A spectacular cave system discovered in 1880 near Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rare cave formations on guided tours. The park also offers thrilling outdoor activities including a terror-dactyl swing and wind walker bridges.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, located in Williams Canyon just west of Manitou Springs at 6,500 feet elevation in El Paso County, Colorado, centers on a cave system first explored by settler families in 1880 and developed into a commercial attraction shortly thereafter. The cave extends through limestone of the Fountain Formation, formed by underground water dissolving the rock over millions of years. The resulting chambers contain stalactites, stalagmites, cave popcorn, cave bacon, flowstone, and other speleothem formations shaped by calcium carbonate-laden water depositing mineral crystal layers across thousands of years.
Multiple guided tour options of varying length, physical difficulty, and atmospheric lighting are offered daily. The Discovery Tour, the most accessible at approximately 45 minutes, covers the main chambers on a paved, well-lit path with approximately 200 steps and some tight passages. The Lantern Tour, conducted entirely by the light of handheld propane lanterns, recreates the experience of early cave explorers with dramatic shadow play on the formations and significant atmospheric effect. Ranger Adventure and Wild Tours give experienced spelunkers access to undeveloped sections of the cave requiring crawling and body squeezes through narrow passages.
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 54°F regardless of external conditions — refreshing on hot summer days but requiring a light jacket in any season. Tours operate year-round with extended summer hours and reduced winter availability.
Beyond the cave, the Mountain Park grounds offer additional outdoor activities. The Terror-Dactyl swing drops riders from a 50-foot tower into the Williams Canyon void. A zip line crosses the canyon mouth. Wind Walker sky bridges provide a suspended walking experience above the canyon. The park's café and gift shop occupy historic Victorian-era structures retaining architectural character from the 1890s.
The park is located 8 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs and 2 miles from the Manitou Springs Incline, making it a natural complement to a Pikes Peak area itinerary. Williams Canyon itself is accessible via a short trail from the park entrance and worth exploring on foot for the canyon scenery independent of any paid attraction.
Good to know
- Hours
- 9AM-8PM daily (summer), 10AM-5PM (winter)
- Best time
- Morning
- Best for
- families, geology enthusiasts, adventure seekers, rainy day activity
Location
100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
38.8658, -104.9033 View on map
Highlights
- Year-round cave tours with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and cave popcorn formations in a 54°F environment
- Lantern Tour conducted entirely by propane lantern — dramatic shadows recreate the 1880s explorer experience
- Terror-Dactyl swing — a 50-foot free-fall drop into the Williams Canyon void, one of Colorado's more unusual thrill experiences
- Wild Tour spelunking access to undeveloped cave passages for experienced participants
- Historic Victorian park buildings from the 1890s surrounding the cave entrance in Williams Canyon
Tips for visiting
- Book discovery cave tours online
- The cave maintains 54°F year-round - bring a light jacket
- The lantern tour is excellent for families
When to visit
The cave is an excellent option on hot summer afternoons, when the 54°F interior provides welcome relief from outdoor temperatures. Visiting in the morning on a summer day allows combination with Garden of the Gods or the Manitou Incline without time conflicts. Winter is the quietest period; tours continue year-round but outdoor activities may be limited by weather.
Accessibility
The Discovery Tour is the most accessible option, conducted on a paved path within the cave. Some sections involve low ceilings and steps that make wheelchair access impractical for the full tour route. The park entrance building and gift shop are accessible. The outdoor thrill activities — Terror-Dactyl, zip line, and sky bridges — have height and weight requirements and are not accessible for visitors with mobility limitations. The park staff can advise on current accessible options at time of booking.
Frequently asked questions
Which cave tour is best for families with children?
The Discovery Tour is the most appropriate for families with younger children — it's the shortest (45 minutes), fully paved, and well-lit. The Lantern Tour is suitable for older children who can handle darkness and appreciate the theatrical atmosphere. Wild Tour and spelunking options require physical ability to crawl and squeeze through tight passages and are better for teens and adults.
Is cave photography permitted?
Personal photography is permitted on most cave tours. Flash photography affects other visitors' experience in the Lantern Tour setting and may be restricted. The Discovery Tour's lit chambers allow photography without flash. Tripods and professional equipment require prior authorization from park management.
How should visitors dress for the cave?
The cave maintains 54°F year-round, so a light to medium fleece or jacket is recommended regardless of outside temperature. Closed-toe, non-slip footwear is required on all cave tours. The Wild Tour and adventure tours require clothing that can get dirty from crawling through narrow passages.