Quick Info
Tours: Discovery Tour (family-friendly), Lantern Tour (atmospheric), Explorer Tour (adventure). Location: 5 minutes from downtown Manitou. Temperature: 54°F year-round. Book ahead: Summer weekends sell out.
Cave of the Winds has been drawing visitors underground since 1881. Discovered by two boys chasing a candle flame into a crack in the rock, the cave system features stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and passages carved over millions of years. It's now a full mountain park with both cave tours and above-ground adventures.
The cave maintains 54°F year-round—a cool escape in summer, warm in winter. Multiple tour options range from easy walks to hands-and-knees crawling through tight passages.
Cave Tours
Discovery Tour
Duration: 45-60 minutes. Difficulty: Easy—paved walkways, handrails, lighting throughout. Best for: Families, first-time visitors, anyone with mobility concerns.
The classic tour. A guide leads you through decorated chambers, pointing out formations and sharing cave history. Suitable for all ages. Stroller-accessible on most of the route.
Lantern Tour
Duration: 60-90 minutes. Difficulty: Moderate—some uneven surfaces, stairs. Best for: Anyone wanting atmosphere over adventure.
Experience the cave as early explorers did, lit only by lantern light. The shadows and silence create a more immersive experience. Offered seasonally, often sells out.
Explorer Tour
Duration: 90+ minutes. Difficulty: Challenging—crawling, climbing, tight spaces. Best for: Adventurous visitors who don't mind getting dirty.
Off the paved path into undeveloped sections of the cave. You'll crawl through passages, squeeze through gaps, and explore areas most visitors never see. Helmets and knee pads provided. Not for claustrophobic visitors.
Terror in the Deep
Available: Halloween season only. Best for: Horror fans seeking scares.
A haunted cave experience with actors and effects. Not appropriate for young children. Genuinely frightening for some—the cave setting amplifies everything.
Mountain Park Adventures
Above ground, the park offers outdoor activities with canyon views. These require separate tickets or combo packages.
Wind Walker Challenge Course
Rope bridges, nets, and obstacles suspended over Williams Canyon. Multiple difficulty levels from beginner to expert. Harness required.
Bat-A-Pult
A human slingshot launching riders into the canyon. Quick thrill—the whole experience takes minutes, but the launch is intense.
Via Ferrata
Italian-style "iron road" climbing along the canyon walls. Guided routes using iron rungs and cable. Stunning exposure with safety systems throughout.
Terror-Dactyl
Swing ride launching over the canyon. You freefall before swinging out over the void. The most extreme experience in the park.
Planning Your Visit
Hours: Generally 9am-9pm in summer, 10am-5pm in winter. Hours vary by season—check the website.
Pricing: Discovery Tour starts around $30 adult, $20 child. Adventure activities range from $15-40 each. Combo packages save money on multiple activities.
Reservations: Strongly recommended for summer weekends and all lantern tours. Book online to guarantee your preferred time.
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes required for all cave tours. Bring a light jacket—54°F feels cold after Colorado summer heat. Adventure activities require athletic clothing.
Tips
Book the first tour of the day. Smaller crowds and fresher cave air. Plus you beat the afternoon heat outside.
Combine with the Cliff Dwellings. They're next door to each other. Plan 2-3 hours for both.
The gift shop has the best views. Panoramic windows overlook Williams Canyon. Worth a stop even if you don't buy anything.
Skip the adventure park if you're short on time. The cave is the main attraction. The outdoor activities are fun but not essential.
Photography is allowed. No flash—it washes out formations. Tripods aren't practical on the walking tour. Phone cameras do surprisingly well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cave of the Winds good for kids?
Yes, especially the Discovery Tour. Kids love caves. The mountain park activities have height and weight requirements—check before promising anything.
How cold is it inside the cave?
54°F year-round. Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially in summer when the temperature difference is most noticeable.
Can I do multiple tours?
Yes, you can book different tours on the same day. The Explorer Tour shows completely different areas than Discovery. Combo discounts may apply.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
The Discovery Tour is mostly accessible, though some sections have stairs. Call ahead to discuss specific needs—staff can help plan the best experience.
What if I'm claustrophobic?
The Discovery Tour has spacious passages and shouldn't trigger claustrophobia. The Explorer Tour involves tight crawls—skip it if enclosed spaces bother you.