Location
The caves are located approximately 1.2 miles north of Glenwood Springs,
Colorado on top of Iron Mountain. The tour begins at the Glenwood
Caverns Gift Shop & Museum conveniently located next to the historic
Hotel Colorado at 508 Pine Street.
Opening Day: May 29,
Hours
Weekends (Sat & Sun) & Holidays: 9:00-8:00 (last tour leaving at 8:00)
Weekdays (Mon - Fri): 9:00-6:00 (last tour leaving at 6:00)
Ticket Prices
Weekend/Holiday: Adult - $12.00
Child - $ 7.00 (ages 6-15)
5 & under FREE
Weekday: Adult - $10.00
Child - $6.00 (ages 6-15)
5 & under FREE
Season: April 15th to Nov 1st weather permitting
Temperature: A comfortable 52 degrees
Originally opened for public tours in 1886, the Fairy Caves were touted
locally as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". World War I put an end to
the tourist operation, and what little visitation to the caves that occurred in
years since essentially came to an end several decades ago. Since the cave
was closed, numerous pristine rooms and passageways have been discovered
including two of the largest rooms in Colorado. Cave explorers continue to push
the limits of the cave discovering additional passageways ever increasing the
size of the known cave. After being closed to the public for 82 years, we are
excited to reopen the historic cave and the newly discovered areas for your
enjoyment.
HISTORY
The early history of the Fairy Caves, who discovered it, when it was
discovered, and why it was named Fairy Caves remains a mystery. The
property was originally homesteaded by the C.W. Darrow family of
Glenwood springs who opened the cave for public tours around 1886. On
September 16, 1895, the Fairy Cave Company was formed. Shortly
thereafter, a pathway was constructed, electric lights were installed, and a
tunnel was blasted out to the cliff face providing a splendid view of the
Glenwood Canyon. Access to the cave was by carriage, horseback or
walking trail. The caves remained open to the public until 1917, the
beginning of World War I.
In the late 1950's, Colorado cavers discovered a small hole, affectionately
called "Jam Crack". This subsequently lead to the discovery of The Barn
and King's Row. Shortly after the discovery, three Colorado cavers
purchased the property from the Darrow family with the intent to re-open
the caves for public tours. The caves were gated and access was restricted
to a handful of cavers a year. In April of 1998, the Glenwood Caverns
company was formed and the caves will be re-opened for public tours
spring of 1999.
Family Tour Description**
Retrace the steps of the original Fairy Caves tour winding through
subterranean caverns, grottos, and labyrinths of corridors. The tour is
highlighted by a visit to "Exclamation Point", a cliff side balcony boasting
panoramic views of the Glenwood Canyon. The tour continues into the
pristine, newly discovered sections of the cave where formations have
remained untouched by man. The Barn, a soaring 5-story room, is
decorated with unusual crystalline formations, delicate soda straws, and
unique cave bacon formations. The tour culminates with a view into King's
Row, a paradise filled with glittering stalagmites and stalactites lining its
entire length.
A shuttle bus provides you with a comfortable 3 mile ride up Iron
Mountain to the location of the caverns at an elevation of 7100'. The
guided walking tour is « mile in length with approximately 180 stairs.
Total tour time: 2 hours.
Wild Tour** (By reservation only)
This is the trip for those who want adventure! Join our experienced guides
on an extensive wild cavern expedition trip. Each person is provided with a
lighted helmet and the equipment necessary to enjoy the three to four hour
journey to rarely visited areas preserved in their natural, undeveloped state
deep within the cave.
We provide a lighted helmet, kneepads, and a day pack. You provide
footwear suitable for climbing, old clothes, and a sense of adventure. You
may bring water in a sturdy bottle if desired; however, food is not allowed
in the cave.
Cost: $40/person
Participants must be 13 years or older
Minimum: 2 persons
Maximum: 6 persons
Time: Leaves at 9:00, returns by 1:00
**NOTE: All tours not recommended for persons who are pregnant or have
heart or respiratory problems.
Reservations
Space is limited and reservations are suggested. We accept Visa and
Mastercard. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Group Tours: Discounts available for groups of 20 or more by prior
appointment
Caving - News and Information
Cave Sites
Cave Saftey
Guides and Tours
Caving RESOURCES