Cave of the Winds

Colorado Places to Visit
The cave goes back millions of years. About 70 million years ago, the seas that covered most of Colorado receded and the remaining limestone was uplifted, forming part of the present Rocky Mountain region.

The Cave of the Winds’ system of rooms and passages began to form approximately 4-7 million years ago, when the limestone was below the water table. Rainwater mixed with carbon dioxide and formed a weak carbonic acid. The acid solution dissolved away portions of the limestone, leaving behind small passageways that filled with water. As more limestone dissolved over thousands of years, the passageways grew larger and the rooms were formed.

The Jicarilla Apaches, who lived in the Pikes Peak region around 1000 AD, passed on legends of a cave where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided. In 1869, a settler named Arthur B. Love noticed a cleft in the canyon’s wall. When he investigated, he discovered a large limestone archway that would later become the attraction known as Cave of the Winds.

In 1880, brothers John and George Pickett scouted for new caves in Williams Canyon. They discovered a small cave near the limestone archway. They noticed that the flames on their lit candles flickered in the wind coming from somewhere within the cave. They crawled through a small opening and emerged into a large chamber that promised an amazing world of exploration. It has been open for public exploration since 1881 - more than 130 years.

Cave of the Winds is in the Colorado Springs - Manitou Springs area. From I-25 in Colorado Springs, take Exit 141. Go west on Highway 24 about six miles. The entrance to Cave of the Winds is on the right, just past the billboard sign. Parking is free! There are many man-made attractions in addition to the natural caves. Check the rides and attractions online in advance to be aware of the fees and hours. Various levels of tours are offered in the caves, and in some cases tickets can be ordered in advance.