Caverns in Colorado

There's so much more to the mountains than just the peaks. As the mountains were carved out over the millennia, the same forces created other features of the landscape—caverns, canyons, scenic lakes, and alpine meadows. On a tour to caves in Colorado, visitors can enjoy close-up looks at the mysterious world of these subterranean natural wonders.

A natural complement to rock climbing and other high-flying adventures, caves in Colorado are an adventure in their own right. Unlike the mine shafts carved out by the pioneers and prospectors, natural caves were carved out by rushing rivers, retreating ice, or even lava flows.

In the northwest corner of the state, Rifle Falls State Park is beautiful above ground with waterfalls and lush greenery. The park offers trails, an interesting visitor center, and several campsites. Visitors can head below ground and explore, too. These caverns in Colorado, carved out of limestone, are an appealing place to explore, even for beginning spelunkers.

Travelers also can include time in Colorado caves when visiting Manitou Springs, a charming mining town at the foot of Pikes Peak. Cave of the Winds, an underground gem high in the hills above the scenic town, has been a tourist spot for more than a century. Today's visitors can take the Discovery Tour, a guided excursion that is accessible to most people as long they're in good health. Lantern tours are suited to the more sure-footed. The 90-minute tour with soft, warm light is filled with amazing sights and engaging stories of the pioneers who discovered this amazing place. The temperature underground is a comfortable, yet chilly, 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors also can explore the gift shop. These caverns in Colorado are open year-round, although the operating hours vary according to the season.

Natural caverns in Colorado are also found in Glenwood Springs, a scenic town at the confluence of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River. After stepping off the Iron Mountain Tram, visitors can explore Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. On narrated walking tours, visitors explore Glenwood Caverns and the Historic Fairy Caves. The dramatic end of the tour happens at Exclamation Point, which offers amazing views of the canyon and serpentine Colorado River. With handrails and lighted walkways, the tour is suitable to most people. More advanced tours can be arranged for those not afraid of a little crawling. Along with Colorado caves to explore, the park is filled with days' worth of fun, including thrill rides, a 4D theater, laser tag, rock climbing, and family-friendly attractions. The park is open all year, although individual attractions may close in winter.

Colorado caves are a place of adventure, but one particular set is primed for relaxation. Many spas in the Glenwood Springs area harness the therapeutic waters of the hot springs through an array of hydrotherapy statements. The Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves complements offers standard treatments as well as underground steam chambers, where visitors can soak in the warm steam and see their cares melt away.

Those fascinated by caves in Colorado and the underground world would also enjoy mine tours. With tram and walking tours, visitors can explore the same places where prospectors found their fortunes in gold, silver, and even lead.