The Cave of the Winds is definitely one of the best among the Colorado natural wonders. This one of a kind cave of the Pikes Peak region of Colorado is located in Manitou Springs barely outside of Colorado Springs.
Cave Of The Winds History
Legend has it that the Great Spirit of the Winds rests in one of the caves of this region.
These spooky legends trace its origin from the Jicarilla Apaches, a native tribe said to have migrated to Colorado via the Pikes Peak region around 1000 A.D
However it was the Pickett brothers, George and John Pickett who accidentally discovered these enchanting caves during a church exploration.
The year marked 1800 and thus began the modern era of the caves.Today Cave of the winds Colorado is considered a ‘must see’ attraction for every visitor from around the world.
It really does not matter whether if it was a hundred years ago or its today, as the charismatic, deep and far reaching world of the Colorado caves still continue to amaze people from every generation.
Cave Tours
There are three particular kinds of guided cave tours available for the cave explorers of the cave of the winds. The Cave of the Winds Tours includes the Discovery Tour, the Lantern Tour and the Eco/Venture Tour. Each of these tours allows you to explore different sections and corresponding different stories of the cave.
Please note that these tours are strictly forbidden for victims of heart or respiratory problems or the pregnant women. The caves with their narrow passageways and holes are not recommended for baby backpacks, strollers and wheelchairs either.
Discovery Tour
Duration : 45 minutes
The tour involves a brisk walk through the caves in the guidance of an experienced guide. Witness the evolution of time through the hundreds of years old stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is solely due to the natural conditions that a pleasant temperature of 54 degree Fahrenheit is maintained inside the caves.
The Eco/Venturer Flashlight Tour
Duration : 30 minutes
This tour is generally a very Eco – friendly tour that makes a sincere attempt on saving electricity. As such the lights inside the caves are turned off and flashlights are used after 5.00 pm.
During the course of this educational journey you will also learn about the vital importance of cave conservation and ground water.
The Eco/Venturer Flashlight tour is a fun tour encouraging every member of your family to ‘go green’.
The Lantern Tour
Duration : 1.5 hours
This popular tour gives you a chance to relive the quiver of our ancestors as you explore the mysterious caves using a hand held lantern. Discover something beyond the ordinary in the dim and eerie ambiance of the caves. In fact this could turn out to be one of those exercises that help you face and get over your fear of darkness once and for all.
Please note that this tour is not meant for children aged 5 and below.
Cave Of The Winds Hours Of Operation
The Cave of the Winds in Colorado is open throughout the year with the exception of Christmas Day.
Operational hours are as follows
· Summer : 9 am – 9pm
· Winter : 10am – 5 pm
Exceptions are as follows
Memorial Day & 4th of July : 9am – 9pm
Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Eve : 10 am – 3pm
New Years Day, Labor Day & Easter : 10am – 5 pm
Cave Of The Winds Hotels
There are a number of hotels near this unique natural attraction in Colorado Springs. These hotels are not only at a proximity to the caves but also offer great savings and excellent accommodations, making your trip all the more worthwhile.
Some of the top hotels of this region are as follows
· The Cliff House Hotel At Pikes
· Americas Best Value Inn
· Eagle Motel
· Silver Saddle Motel
· Rodeway Inn Manitou Springs
· Old Town Guesthouse
· Days Inn Manitou Springs
· Rainbow Lodge and Inn
Directions
Cave of the Winds can be reached via I-25 in Colorado Springs. Take exit 141 and go west on Highway 24 for six miles. You will find the entrance to the Cave of the Winds on your right.
There is ample parking space available, absolutely free.
Cave Of The Winds Admission Tickets
Ticket prices to the caves are as follows
Discovery Tour :
- Adults : $18.00
- Children (ages 6-11) : $ 9.00
- Children aged 5 and below : Free
Eco/Venture Flashlight Tour
- Adults : $ 18.00
- Children (6-11) : $ 9.00
- Children aged 5 and below : Free
Lantern Tour
- Adults : $ 22.00
- Children (6-11) : $ 12.00
Children aged 5 and below are not permitted.
For details on the specific tour timings please check the official website.
Coupons
Colorado Springs offers a number of money saving coupons deals from hotels, restaurants, stores, services, attractions and events throughout the region.
For details on the Cave of the Winds Colorado Springs coupons please check the official website.
A visit to the Cave of the Winds is bound to be an awesome trip filled with mystery, education and adventure which you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.
In fact you may even rediscover yourself all over again as you face your darkest fears and find answers in the depths of these mysterious caves.
Contact Details
(PHYSICAL ADDRESS)
100 Cave of the Winds Road
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
(MAILING ADDRESS)
Cave of the Winds
P.O. Box 826
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
You can call at : (719) 685-5444
You can fax at : (719) 685-1712
Website : http://www.caveofthewinds.com/Default.aspx
