Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
The snapshot
From mild to wild, exploring and soaring, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park has adventures for everyone in your group. Not only do they offer three unique cave tours, but they also have an outdoor park loaded with adrenaline-packed fun for all ages!
The full experience
Exploring the mysteries of underground caverns is an exciting adventure, and Cave of the Winds takes show caves to a whole new level. Discovered in 1881, this must-see attraction in Colorado Springs has been thrilling travelers for over a century. They’re one of the premier show caves in the United States — and, at 7,000 feet (2133.6 m) above sea level, they’re also one of the highest! You might say they’ve elevated the caving experience.
Conveniently located near Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds offers three unique cave tours. The Discovery Tour provides an easy and enjoyable glimpse at the most impressive cave features. The spooky Lantern Tour features ghost stories and folklore. The Caving 101 Tour takes you into the undeveloped, behind-the-scenes sections of the caverns. Whatever tour you choose, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and underground geological features, plus learn cool science facts and history.
Cool Things to Do Outside Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
On the surface, you’ll find an outdoor park loaded with adrenaline-packed fun, surrounded by some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Colorado. What do they mean by adrenaline-packed? How about flying through Williams Canyon at 100 miles per hour (160 kmh) on the Terror-Dactyl or taking a (slightly) gentler leap on the round-trip aerial Bat-a-Pult? Bring your bravest friends so you don’t have to do it alone!
For slightly less speedy fun, the Cliffhanger Climbing Wall, Wind Walker Challenge Course, Geronimo’s Leap, and the Stalactykes Adventure Side allow you to climb, jump, run, and test your inner champion in a variety of ways that are a little more relaxed. Or, if athletics and accelerated heart rates aren’t your thing, you can pan for gemstones with your feet planted firmly on the ground, grab a snack at Caver’s Café (hello, ice cream!), and shop for cool souvenirs like geodes, crystals, and jewelry.
From mild to wild, exploring and soaring, Cave of the Winds is the perfect Colorado experience inside the mountain and out! Reservations recommended. Buy your tickets here!
Hours & seasons
Average time
- Typical Visit: 2-4 hours
Difficulty/accessibility
- Cave tours are not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
- Cave tours feature several flights of stairs, with five to ten risers at a time—a total of 200 over the course of the tour.
- First and last 250 feet of Haunted Lantern Tour is 48” high and requires bending over, working legs and lungs more than usual.
- The Haunted Lantern Tour features natural, uneven floors.
- Spelunking Tour has some tight passages.
Phone & address
Additional information
- 3 unique cave tours
- 2 zip lines
- Terror-Dactyl
What we love (and you will too)

Your Local Guide, Ryan Kost
Local influencer, photographer, videographer and adventurer, Ryan has long been the face in front of Pikes Peak Region Attractions as well as the genius behind the camera.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is one of my favorite places to play. Whether I'm belly-crawling through caverns in the caving 101 tour, scrambling along the cliffs on the Via Ferrata or flying off the cliff on the Terror-Dactyl, there's something amazing to get my blood pumping at the Cave!
Plan your adventure
Getting here
- About 15 minutes from Downtown Colorado Springs.
- Go west on Highway 24 past the last Manitou exit. The Cave will be on the right.
FAQs about Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
What should I wear for my tour?
Wear comfortable clothing: jeans, shorts, or even a comfortable skirt will do. Make sure your shoes have good traction – sneakers or hiking boots are ideal. Bring a light jacket – even in the heat of a Colorado summer, the temperature in these Colorado caves is a pleasant 54 degrees.
Is Cave of the Winds Mountain Park for everyone in my family?
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is an exciting Colorado natural attraction that can be enjoyed by everyone in your family, from toddlers to grandparents. Cave tours are not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart or respiratory problems. All family members can enjoy the visitor center, gift shop and the lovely views of Williams Canyon.
Is Cave of the Winds Mountain Park open on holidays?
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
They are open for other federal holidays, weather permitting.
Do they have any discounts?
Military discounts and package deals are available. Check out their Deals & Events page for a full list of available discounts.
Are cameras allowed?
Yes! They encourage you to capture and share your memories at the park!
Is there a snack bar?
Yes there is! Grab a snack or stay for lunch!
Is parking free?
Parking is free at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park!
Can I make a group reservation?
Reservations for tours are accepted for groups of 15 or more. For reservations and group rates, call 719-685-5444, ext. 5056 or email them at [email protected]
Call Pikes Peak Region Attractions and talk to a local: 1-800-525-2250
Keep Exploring
- Articles
- Trip ideas

10+ Reasons Manitou Springs is the Best Little Town
Manitou Springs is the best little town in Colorado! From unique festivals to homemade custard and mineral water, it's fun for everyone!

5 Great Parks near Colorado Springs
We are fortunate to be home to an amazing amount of land dedicated solely to the purpose of communing with the great outdoors.

Great, the weather stinks– Now What?
Your vacation doesn't have to be ruined just because of some rain or snow. Here are 6 things to do when it's raining in Colorado Springs.

3 Days of Family Fun
Looking for a quick few days of fun with the littles? Here are some of our favorites for creating new memories.

Adventure Package
With a state this beautiful, why would you ever want to be inside? Get out, get the wind in your hair, get your blood pumping and get some awesome stories to tell back home. Go on now, get!

Couples Weekend
Get away from it all and reconnect in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Perfect year around weekend getaway!
Price List
Discovery Tour: Adult: $28 | Child (4-12): $18
Haunted Lantern Tour: Adult: $34 | Child (8-12): $24
Expedition Tour: Adult (13+): $99
Pioneer Package: $25
Terror-dactyl: $35
Via Ferrata w/Zip Lines: $159

















