hours are typically 9am-9pm. Winter hours are shorter, and some rides close for weather.

Pricing: Various packages available. Cave tours and rides are priced separately or in combos. All-day passes offer the best value for thrill-seekers. Gondola ride is included in admission.

Getting there: The gondola base station is just off I-70, exit 116. Easy access from anywhere in Glenwood Springs.