cave tours
Cave history
History books might show Colorado’s own Cave of the Winds as being discovered in 1881, but the caves are actually millions of years old! As early legends of over a thousand years ago tell, the Jicarilla Apaches told of a cave near Manitou Springs where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided.
When two brothers named George and John Pickett went exploring for new caves in the Williams Canyon area, they discovered what we now know as Cave of the Winds.
As they approached the mouth of the limestone entrance, legend has it that their candles flickered mysteriously in the wind blowing from a nearby crevice. This signaled them to explore further, and when they crawled through the limestone archway, they discovered a large chamber unlike anything ever seen before. This discovery promised the Pickett brothers an amazing and dramatic new underground world to explore, unlike anything ever experienced!
Daily tours
Already booked your reservation and need to reschedule or cancel? To cancel or reschedule your reservation you must do so at least ONE HOUR prior to your scheduled tour time. ALL tickets will be non-refundable after the tour time has passed. For more information see our Terms & Conditions. To reschedule or cancel fill out a request online or contact us at 719-685-5444 ext. 6.
Discovery Tour
An Ideal Family Tour! Explore the electrically lit portion of Cave of the Winds on a 45 – 60 minute guided walking tour which includes 15 rooms, a 1/2 mile of concrete walkways, and 196 stairs. On this family-friendly tour, you will learn about the history and geology of the cave and see some of the most beautiful formations.
Note: Baby front carriers are recommended for small children. Due to low ceilings, narrow passages, and stairs baby backpack carriers and strollers cannot be accommodated while on the Discovery Tour. You may also carry your child in your arms, or let them walk if they are able to do so.
- 45-minute tour
- Daily, every 20-30 minutes
Tour Pricing
| Age 0-3 | Free |
| Ages 4-12 | $18 |
| Ages 13 & Up | $28 |
| Ages 4-12 (Military Discount)* | 10% off |
| Ages 13 & Up (Military Discount)* | 10% off |
*Military discount is for both Active Duty and Veterans
Explore Cave of the Winds, lit in holiday colors, on a 45-60 minute, guided, walk-through. During the walk-through you will hear traditional Christmas stories as well as join in on some fun caroling. An ideal Christmas experience for the whole family!
Note: Baby front carriers are recommend for small children. Due to low ceilings, narrow passageways, and stairs baby backpack carriers and strollers cannot be accommodated while inside the cave. You may also carry your child in your arms, or let them walk if they are able to do so.
At Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Christmas Underground
- Cost: $20 per adult $15 per child ages 4-12 Children ages 3 and under Free
- Offered Friday and Saturday evenings December 3rd - 18th
- Includes Christmas Walk-through and sing-along inside the cave
- Cave will be lit in holiday colored lights
- This tour will last approximately 45-60 minutes
- Advanced Reservations Required
- Military discount does not apply
Summer discount
You can experience our most popular family tour at a discounted price! Early Riser & Happy Hour tours are valid from June 27th – July 31st. Tickets must be purchased online!
Early Riser Discovery Tour
Valid for tours between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
- Adults 13+: $23
- Child ages 4-12: $15
- Child ages 0-3: FREE
Happy Hour Discovery Tour
Valid for tours between 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
- Adults 13+: $23
- Child ages 4-12: $15
- Child ages 0-3: FREE
Haunted
Lantern Tour
WARNING! This spooky tour is much darker than the pictures appear!
Explore, by candlelight, the mysterious and unimproved Manitou Grand Caverns on a 90-minute guided tour which includes nearly a mile of walking. Like the adventurers of the past, you will navigate dark narrow tunnels, low passageways, uneven stairs, and rooms with muddy, original floors. Along the way, you will learn the history of Cave of the Winds as well as the frightening folklore, scary ghost stories, and unexplained phenomena of the Manitou Grands.
Pro tip: Discovery Tour or Lantern Tour?
If you’re looking for a fun and educational tour to see formations and learn about geology, then our Discovery Tour may be for you!
Note: Children under the age of 8 are not permitted. Also, this tour includes a 250-foot long narrow passage that ranges from 42″–48″ inches tall. Therefore, it is not recommended for guests with knee or back trouble. This tour is also not recommended for persons who are easily frightened by ghost stories.
- 90-minute tour
- Summer: Daily on the hour, Winter: Daily
Tour Pricing
| Age 0-7 | Children 8 and over only |
| Ages 8-12 | $24 |
| Ages 13 & Up | $34 |
| Ages 8-12 (Military Discount)* | 10% off |
| Ages 13 & Up (Military Discount)* | 10% off |
*Military discount is for both Active Duty and Veterans
For a limited time, take a JOURNEY INTO FEAR on our exclusive Haunted Lantern Tour: Director’s Cut With only a handheld lantern, wind your way deep inside Cave of the Winds and hear spine-chilling ghost stories, learn about unexplained phenomena and the true raw history of Cave of the Winds. This Haunted Lantern Tour has EXTRA SPOOKY appeal for those of you looking for hair-raising fun!
Reservations are strongly recommended due to the limited space available.
Haunted Lantern Tour
Director's Cut
- This tour is available October 4th - 31st starting at 6:00pm
- Cost: $45 per adult (ages 13+)
- Due to some disturbing content children under the age of 13 are not permitted.
- This tour is not recommended if you have knee or back problems, heart or respiratory conditions, trouble seeing in dimly lit areas or if you frighten easily.
- This tour will require you to go through a passage about 250' feet long and about 48" inches high, twice, while carrying an open flame candle lantern.
- The only source of light during the whole tour will be an open flame bucket lantern, which will provide only dim lighting.
- The Haunted Lantern Tour: Director's Cut will last about 2 hours
Summer discount
You can experience our Lantern Tour at a discounted price! Tickets must be purchased online to receive the discount.
Early Riser Lantern Tour
Valid for tours between 9:00 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Adults 13+: $30
- Child ages 8-12: $20
- Child ages 7 and Under: Not permitted
Specialty tours
Expedition Tour
Now Open!! Grand-reopening Flash Sale! Only $125 per person!
Explore the wild, undeveloped depths of Cave of the Winds on this 2-1/2 to 3 hour guided tour that involves an assortment of crawling and climbing through wet and muddy passages of various sizes. On this tour, you will travel for nearly a mile while learning about basic caving skills, geology, zoology, cave history, as well as some myths and legends.
Please expect there to be open exposure, sheer drop offs, tight spaces, ropes and ladders, and muddy floors.
Note: Children under the age of 13 are not permitted. This tour is also not recommended for guests who are or may be pregnant, have heart or respiratory problems, or have back or knee trouble.
- Approximately 2 1/2 - 3 hours
- Online Reservations are required for the Expedition Tour due to limited space.
- Must bring gloves, a change of clothes, and extra pair of shoes.
- Knee pads are optional, but not required.
- Please expect to get muddy so wear clothing you won't mind getting dirty and possibly ruined. Long sleeve shirts, long pants, and sturdy closed toed shoes are required.
- Helmets and headlamps will be provided.
- All guests must be at least 13 to participate. All guests age 13-17 must be accompanied by a paying, participating adult.
Tour Pricing
| Ages 13 & Up only | $99 each |
| Ages 13 & Up (Military Discount)* | 10% off |
*Military discount is for both Active Duty and Veterans
What to expect & FAQs
"Great Activity for the Family!” This was so fun! We did the cave tour and the wind walker/zip line attraction. Our tour guide was fun and informative, and seeing the inside of a cave was a cool experience!
Discovery 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.
Haunted Lantern Tour:
Bending down and shuffling your feet is required, so wearing athletic shoes is highly recommended. Please keep in mind your shoes may get muddy while on this tour. Your candle lantern will be provided for you during your tour.
Expedition Tour:
Crawling through muddy passages will be required, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you won’t mind getting muddy and possibly ruined. Long sleeve shirts, long pants, and gloves are required. Make sure your shoes have good traction – sneakers or hiking boots are ideal. Kneepads are optional. Helmets and headlamps will be provided for you during your tour.
Discovery Tour:
- Summertime (June – August): We have tours daily starting at 9 a.m. Discovery Tours leave every 20-30 minutes. Last tour leaves approximately 1 hour prior to closing.
- Wintertime (September – May): We have tours daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tours leave every 30-40 minutes. Last tour leaves at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Lantern Tour:
- Summertime (June – August): We have tours daily from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tours leave on the hour.
- Wintertime (September – May): Tours are available daily starting at 11 a.m.
Exceptions may apply, please see Park Hours By Month for more information.
The cave itself is not wheelchair-accessible because of its narrow passageways and stairs. We can give you a complimentary visit into the Canopy Hall, the first room in the Cave, which highlights beautiful formations. Wheelchair access is available in the Josephine Snider Nature Center, Pavilion, Canyon Rim Grill, Gift Shop, and restrooms.
See our FAQs page for more useful information about your visit.
Elevate your tour
Add the Pioneer Package
Perfect for families! Explore and soar when you choose this fun aboveground package. The Pioneer package includes one ride per person on each of the included attractions: the Wind Walker Challenge Course, Bat-A-Pult aerial adventure, Cliff Hanger Climbing Wall, and Geronimo’s Leap.