Cave of the Winds

The primary experience at Cave of the Winds is centered around its guided cave tours, which involve significant walking on concrete walkways and stairs. While not traditional outdoor hiking, the tours range from easy, paved paths to more strenuous, undeveloped cave exploration. The surrounding Mountain Park also offers breathtaking views of Williams Canyon and the Rocky Mountains.

There are several tours:

• Discovery Tour: Family-friendly, easy, electrically lit, paved areas. Involves about 196 stairs. Not stroller or wheelchair accessible.
• Lantern Tour: More adventurous, 90 minutes, navigates dark, narrow tunnels and uneven terrain by lantern light. Includes ghost stories and requires bending over for a 250-foot passage.
• Expedition Tour: The most strenuous, 2.5-3 hours, into undeveloped parts of the cave. Requires crawling, climbing, and navigating wet, muddy passages. Not for the claustrophobic or inactive.

Yes, the Discovery Tour is considered family-friendly. However, it does involve 196 stairs, so it's not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Baby carriers are recommended for small children. The Lantern and Expedition tours are more challenging and less suitable for very young children.

Inside the cave, the terrain varies by tour. The Discovery Tour features concrete walkways and numerous stairs. More adventurous tours like the Lantern Tour involve dark, narrow tunnels and unpaved, muddy floors. The Expedition Tour requires crawling and climbing through wet, muddy passages.

The cave is known for its stunning geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Some of these formations exhibit fluorescence, adding to their unique beauty. These have been shaped over millions of years from ancient limestone.

Yes, above ground, the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers dramatic views. You can find excellent vistas at the Owl Canyon Overlook and the Hennepin Canyon Overlook, both providing views of Williams Canyon and the surrounding Rocky Mountains, including Pikes Peak.

The cave maintains a consistent temperature year-round, making it a good destination in any season. However, the above-ground attractions and surrounding Mountain Park views are best enjoyed during milder weather, typically spring through fall. Check their official website for seasonal operating hours and tour availability.

Yes, there is an entrance fee for the guided cave tours. It's best to check the official Cave of the Winds website or Visit Colorado Springs for current pricing and to see if advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Pets are generally not allowed inside the cave for safety and preservation reasons. It's advisable to check the official website for specific policies regarding service animals and any outdoor areas where pets might be permitted.

For most tours, comfortable walking shoes with good traction are recommended. The cave maintains a cool temperature, so a light jacket or sweater is advisable. For the more strenuous Expedition Tour, participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes with good traction, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves, as it involves crawling and muddy conditions.

While the Cave of the Winds is a distinct attraction, if you plan to visit Starved Rock State Park, general regulations typically include staying on marked trails, packing out all trash, and observing wildlife from a distance. Check the official Starved Rock State Park website for specific rules regarding permits, camping, or other activities, as these can vary.

Beyond the cave tours, the Mountain Park offers a range of thrill-seeking above-ground attractions. These include zip lines (Frontier Zip Line), challenge courses (Wind Walker), and extreme rides like the Terror-dactyl, making it an adventure park with diverse activities.