Park & Cave History
Discover what lies beneath
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Our history
History books might show Colorado’s own Cave of the Winds as being discovered in 1880, 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 young brothers named George and John Pickett went exploring in the Williams Canyon area in 1880, they discovered the entrance to what we now know as Cave of the Winds.
Cave history
In 1880, two brothers went exploring…
When George and John Pickett found the entrance to what we now know as Cave of the Winds, legend has it that they began exploring the tunnel by candlelight. Then suddenly, the wind began blowing through the canyon, skimming across the sinkholes above the tunnel. This created a terrible wailing sound that echoed in the darkness around the boys and blew out their candles! Thinking themselves chased by ghosts, they ran, and later told anyone who would listen about their adventure.
Cave history
Excavation & opening
The Pickett brothers’ tale reached the ears of Ohio stonecutter/newspaper man George Washington Snider, who came to Colorado seeking his fame and fortune. Intrigued by the story, he found the tunnel they spoke of and began exploring.
In late 1880, Snider excavated several passages and uncovered the large cavern room now known as Canopy Hall. In awe of its beauty, Snider later remarked, “It was as though Aladdin with his wonderful lamp had affected the magic result”. He continued to explore and began to offer guided tours in February of 1881, making Cave of the Winds one of Colorado’s oldest and most famous attractions.
Electricity was brought into parts of the caves on July 4, 1907, making it even easier to tour certain caves. Today, in addition to the cave tours of years past, you can also experience our thrilling Attractions and Activities and our Mountain Experiences today at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park!
