One of the first cities in the United States to have hydroelectric power due to the hydroelectric plant built in 1888, Glenwood Springs plays host to many fun sights. Lots of people come for the hot springs, but stay for the views. The area has lots to do and see. Some of the most unique attractions, though, are the caves.
Glenwood Caverns
Those who found and maintained the Glenwood Caverns refer to them as the eighth wonder of the world. With multiple options for exploring the caves, most tours are suitable for any fitness level. But maybe not if you are pregnant or have health issues that would make the 127 stairs, both up and down, difficult.
InsiderTip: Glenwood Springs is home to so many fun things to do with kids and the caves at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is only one of these.
- While considered underground, Glenwood Caverns reside in Iron Mountain, about 7,100 feet in elevation. When opened in 1895, the known extent of the Fairy Caves was around 800 feet. Today, the Glenwood Caverns have 16,000 known feet.
- The Fairy Cave tour is about a quarter-mile-long and will take around 40 minutes. It has 19 steps and is a bit narrow and low in places. But overall, it is still large enough to stand and walk though.
- Explore the underground rooms that boast incredible formations made by water and air. You’ll also experience Exclamation Point on this tour. This is a man made opening in the tunnel that provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon, and Glenwood Springs.
- The King’s Row tour will take you on a well-lit boardwalk into a beautiful cave room. Named because the formations are reminiscent of chess pieces. The formations you’ll see include stalagmites, stalactites, cave bacon, and soda straws. This is a great option for families with small children. As the room is large enough to spread out, but has railings to avoid touching the walls.
- A Wild Tour will allow you to experience the caves much like early spelunkers would have. You’ll squeeze through narrow passages and emerge into a hidden room by the light of your headlamp. You’ll see rarely viewed areas accessed through 18 square inch passageways by crawling and sometimes on your belly.
All of these caves have been taken care of and reverted back to living caves. As such, it’s important to try and not touch the cave walls. It’s also significantly cooler in these caverns. So you might want to bring a light jacket along. Or, just take a cave tour to cool off on a hot summer day.
Insider Tip: Be sure to stop at one of the many delicious restaurants in Glenwood Springs after exploring the caves,
Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves
Originally used by the Ute Indians for both rituals and healing, the Yampah Vapor Caves are one of the few vapor caves in North America that naturally offer therapeutic steam. The water contains 34 minerals and other trace elements, but is especially high in nitrate, potassium, sulfate, and zinc.
Temperatures in these caves range from 110 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit and the hot springs waters that run through are around 125 degrees. With benches around the caves, you can wander in by dim lights and relax for 10-12 minute intervals, while cooling off with the water provided by spigot. This is a beautiful way to relax and see some incredible, natural caves.
