At the foot of Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds overlooks Williams Canyon, roughly ten kilometers west of Colorado Springs. The site combines a limestone cave open to the public since 1881 and an outdoor adventure park perched on the canyon rim: guided tours, candlelit passages, via ferrata, zipline and giant swing.

Why visit Cave of the Winds

The cave holds a dual appeal. On one hand, it's one of Colorado's oldest tourist caverns, with well-documented history since its discovery in 1880 and a network of fifteen chambers rich in limestone formations, including helectites with unusual shapes. On the other, the site has become an adventure park: its position on the Williams Canyon cliffs allows for striking vertical activities rarely found near an equipped cave.

The location suits several visitor profiles: families interested in geology, caving enthusiasts seeking safe introduction, and travelers hungry for adrenaline above the void.

The cave's history

The cavity remained unknown until 1880. That summer, Reverend Cross from Colorado Springs' Protestant church organized an outing to Williams Canyon with his students. Two boys, John and George, squeezed through a narrow opening. Their candles flickered in the wind's breath, a sign of a crevasse leading to a larger space. Following this air current, they emerged into a great chamber: the underground network was revealed.

The first excavations were conducted the same year by George Snider, a stone mason from Ohio. He uncovered a chamber 67 meters long lined with formations pointing in every direction, and summed his discovery in a phrase that became famous: "It was as if Aladdin had performed a trick with his magic lamp". Snider then developed the cave for tourism. Public opening occurred in 1881. Electricity was installed in 1907, along with construction of concrete stairs and walkways connecting the galleries.

The name "Cave of the Winds" refers to a belief among Ute and Apache peoples, who placed in these locations the residence of a Wind Spirit.

What to see and do

The classic walking tour

This is the most accessible option, suited to families. The route traverses 15 chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites and helectites shaped like butterflies, fins or ribbons. It follows a concrete pathway of 800 meters and 196 steps, lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The cave temperature remains cool year-round: bring an extra layer.

The candlelit tour

More immersive, this visit lasts about 1.5 hours and proceeds without electric lighting. Participants advance by candlelight through narrow galleries with uneven ground, as early explorers did in the late 19th century. The guide punctuates the journey with local folklore stories. The format suits visitors already comfortable in confined spaces.

Via ferrata

Installed on the canyon's colorful walls, it offers an equipped climbing route. Helmet, gloves and harness are provided; closed hiking shoes are required. The route offers clear views over Williams Canyon and leads, depending on the package, to the zipline.

The zipline

The cable spans the Pikes Peak landscape. The activity is subject to strict conditions: minimum age 12, weight between 40 and 113 kg. It can be done alone or combined with the via ferrata.

The Terror-Dactyl

This giant swing propels riders into the void at 46 meters above the canyon, with momentum reaching over 160 km/h. No technical skill required, but the rush is genuine.

Practical information

• Duration: allow 1 hour for the walking tour alone, a half-day if combining cave and outdoor activities, a full day to enjoy the entire park.
• Rates: vary by package (simple tour, candlelit tour, adventure bundles). Budget higher if combining multiple activities.
• Hours: daily opening with extended hours in peak season and reduced slots off-season; check the official website before departure.
• What to bring: warm clothing for the cave (stable cool temperature), closed shoes, water.
• Accessibility: the walking tour has nearly 200 steps and is not suitable for those with reduced mobility.

When to visit

The cave is visitable year-round, its interior temperature remaining stable. Outdoor activities (via ferrata, zipline, Terror-Dactyl) depend on weather and may be suspended during storms, snow or strong winds. Late May through September offers the most comfortable window: long days, dry conditions and temperatures ideal for outdoor pursuits. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds. In winter, focus shifts to underground exploration, aerial activities often closed.

How to get there

The site sits on US Route 24, approximately 9.5 km west of Colorado Springs. From I-25, take Route 24 exit (Cimarron Street, exit 141) and continue west for about ten minutes. The park entrance is marked on the right side of the road, just past Manitou Springs. Parking is available on-site. Without direct public transport from Colorado Springs, a car is the simplest solution.

Nearby attractions

Cave of the Winds sits within a dense zone of attractions, making it easy to organize a day or multiple stops:

• Manitou Cliff Dwellings: reconstruction of ancestral cliff dwellings, a few minutes' drive away.
• Garden of the Gods: free park of red rock formations at Colorado Springs' entrance.
• Seven Falls (Broadmoor): cascade of waterfalls in a narrow canyon, south of the city.
• Pikes Peak: summit over 4,300 meters accessible by car or cog railway.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Cave of the Winds fits easily into a Colorado itinerary alongside Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs. To build a custom tour including this region, explore our États-Unis vacations.